The 20 Best Universities in the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) to Study Law in 2026
KU Leuven leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam.
| Position | University | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KU Leuven | Belgium |
| 2 | Leiden University | The Netherlands |
| 3 | University of Amsterdam | The Netherlands |
| 4 | Maastricht University | The Netherlands |
| 5 | Utrecht University | The Netherlands |
| 6 | Ghent University | Belgium |
| 7 | Tilburg University | The Netherlands |
| 8 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | The Netherlands |
| 9 | University of Groningen | The Netherlands |
| 10 | UCLouvain | Belgium |
| 11 | Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) | Belgium |
| 12 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) | The Netherlands |
| 13 | University of Antwerp | Belgium |
| 14 | University of Luxembourg | Luxembourg |
| 15 | Radboud University | The Netherlands |
| 16 | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | Belgium |
| 17 | University of Liège | Belgium |
| 18 | Hasselt University | Belgium |
| 19 | University of Namur | Belgium |
| 20 | Open Universiteit | The Netherlands |
How the ranking was compiled
KU Leuven tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best universities in the Benelux to study Law. Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam occupy second and third place, respectively, while Maastricht, Utrecht and Ghent complete the top six.
The ranking jointly analyses the principal research universities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This regional approach makes it possible to create a list of 20 institutions offering substantial legal education without mixing academic universities with Dutch universities of applied sciences, whose qualifications have a different orientation and different professional effects.
In preparing the ranking, Impact Lawyers combined the available results from three international academic references: the QS World University Rankings by Subject in Law and Legal Studies, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject in Law and the SCImago Institutions Rankings for Law.
QS places particular emphasis on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations and scholarly impact. Times Higher Education analyses teaching, the research environment, research quality, institutional collaboration and international outlook. SCImago contributes indicators relating to research, innovation and social impact.
This quantitative comparison was supplemented by a qualitative review of the programmes published by the universities themselves. The analysis covered bachelor’s and master’s degrees, teaching methods, legal clinics, English-language provision, internationalisation, specialisations, professional preparation and relationships with courts, law firms, companies, European institutions and international organisations.
A methodology adapted to three educational systems
Although all three countries belong to the European Union and share a continental European legal tradition, their qualifications and routes into professional practice are not identical.
The Netherlands normally uses a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s programme lasting one or two years. To enter certain regulated legal professions, students must complete an academic pathway that produces the qualification known as civiel effect.
In Belgium, legal education is generally organised through a three-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year master’s degree. Language and membership of the Flemish- or French-speaking legal community are decisive considerations for both education and professional practice.
Luxembourg has a multilingual system closely connected to French, German, Belgian and European law. The University of Luxembourg provides particularly international legal education, although admission to legal practice in Luxembourg is subject to the country’s own professional and linguistic requirements.
To make the rankings comparable, each institution’s position was considered exclusively in relation to universities in the three countries. When a classification publishes a ranking band, the midpoint of the interval is used. When a university does not appear, a proportionate penalty is applied instead of interpreting the absence of data as an absence of quality.
In principle, each ranking accounts for one-third of the quantitative assessment. The result is supplemented by five qualitative dimensions:
- National and international academic reputation.
- Quality and impact of legal research.
- Breadth and coherence of legal education.
- Employability and connections with the legal professions.
- Internationalisation, multilingual provision and practical education.
The editorial review was not used to alter the result arbitrarily. Its purpose was to interpret the differences among institutions and confirm that the universities included provide substantial legal education.
KU Leuven, the most balanced university in the Benelux
1. KU Leuven
KU Leuven occupies first place because of its exceptional balance of international reputation, research, academic breadth and connections with European institutions.
Its Faculty of Law and Criminology is one of the most important on the continent. The university is particularly strong in European, international, constitutional, commercial, private, criminal and technology law.
Leuven’s proximity to Brussels enables the university to maintain close relationships with European Union institutions, international law firms, business organisations and regulatory bodies.
KU Leuven combines a long academic tradition with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. Its programmes address areas such as artificial intelligence, data protection, biomedicine, sustainability, competition and economic regulation.
The university provides its national legal education primarily in Dutch, although it also offers numerous courses and postgraduate programmes in English. Its first position reflects a level of consistency that few institutions in the region can match.
Leiden, legal tradition and international influence
2. Leiden University
Leiden University occupies second place and ranks as the leading university in the Netherlands for studying Law.
Founded in 1575, it has one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious law schools. Its academic tradition is combined with outstanding work in international, European, public, criminal and comparative law.
Its proximity to The Hague constitutes an exceptional advantage. The city is home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, other international tribunals and organisations, government ministries and numerous institutions connected with peace, security and human rights.
Leiden is particularly attractive to students interested in public international law, international criminal justice, dispute resolution, human rights and international relations.
