Postgraduate Programme in Biomedical Engineering

1. Principles of the curriculum and profile

This postgraduate programme offers an advanced-level education in biomedical engineering, combining both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge expertise. In addition to core courses in anatomy, human cell biology, and physiology, the programme explores specialized topics like tissue mechanics, orthopedic implants, biofluid biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical measurements and stimulation, biomedical data processing, and medical imaging and analysis.

To cap off the programme, students complete a design project, gaining hands-on experience in medical equipment design, or engage in (predoctoral) research training in one of KU Leuven's biomedical research domains. Research-driven and industry-focused, this programme equips students with the skills needed for successful careers in the medical device industry, healthcare institutions, and government sectors.

Profile

See the admission requirements in the official programme book.

Other students may be allowed to enter as well, but all diplomas are depending upon approval by the Permanent Education Committee of the Master of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering and the Faculty of Engineering at KU Leuven. Students must have at least an academic bachelor.

The curriculum and the courses are research-based and prepare the student for a career in the medical device industry, in health care institutions and government. The programme can be followed as part of a predoctoral examination.

2. Programme and courses

This postgraduate programme is organized by the Faculty of Engineering Science. All information regarding the courses is available in the programme book: 
Postgraduate Programme in Biomedical Engineering (Leuven)

The programme exists out of core education courses such as "Basic Medical Courses" and courses from the clusters “Biomechanics and Biomaterials” en “Biomedical Information Technology”. It is then supplemented with additional elective courses within the Biomedical Engineering field. Lastly students participate and complete a design project, gaining hands-on experience in medical equipment design, or engage in (predoctoral) research training in one of KU Leuven's biomedical research domains. By clicking on the course name, you can see detailed information about it (will be updated after 15 July for the following academic year).

3. Duration and location

A fulltime programme takes 1 academic year, starting at the beginning of the Academic Year in September. It is also possible to follow this programme part time, spread over 2 years. The classes and exercise sessions take place during the day.

The location is KU Leuven Campus Arenberg in Heverlee and medical courses are also at UZ Leuven, campus Gasthuisberg. Courses are given on-campus, recording can be available by a course but are not guaranteed.

4. Admission, registration procedure and tuition fee

Admission for students with a Flemish Degree

Admission requirements are in the programme book.

  • Procedure:

You have to send an email to POC BMT with your request. In this mail you mention the following information:

  • Name
  • Nationality
  • Preliminary training + year + university + scores (if possible with transcripts)
  • Motivation letter

This will be submitted to the commission which will decide if you are accepted or not for admission.

If approved, the next step is that you will receive an acceptance letter. After receiving this letter, you can register online (webinschrijving) or on location at the registation office of KU Leuven.

You can upload it or send the proof of acception to the registration office.

Deadline for 2026-2027: 14 September 2026.

Admission for international students/students without a Flemish Degree (incl. Brussels)

Fill in the electronic admission form for international students at this website: Admissions

The required documents (legalized copies of diplomas, transcripts in duplicate, a certificate attesting English proficiency and a letter of motivation) should be added.

The strict deadlines applied by this postgraduate programme are:

  • 1 March for applications of non-EEA citizens
  • 1 June for applications of EEA citizens
  • 1 June for applications of non-EEA citizens living in Belgium with a valid residence permit

This is the only and official way to apply. Documents sent directly via e-mail will not be viewed, only by applying will you know if you are eligible or not.

A committee will decide if you will be accepted or not after review by admissions. 

Tuition fee

Academic Year 2026-2027

         EEA student: 904 euro (full-time registration, 41 credits) and 597,4 euro (part-time registration, per
                                    academic year)
         non-EEA student: 4400 euro (full-time registration) and 2200 euro (part-time registration)

Remarks:

> registration fee increases slightly for full & part-time registration per academic year. If with a part-time registration, please keep in mind the 2nd year will increase to the new fee.
> the fee can differ slightly if taking more credits f.e. 42 credits instead of 41 credits. The fee will be adjusted accordingly f.e. extra fee for one study point added to the general registration fee.
> the minimum registration fee of the programme is always 597,4 euro.

5.FAQ

Can I start the postgraduate programme if I haven't obtained my degree/diploma yet?

No, it is not possible to start this postgraduate if you haven't obtained the necessary degree (diploma). F.e. even if the student only has a few courses or the thesis left, the student will not be allowed in the programme. After obtaining the degree, the student can request permission to the postgraduate programme.

This is very strict.

Does this programme give a degree (diploma)?

Please note that the postgraduate programme does not give a diploma (degree). You will get a certificate of the postgraduate programme.

Where can I find more information about the courses, timetables?

Detailed information about the courses can be found on this webpage:
Postgraduate Programme in Biomedical Engineering 

The new schedule and content will be published after 15 July for the following academic year.
The publicly available class schedules are also in the course description.
A step-by-step plan is available on: FAQ about timetables - Student (kuleuven.be)

When will the invoice be sent?

The invoice will be sent after the ISP's have been approved. You can expect the invoice to arrive between end of October - end of November.

When is the graduation ceremony?

Please look on the following webpage for the correct date: Beraadslagingen en bekendmaking resultaten

6. Contact

Coordination: Prof. Frederik Maes             
Practical information:
Ms. Valérie Karlshausen: pocbmt@mech.kuleuven.be (Dutch or English mail)