Highlights
Tuition fee
7771 EUR / year
1157 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
7771 EUR / year
1157 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
24 months
Duration
24 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium

About

Taking advantage of generations of terrestrial and space-based instruments, the Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics trains students to study the origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe itself.

Visit programme website for more information

Overview

KU Leuven organizes regular online info sessions. You can find more information on the KU Leuven website.

The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year programme consisting of 120 ECTS credits. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project. In the second year you work on your master's thesis, as front-line research typically conducted within one of the research groups. Attention is devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data and models, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research.

Astronomical research and education has a distinct international and multidisciplinary character. The emphasis is on developing and applying research methodologies to collect, analyse and interpret astronomical observations in the context of astrophysics. Technological as well as computational and theoretical aspects are extensively covered. Thanks to new generations of instruments on the Earth's surface and in space, you can adequately study the origin, structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. Astronomy therefore retains a central place in international fundamental research.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have acquired:

  • a thorough insight into various aspects of astronomy
  • a developed understanding of the various sciences contributing to astronomy
  • a critical research attitude
  • the ability to define and formulate strategies to study complex questions
  • the ability to integrate technological developments into basic research
  • the ability to construct simple numeric and physical-mathematical models to study data within a theoretical framework

Programme strengths

KU Leuven situates itself as a leader in astronomical research in Flanders, among other things by being the only Flemish university to offer a full master's degree in astronomy. The master programme has an international focus and attracts students from many different countries

Thanks to an extensive network of national and international collaborations, our researchers have access to large-scale modern instruments within the framework of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Moreover, thanks to KU Leuven, Flanders has its own professional Mercator telescope at the La Palma International Observatory, which master students can use during their training. Large scale numerical models in the context of projects or the master thesis can be simulated on the KU Leuven Genius supercomputer with more than 8000 cores

You obtain a broad formation in astronomy and astrophysics with strong attention to transferable skills and personal development.  The curriculum is research oriented and the master’s thesis is always well embedded into the actual research of the research groups at the Institute of Astronomy.

Career perspectives

Many astronomers conduct research through a doctoral program at local and international universities, or scientific institutions such as the Royal Observatory of Belgium and the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. International organisations such as ESO and ESA can also become your employer.

In addition, as an astronomer you will also find your way in the computer science sector, the image processing and visualisation sector, telecommunications, air traffic control, science journalism, education ... 

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Research Projects
  • Stellar Structure and Evolution
  • Galaxies and Cosmology
  • Observational Techniques in Astronomy
  • Radiation Processes in Astronomy
  • Observational Astrophysics: Proposal Preparation
  • Research Projects in Theoretical Astrophysics
  • Research School in Observational Astronomy

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

More details
  • non-EEA Deadline: 1 March

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Leuven, Belgium

What students do after studying

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

  • For the most recent – and only official – information on the admission requirements, please check our webpage.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

  • Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
  • Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
  • Liability
  • Home contents and baggage
  • Accidents
  • Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at KU Leuven and/or in Belgium, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees
  • International

    7771 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the tuition of 7771 EUR per year during 24 months.
  • EU/EEA

    1157 EUR/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the tuition of 1157 EUR per year during 24 months.

Tuition Fee NON-EEA - 7771.1 EUR

Living costs for Leuven

810 - 1280 EUR /month
Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
DFL Scholarship Program
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Daughters for Life Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Apr 2026
Master Mind Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Government of Flanders
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Government of Flanders
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Scholarships for masters (ICP Connect)
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Government of Flanders
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
26 Sep 2025
Bursaries for conference interpreting students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Ayn Rand Institute
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

The Ramsay Centre
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

MyUS
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Florida Rentals
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

CryptoRunner
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available

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