The university provides Dutch-language programmes and a broad selection of international master’s degrees taught in English. Students who wish to enter a regulated legal profession in the Netherlands must nevertheless ensure that their combination of bachelor’s and master’s studies produces the required civiel effect.
The University of Amsterdam, Law in a global market
3. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam occupies third place. Its Faculty of Law is distinguished by its research, internationalisation and location in one of Europe’s principal economic and legal centres.
The university offers education in Dutch, European and international law and has a strong presence in private, commercial, employment, criminal, migration and information law.
Amsterdam provides access to leading law firms, multinational companies, technology businesses, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and public authorities.
The faculty pays particular attention to contemporary issues such as platform regulation, artificial intelligence, privacy, sustainability and emerging forms of economic governance.
Its urban and international character represents a professional advantage, although Amsterdam’s housing costs can present a significant challenge for students.
Maastricht and problem-based learning
4. Maastricht University
Maastricht University occupies fourth place. Its Faculty of Law is one of the most international institutions in the Benelux and has a clearly differentiated academic identity.
The university uses Problem-Based Learning, a methodology based on small groups, active participation and problem-solving. This system is intended to develop critical reasoning, teamwork and the practical application of knowledge.
Its European Law School analyses legal problems from European and comparative perspectives. Maastricht describes the programme as an education focused on the interaction among national legal systems, European law and international law.
Maastricht’s location near the Belgian and German borders further strengthens its transnational character.
However, the English-taught European Law School bachelor’s degree does not automatically provide access to regulated Dutch legal professions. The university explains that students must complete additional education in national law to obtain the required civiel effect.
Utrecht, research and interdisciplinarity
5. Utrecht University
Utrecht University occupies fifth place. Its Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance promotes an interdisciplinary approach to legal problems.
The university is particularly prominent in European, public, private and criminal law, sustainability, human rights and economic regulation.
Utrecht combines a strong doctrinal tradition with the study of the social effects of legal rules. Its structure makes it possible to connect Law with economics, public administration, public policy and the social sciences.
Its central location provides convenient access to Amsterdam, The Hague and other Dutch cities without necessarily requiring students to bear the residential costs of the capital.
Ghent completes the leading group
6. Ghent University
Ghent University occupies sixth place and ranks as the second Belgian university in the classification.
Its Faculty of Law and Criminology has a strong research profile and an extensive academic offering. It is particularly prominent in European, international, environmental, criminal, private and maritime law.
Ghent has a major university community and provides convenient access to Brussels, Antwerp and other economically significant areas of Belgium.
The university combines strong education in Belgian law with international opportunities. As an institution of the Flemish Community, much of its national legal education is conducted in Dutch, although programmes and individual courses are also available in English.
Tilburg, Law and the social sciences
7. Tilburg University
Tilburg University occupies seventh place. Its specialised profile in the social sciences, economics, business and Law supports an interdisciplinary education.
The university is particularly strong in commercial, tax, employment, European, technology and competition law. It has also developed recognised research in privacy, data, artificial intelligence and digital regulation.
Tilburg provides a more compact environment than Amsterdam or Utrecht and may offer closer academic relationships.
Its connection among Law, economics and society is especially valuable for students interested in business, institutions, regulation and technological transformation.
Erasmus Rotterdam and Europe’s largest port
8. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam occupies eighth place. Its School of Law benefits from the university’s economic, business and international profile.
Rotterdam is one of Europe’s principal commercial and logistics centres and is home to the continent’s largest seaport. This context strengthens education in commercial, maritime, tax, customs, business and international law.
The university is also distinguished by its economic analysis of Law and its focus on the relationship among regulation, markets and public policy.
Erasmus is an especially attractive option for students seeking careers in business, international trade, transport, logistics or major law firms.
Groningen and its extensive academic tradition
9. University of Groningen
The University of Groningen occupies ninth place. Founded in 1614, it is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands.
Its Faculty of Law offers programmes in Dutch and English and has an established international orientation. It is particularly prominent in European, energy, international, private and public law.
The importance of the energy industry in the northern Netherlands has encouraged relevant specialisation in energy, climate and sustainability.
Groningen provides a particularly strong university experience and potentially lower living costs than Amsterdam. Its distance from the principal professional markets in the west of the country may be offset by a cohesive academic community and a strong reputation.
UCLouvain, the leading French-speaking institution
10. UCLouvain
UCLouvain occupies tenth place and ranks as the leading French-speaking university in the classification.
Its Faculty of Law and Criminology has an extensive tradition in Belgian, European, international, private, public and criminal law.
The university combines doctrinal rigour, research and a humanistic perspective. Its proximity to Brussels facilitates contact with European institutions, law firms and international organisations.
National legal education is delivered primarily in French. The university also provides mobility opportunities, bilingual programmes and international education.
