KU Leuven is the only non-American educational institution listed by Reuters in its world ranking of most innovative universities. That makes KUL the most innovative university in Europe. In 2016 and 2017, KU Leuven researchers filed more patents than any other university in Europe; its patents are also the most cited by external academics. Reuters describes the university as: "A nearly 600-year-old institution that maintains one of the largest independent research and development organizations on the planet."
Furthermore, QS World University Rankings, an annual ranking of universities that compares universities worldwide based on their excellence in certain disciplines, ranked KU Leuven in amongst the top 10 worldwide in dentistry and theology. They are also in the top 30 for pharmacy and pharmacology.
KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international students and staff thanks to the wide variety of international master’s programmes, with over 150 nationalities represented.