Study in Luxembourg: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024
Luxembourg

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Luxembourg in 2024

Browse all PhD programmes in Luxembourg

  • Sep-Jul Academic Year
  • 2 Listed Institutes
  • 1 Ranked Universities
  • 4,000 Int. Students
  • 7,000 Students
  • 642,000 Population

Study in Luxembourg

Although it is one of the tiniest countries in the world, Luxembourg offers a splendidly cosmopolitan environment and a home to plenty of top-ranked universities.

Behold! A land fit for a king! Luxembourg was one of Europe's most fortified sites, and you can still admire the wondrous walls and castles to this day today. A place dominated by historical events and with an intriguing mix of Dutch, German and French cultures, Luxembourg offers international students an enriching study experience. Think of living within a giant museum, surrounded by different languages swimming in your ears on a daily basis.

Luxembourg is also one of the safest nations in the world; and, due to its multiculturalism, any foreign student can easily adapt to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Luxembourg.

Why study in Luxembourg?

1. Public universities have low tuition rates

Okay, we should actually say "university" instead of "universities" because there is only one public higher education institution: the University of Luxembourg. Here, tuition fees range between 0 and 5,200 EUR per academic year (with one or two study programmes being the exceptions).

2. Live and grow in a multicultural environment

Luxembourg is known for its friendliness towards internationals and for an overall open culture. There are three official languages — Luxembourgish, French, German — and, depending on our interest and time, you can learn the basics or advance your level easily while studying and living here.

3. Find your place in one of the world's leading economies

After graduation, we cannot blame anyone for staying and starting a career here. The minimum salary is around 2,100 EUR per month, at least at the time of writing this text (2020).

Luxembourg is also the country with the highest GDP (gross domestic product) per capita in the entire world!

4. Visit iconic buildings and monuments

In their spare time, international students have a lot of fun exploring the most impressive local constructions, some of them many centuries old. Some of our recommendations are the Vianden Castle, the Adolphe Bridge, the National Museum, the Bourscheid Castle, the Chemin de la Corniche, the Place Guillaume II, etc.

What it is like to study in Luxembourg?

All universities are international melting-pots, with students and staff from many different countries and linguistic backgrounds. Professors are leading experts in their fields and encourage students to develop problem-solving skills.

All study programmes cover an up-to-date curriculum and many degrees include internships or practical exercises.

Most universities provide additional language courses to support your studies and complement your language skills.

What to study in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg’s universities provide Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in numerous subject areas such as Medicine, Law, Languages, Psychology, Education, Economics, Computer Science, or Social Sciences.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Luxembourg:

Where to study in Luxembourg?

A big portion of the country’s universities are in Luxembourg city, the country’s capital. In Luxembourg city, you can admire several cultural sites, have dinner in fancy restaurants, and have fun in plenty of bars and clubs.

Find out more about student life in Luxembourg 

Which universities to attend in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is home to 2 universities, 2 business schools, and one institution dedicated to Public Administration studies.

Top universities in Luxembourg:

How to apply

For all universities in Luxembourg, you can simply apply online by submitting the application form along with all requested application documents.

  • Carefully check all the required application documents and make sure they are all translated into English. For instance, an internationally-recognised Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the main requirement when enrolling for a Master’s degree at a university in Luxembourg.
  • Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme.
  • Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
  • To help your chances of going to Luxembourg, be sure to apply to more than one university!

Make sure you qualify for a Luxembourg university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Luxembourg, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. Preparation courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 100 English-taught programmes in Luxembourg.

Universities in Luxembourg will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Luxembourg universities accept these official English exams:

Living in Luxembourg

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Luxembourg:

Tuition fees

There is only one public university — the University of Luxembourg. Out of the 5 private universities, we've chosen the Sacred Heart University Luxembourg as an example, to give you general idea about tuition fees:

  • Tuition fees at the University of Luxembourg range between 0 and 5,200 EUR per year. Some specific academic programmes, like the Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, cost as much as 24,000 EUR per year.
  • Tuition fees at the Sacred Heart University Luxembourg are higher. They range between 29,000 and 39,000 EUR per academic programme (includes all years of study). Most degrees are in the field of Business and Management.

These two universities don't differentiate between EU and non-EU students; both pay the same tuition fees. Still, we recommend that you double-check because tuition is subject to change every year.

Living costs in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is not exactly cheap. You'll need a budget of 700–1,500 EUR per month depending on your needs and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of average living expenses in Luxembourg:

  • accommodation (university dormitory): 350–400 EUR/month
  • accommodation (private rent): 600–1,000 EUR/month
  • monthly utilities: 180–250 EUR/month
  • books and study materials: 400 EUR/year
  • food and groceries: 300–450 EUR/month
  • public transport pass: free for everybody
  • three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 70 EUR
  • 1 cappuccino: 3.30 EUR
  • 1 loaf of bread: 2.35 EUR
  • 1 litre of milk: 1.40 EUR
  • 1 kg of apples: 2.55 EUR

About Luxembourg

Luxembourg is situated in Western Europe and borders Belgium, Germany and France. Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy left in the world, organised as a constitutional monarchy and it is one of the founder states of the European Union.

Although Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, three official languages are spoken here: Luxembourgish, German and French.

Luxembourg has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the historical importance of its fortifications.

Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in the world with a highly developed economy. The most thriving industries are: steel, chemicals and rubber manufacturing, banking and finance services.

Iconic places to visit

Luxembourg has a modern architecture combined with medieval castles and historical ruins. In addition, Luxembourg has several beautiful natural landscapes.

Here are some of the top attractions of Luxembourg:

  • The Luxembourg Castle
  • The Bock and City Casements in Luxembourg city
  • The Luxembourg City History Museum
  • The new Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (Mudam)
  • The Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame
  • Echternach and its Benedictine Abbey
  • Moselle River
Fun facts
  • Victor Hugo, resided in Luxembourg in a town near to the German border.
  • Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage in the EU: around 2,000 EUR per month.
  • Although a small country, around 170 different nationalities are currently living in Luxembourg.
  • Luxembourgish, a Franconian dialect of High German, is the mother tongue of nearly all Luxembourgers. However, official business is carried out in French, whereas German is the first language taught in school and used in the media.
  • The country’s name originated from the Lucilinburhuc (“little fortress”), a castle bought by Siegfried, count of Ardennes who brought Luxembourg’s independence.

Universities, colleges and schools in Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Interested in scholarships for Luxembourg? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Luxembourg

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Luxembourg, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Luxembourg?

To apply to a university in Luxembourg you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Luxembourg so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Luxembourg

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Luxembourg are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find PhDs Degrees in Luxembourg

What subject to study in Luxembourg?

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
France
France
France is a study destination whose romance, academic environment, and style of life charm thousands of international students every year. Students can enjoy the best of both worlds: the chance to enrol at top-ranked European universities while paying some of the lowest tuition fees worldwide. The Hexagon, a local nickname for France, is a multicultural hub, allowing you to meet, get to know, and develop friendships with people from all over the globe. There’s also a significant number of English-taught degrees (over 1,500). You can also learn French, the language of love, which will allow you to enjoy even more the local cuisine and touristic attractions and will make you a stand-out applicant on the job market.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
View all countries

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