UCLouvain is particularly relevant to students who wish to practise within Belgium’s French-speaking community or work in European and multilateral environments.
ULB and its direct connection with Brussels
11. Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Université libre de Bruxelles occupies 11th place. Its principal advantage is its location in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to the European Union’s principal institutions.
The university has a strong tradition in public, European, international, social and human rights law.
Its environment facilitates internships and professional relationships with the European Commission, the European Parliament, diplomatic representations, international organisations, interest groups and global law firms.
ULB has a diverse and international academic community. For French-speaking students interested in European law, public policy or international relations, it is one of the most attractive options in the Benelux.
VU Amsterdam and its social approach to Law
12. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam occupies 12th place. Its Faculty of Law combines research, professional education and an interest in the social impact of legal rules.
The university develops areas including business, criminal, migration, international, technology and human rights law.
Its location in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district provides proximity to law firms, companies and financial institutions.
VU Amsterdam offers an alternative to the University of Amsterdam with a different institutional identity and a more concentrated university community.
Antwerp and its relationship with international trade
13. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp occupies 13th place. The city’s port and business activity have a decisive influence on its legal profile.
The university is particularly prominent in commercial law, transport, maritime law, customs, taxation, competition and international trade.
Antwerp is home to one of Europe’s principal ports and an economy connected with logistics, industry, energy and the diamond trade.
Its Faculty of Law combines this professional orientation with research in human rights, sustainable development and governance.
The University of Luxembourg, a distinctive legal position
14. University of Luxembourg
The University of Luxembourg occupies 14th place and is the only Luxembourgish institution in the ranking.
Its Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance benefits from an exceptional location. Luxembourg is home to the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Auditors, financial institutions, investment funds and numerous international law firms.
The university is particularly strong in European Union, financial, banking, tax, business and investment law.
Its multilingual character reflects the country’s legal reality. Students may need to use French, English, German and Luxembourgish depending on their programme and intended career.
Although it is a relatively young university, its connections with European institutions and the financial sector give it a level of professional influence far greater than its size might suggest.
Radboud University
15. Radboud University
Radboud University occupies 15th place. Based in Nijmegen, it provides strong legal education within a university environment of manageable size.
Its Faculty of Law is prominent in European, migration, business, international, criminal and human rights law.
The university maintains an academic identity centred on the social and ethical impact of Law and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
It may be especially suitable for students seeking a less crowded experience than that available in Amsterdam or Utrecht without sacrificing high-level research education.
VUB and Dutch-language legal education in Brussels
16. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel occupies 16th place. Its location provides direct access to Belgian and European institutions, although its linguistic and academic identity differs from that of ULB.
VUB provides education primarily connected with the Flemish Community and combines Belgian, European and international law.
The university pays particular attention to human rights, migration, technology, public policy and sustainability. Its international community and institutional connections strengthen its appeal to students interested in studying in Brussels.
Liège and its importance in French-speaking Belgium
17. University of Liège
The University of Liège occupies 17th place. Its Faculty of Law, Political Science and Criminology is an important institution within the Walloon Region.
The university provides education in Belgian, European and international law and has a strong presence in public, private, social and criminal law.
Its regional influence is particularly relevant to students wishing to practise in Wallonia. Liège also generally offers lower living costs than Brussels or Amsterdam.
Hasselt, a young and collaborative model
18. Hasselt University
Hasselt University occupies 18th place. Its legal education is more recent than that of Leuven, Ghent or UCLouvain, but it offers a modern methodology focused on active participation.
Its programme is developed in collaboration with other institutions and pays particular attention to the relationship among Law, society and professional practice.
Its smaller size supports closer academic supervision and interaction between students and professors.
Hasselt may be attractive to students who prioritise a closer community and contemporary teaching methods over the historical prestige of larger law schools.
The University of Namur and its bachelor’s education
19. University of Namur
The University of Namur occupies 19th place. Its Faculty of Law offers French-language undergraduate education and relatively personalised academic attention.
The institution has a strong humanistic tradition and attaches importance to the foundations of legal reasoning.
Students must nevertheless examine the full structure of their studies carefully, as they may need to complete their master’s degree at another university to obtain the required Belgian professional qualification.
Its inclusion recognises the quality of its initial legal education, but its position must be interpreted differently from that of universities offering a complete pathway through to the master’s level.
Open Universiteit and the flexibility of distance learning
20. Open Universiteit
Open Universiteit completes the classification in 20th place. Its principal characteristic is the flexibility of its distance-learning model.
The university enables people who work, have family responsibilities or cannot regularly attend a campus to study Law.
Its inclusion does not mean that the experience is identical to that of an on-campus university. Opportunities for campus life, informal contact, legal clinics and professional networking may be more limited.
