Application

Following the current 10th year of the MEEL programme, Prof. Van Calster is handing over the directorship of the programme to Prof. Deketelaere. Please note that the programme will not run in academic year 2012-2013, but will likely return in academic year 2013-2014 in an amended format (click here for the draft programme).

• Admission
• Tuition Fees

Admission

Admission Requirements

The programme is open to holders of a degree of Master of Law, or any equivalent degree (eg. British LLB-degree). The programme's zeal is to unite those students with a solid educational background and strong interest in energy issues and environmental issues.

The selection board of the programme will identify, among the applicants, those students whose academic and/or other track records promise a fruitful co-operation and mutual benefit with the faculty. There are no prior yardsticks either for approval or rejection of the application. Proven knowledge of English is however paramount.

Whilst proficiency in either EU law or International law is not a precondition for joining the programme, the actual classes will not introduce students into these areas of the law. The programme offers a one-week 'crash course' in both EU law and public international law, taught by experts of the Faculty of Law, KU Leuven.

Proof of knowledge of English

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit evidence of sufficient competence to undertake graduate legal study in English. This implies the ability to take written examinations and write papers, as well as to participate in oral discussions and presentations during class in fluent English. This requirement can be fulfilled in three ways.

The first is by giving evidence of a law degree or other university degree received from an institution in which English was the primary language of instruction for the entire curriculum.

The second is to submit official score reports of standardised English language tests . Only three tests are accepted as valid:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), for which the minimum score required is 100 (in the ibt) or 250 (in the cbt) or 600 (in the pbt).The Centre for Advanced Legal Studies' TOEFL code number is 0749, which should be entered on the answer sheets when taking the TOEFL test and should also be indicated on the Score Report Request Forms;
2. the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) administered test, for which the minimum score required is 7.5 and
3. Cambridge test, Profiency level.

Thirdly, the Selection Board reserves the right to accept proof of knowledge of English by any other documentation, including proof of a professional career in an English speaking environment.

Application Dates

Applications and the supporting documents for the subsequent academic year should be received:

• For citizens of States other than EU Member States - no later than 1 March of the preceding academic year. Failure to apply before that date may lead to serious delay in processing your application, as well as in completing your visa requirements. The selection board will decide upon these applications no later than the 20th March. The Board also holds a selection round for early applications, prior to the 20th December of each academic year.
• For citizens of EU Member States: by the 1st June of the preceding academic year. The selection board will decide upon these applications no later than the 20th June of that year.

Application Documents Required

Applicants have to send the following documents for the application to be considered:

• A completed application form. Candidates are requested to complete the application forms available via K.U.Leuven's International Office
• At least two references from academics, practitioners or others familiar with your work and/or education
• Official copies of academic transcripts: ie. either a copy of the original, certified by the Belgian embassy in your country of residence, or an official copy provided by the University which issued the degree
• A letter motivating why you want to take part in the programme
• Proof of knowledge of English.

Tuition Fees

In line with current regulations of the Flemish Region, the tuition fee for the MEEL programme is € 5.600 (Euro) for students who have not been working for 3 years since graduation. Students who have been working for 3 or more years since graduation, pay € 8.600 (Euro).

Students who submit a duly motivated request for a reduced fee, may, upon acceptance of the request, obtain a reduction of € 600 (Euro) from the € 5.600 fee, or of  € 1.600 (Euro) from the € 8.600 fee. The selection board shall motivate its decisions with respect to these applications. You are advised to contact the programme's director should you feel you may qualify for a reduced fee.

You are encouraged to read through the FAQs for other admission and tution fee related questions.