Updated 17 October 2026
Luxembourg is a small country with a big reputation for multilingual teaching, research and high graduate salaries. If you are a Kenyan or other international student weighing your options for 2025 and beyond, this guide covers the best universities in Luxembourg, the courses they are known for, entry requirements, fees, visas and living costs.
Best universities in Luxembourg for international students
Luxembourg has one public university and a handful of private and international institutions. Here are the main options.
1. University of Luxembourg
The University of Luxembourg is the country’s only public university and the first choice for most international students. It was founded in 2003 and has campuses at Belval, Kirchberg and Limpertsberg. Teaching is mainly in English, French and German, and many master’s programmes are taught fully in English.
- Known for: finance, computer science, law, economics, engineering, data science and European studies.
- Fees: public tuition is low by European standards, with a small registration fee per semester rather than full tuition for most programmes. Check the current fee for your course before applying.
- Why choose it: strong research links, a very international student body and access to Luxembourg’s finance and tech job market.
2. Luxembourg School of Business
A private business school offering English-taught MBA and master’s programmes for working professionals and graduates. It suits students who want small classes and close links with companies in the financial centre.
3. Sacred Heart University Luxembourg
The Luxembourg campus of an American university, offering an MBA and business programmes in English. It is a good fit if you want an American-style degree while living in Europe.
4. United Business Institutes (UBI) Luxembourg
A private institution offering bachelor’s and master’s programmes in business and management, taught in English, often in partnership with other European universities.
5. Business Science Institute
Focused on executive doctorates (DBA) for experienced managers. It is best for senior professionals rather than first-degree students.
Entry requirements for Kenyan students
- Bachelor’s degrees: a KCSE certificate with good grades, usually with a foundation year or proof of equivalence to a European secondary diploma. Some programmes ask for specific subject grades.
- Master’s degrees: a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field, with transcripts.
- Language: proof of English (IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes, or French or German for courses taught in those languages.
- Documents: passport, certified certificates and transcripts, CV, motivation letter and recommendation letters.
Get your documents ready early. Our guide on documents you need before applying and the certificate of good conduct guide cover papers you will often need for a visa too.
How to apply
- Choose your programme and check its language and entry requirements.
- Apply online through the university’s application portal before the deadline. Deadlines for non-EU students are usually earlier, often in spring for a September start.
- Wait for your admission letter.
- Apply for your visa and residence permit as soon as you are admitted.
Student visa and residence permit
Students from outside the EU, including Kenya, need a residence permit for study. After admission you apply for a temporary authorisation to stay as a student, then a visa to enter, then register and collect your residence permit after arriving. You will typically need your admission letter, proof of enough money to live on, health insurance, accommodation details and a clean criminal record. Start early because processing can take several weeks.
Cost of living in Luxembourg
Tuition at the public university is cheap, but living costs are among the highest in Europe, mainly because of rent. Budget for accommodation, food, health insurance and books. Student halls are cheaper than private rentals but fill up fast, so apply as soon as you are admitted. Public transport in Luxembourg is free nationwide, which helps keep costs down.
Can international students work in Luxembourg?
Yes. Non-EU students with a valid residence permit can work part-time during term, within set weekly hour limits, and more during holidays. After graduating, you can apply to stay and look for work, which is attractive given Luxembourg’s strong job market in finance, tech and EU institutions.
Scholarships
The University of Luxembourg and some private schools offer merit scholarships and fee waivers, and some research master’s and PhD positions are funded. Check each programme’s page for current awards and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best university in Luxembourg for international students?
The University of Luxembourg is the best overall choice because of its low fees, English-taught programmes and strong research.
Is studying in Luxembourg free?
Almost. The public university charges low semester registration fees instead of full tuition for most courses, but living costs are high.
Can Kenyan students study in Luxembourg?
Yes. Kenyan students can apply directly, then get a student residence permit once admitted.
Are courses in Luxembourg taught in English?
Many are, especially master’s programmes. Some bachelor’s courses are taught in French or German, or in several languages.
Can I work while studying in Luxembourg?
Yes, part-time during term and more during holidays, as long as you hold a valid student residence permit.
Planning your studies at home instead? See how KUCCPS placement works and how to apply for HELB.