Nevertheless, its model provides a relevant and accessible academic route. Students interested in regulated legal professions must carefully confirm that their particular combination of studies satisfies the requirements for civiel effect.
How Law is studied in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the normal structure consists of a three-year university bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s programme.
It is essential to distinguish between Rechtsgeleerdheid programmes focused on Dutch law and international English-language degrees such as European Law or International Law.
An international programme can provide excellent preparation for companies, European institutions, consultancy firms or international organisations, but it does not necessarily provide access to regulated legal professions.
Becoming a lawyer, judge or public prosecutor normally requires an academic combination producing civiel effect. Those wishing to practise as lawyers must then enter the profession and complete the corresponding vocational programme.
The Netherlands Bar explains the stages leading to legal practice and the corresponding Beroepsopleiding Advocaten, or professional training programme for lawyers.
How Law is studied in Belgium
In Belgium, the usual academic pathway consists of a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a two-year master’s degree in Law.
Education takes place within two major linguistic communities. KU Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, VUB and Hasselt teach primarily in Dutch, while UCLouvain, ULB, Liège and Namur teach primarily in French.
The choice of language has academic and professional consequences. It determines the legislation, case law and terminology students will use and may influence the region in which they eventually develop their careers.
Becoming a lawyer requires a Belgian master’s degree in Law, followed by compliance with the applicable admission, traineeship and professional education requirements.
The Order of Flemish Bars expressly states that anyone wishing to become a lawyer in Belgium must hold a Belgian master’s degree in Law.
Studying and practising in Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers an exceptionally international legal environment, but one that is also particularly demanding from a linguistic perspective.
Legal education may focus on Luxembourgish, European, banking, financial, tax or business law. The presence of EU institutions and a major investment-fund industry generates highly specialised professional opportunities.
To be admitted to the Bar, candidates must demonstrate their professional competence and good standing. The decision on admission is made by the Bar Council after examining the candidate’s application, according to the Luxembourg Bar.
Language requirements and the recognition of qualifications must be examined carefully. Studying at the University of Luxembourg can facilitate an understanding of the local environment, but it does not automatically remove the professional conditions governing admission.
The importance of language
The Benelux is one of Europe’s most international university regions, but language remains decisive for the legal professions.
In the Netherlands, many master’s degrees are taught in English. Dutch, however, is generally indispensable for entering regulated professions and working with national legislation, courts and clients.
In Belgium, French and Dutch structure much of the legal and educational system. Knowledge of both languages can considerably broaden professional opportunities, particularly in Brussels.
In Luxembourg, legal practice may require French, German, Luxembourgish and English. French is particularly important in legislation and judicial practice, while English predominates in many financial and international fields.
The existence of an English-language programme should not be confused with an automatic route into the legal profession of the relevant country.
The advantage of studying near European institutions
One of the Benelux’s greatest strengths is its proximity to leading European and international legal institutions.
Brussels is home to the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and an essential part of the European Parliament’s activity. Luxembourg hosts the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and numerous international organisations.
This concentration creates exceptional opportunities in European law, competition, regulation, human rights, international litigation, diplomacy and public policy.
KU Leuven, UCLouvain, ULB, VUB, Leiden, Maastricht and the University of Luxembourg benefit particularly from this institutional proximity.
There is no perfect university for every student
The ranking provides a general assessment, but a higher-ranked university will not necessarily be the best choice for every student.
Leiden may be particularly suitable for international law and global justice. KU Leuven offers one of the region’s most comprehensive and balanced legal programmes. The University of Amsterdam is especially strong in markets, technology and regulation.
Maastricht is an attractive option for students who prefer problem-based learning and comparative legal education. Erasmus and Antwerp stand out for their connections with trade, ports and business activity.
UCLouvain and ULB are fundamental institutions for French-language legal education, while the University of Luxembourg occupies an exceptional position in European and financial law.
The decision should take into account the country in which the student intends to practise, language, housing costs, the precise content of the programme, professional eligibility, legal clinics, internships and alumni networks.
A small legal region with global influence
The principal conclusion of the study is that the Benelux possesses an international legal influence far greater than its geographical size.
KU Leuven leads because of its balance of research, reputation, teaching and connections with European institutions. Leiden combines academic tradition with proximity to the principal international courts, while the University of Amsterdam provides access to a global economic and technology market.
Maastricht and Utrecht represent innovative and interdisciplinary educational models. Ghent confirms the strength of Flemish public higher education, while UCLouvain and ULB demonstrate the importance of the French-speaking legal tradition.
The University of Luxembourg contributes a distinctive dimension through its connections with the Court of Justice of the European Union and the international financial sector.
Combining three academic rankings with an analysis of the programmes published by the universities themselves provides a broader, more critical and useful overview of legal education in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
