About the programme

This master is a research-based master’s programme in which you can specialise in various fields of both pure and applied mathematics.  You are trained to be a mathematician with a broad view on the scientific domain on the one side, and a thorough knowledge of a number of specialised disciplines within mathematics.

You choose one of the two profiles – Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (54 ECTS) – and one of the two options – Research Option or Professional Option (30 ECTS). The Option for Education is only available in the Dutch Master.

The profile allows you to specialise either in pure mathematics (algebra, geometry, analysis), or in applied mathematics (statistics, computational mathematics, fluid dynamics). Researchers in pure mathematics focus on algebraic geometry, group theory, differential geometry, functional analysis, and complex analysis. Researchers in mathematical statistics deal with extreme values, robust statistics, non-parametric statistics, and financial mathematics. Research in the applied mathematics group is in computational fluid dynamics and plasma astrophysics.

There is one common course: Mathematics of the 21st Century (6 ECTS).

To complete the programme, you will carry out a research project that results in a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).

 

Programme Master of Mathematics

Curious about which courses you will follow or which options you will have? Do you want to know what a typical week will look like?

Your programme

Admission and application

Admission requirements

  • To be eligible for the Master of Mathematics, you must have obtained an academic bachelor’s degree in the field of mathematics, physics or a similar degree.
  • You should have a good command of both spoken and written English.

Official and current admission requirements

Student profile

The ideal prospective student has completed at least 90 ECTS of coursework covering: linear algebra, analysis, algebra, geometry, differential equations, statistics, probability and numerical mathematics.

Application deadline

For most recent - and only official - information on application deadlines, check KU Leuven - Application Deadlines.

Application procedure

Check the application instructions for Bachelor, Master, Postgraduate programmes and Credit Contracts. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish. 

Tuition fees

Tuition fees

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student. Check out our tuition fees for your particular programme. 

Scholarships

Our aim is to offer afforable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields. 

Excellent students who are eligible for a Master Mind Scholarship are invited to submit their application before 1 February.

Study costs

The study costs consist of the yearly tuition fee on the one hand, and degree specific costs on the other hand. Beside study costs you also need to take living and transportation expenses into account. 

After graduation

 

Career perspectives

Mathematicians are in high demand across the work field. As a graduate mathematician, you can find employment in industry and in the banking, insurance, and IT sectors. There are also openings in academic institutions, government agencies and think tanks, private companies, research centres and industrial companies and departments.  

Many graduates who choose the research option pursue a career in research and start their PhD in mathematics, mathematical physics, astrophysics, engineering, or related fields.

Further studies

Do you want to continue your studies? 

Career support

Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience, but also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews. 

Entrepreneurship

For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.

KU Leuven Kick

Our alumni network 

As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 290 000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect.

KU Leuven Connect

Why KU Leuven

KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.

More information

Our campus in Leuven 

The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.

Publications

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Do you have any questions about student life in Belgium, life at KU Leuven or do you want more information about a specific course or programme? You can ask our students directly.

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Questions about the programme?

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Questions about studying at KU Leuven?

Ask about the classes you will take, the subjects you will study, or the campus where you will be spending your time.

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Questions about admissions?

Where to start, what to include, and more support on the road to enrolling at KU Leuven.

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