A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Study, Work and Live in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small European country surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany on three sides. It boasts one of the highest GDPs in the world, which is one of the key reasons why international students pick the country as a study destination.

Luxemburg is an excellent destination to study if you wish to earn a living while still in school. Despite its small size in contrast to other European countries, Luxembourg has a highly rated educational system with a wide range of bachelor and graduate programs. This page will explain how to study, work, and live in Luxembourg.

Higher education in Luxembourg is bilingual. It provides lessons in the following languages: French/English, French/German, and English/German. You must take a language competency test if you wish to learn in your favorite language. Colleges typically provide language classes if you do not meet the required teaching qualifications.

Luxembourg’s universities have participated in the EU’s Bologna Process, which means that a degree gained at a Luxembourgish institution is recognized internationally. Surprisingly, the number of programs taught entirely in English is steadily increasing.

Bachelor’s degrees are normally completed in three years, but can take up to four years depending on the subject. Master’s degrees normally take one or two years to complete, however PhDs can take up to five years, with a three-year minimum. Other reasons why Luxembourg is an excellent choice for postsecondary education are listed below.

Why study in Luxembourg?

• Small-class size
Almost all universities in Luxembourg structure their classes in small groups. This is a method of developing a symbiotic relationship between students and lecturers.

• Quality education
Luxembourg’s educational system is excellent. Universities are endowed with seasoned lecturers who use their wealth of expertise to educate students.

• Robust economy
Luxembourg is a developed country with one of the highest GDPs in the world. International students who study and work here are paid well.

How to study in Luxembourg

1. Search for a study program
There isn’t a single application portal. Applicants apply directly through the university’s website and may apply to a maximum of three courses at different institutions.

2. Check the entry requirements
While requirements differ depending on the school and program, the following is a common list of documents you’ll need to submit when applying to study in Luxembourg:

Your high school grade transcripts
Letter of motivation
1 or two letters of recommendation
Copy of your passport
Language test results scores

3. Submit the online application form.The SEVE (Service des Études et de la Vie Étudiante) examines your application for eligibility and completeness. The SEVE forwards complete and qualified candidates to the study program’s review committee.

You will be notified of the SEVE’s decision. The SEVE tells you of your alternatives based on the selection committee’s decision, and provides you with information on the following.

your final admission
your conditional admission
The placement of your application on the waiting list
Application rejection
Payment of enrolment fees
To complete your registration, you must pay the enrolling charge. At that point, your student status becomes official and is preserved throughout the semester.

Payment will be provided only once all criteria and conditions have been met, and if the application is successful, a letter of acceptance will be sent.

4. Apply for a study visa
Non-EU citizens must apply for the type D visa category to study in Luxembourg. EU citizens do not need to apply for a study visa to Luxembourg. Please keep in mind that in some countries, applicants may be required to apply for a study visa to Luxembourg through the Belgian embassy.

Non-EU/EEA students must meet the following requirements in order to receive a student visa in Luxembourg.

Acceptance Letter from a university or higher education institution in Luxembourg

Tuition fee receipt for the program enrolled
International passport valid for at least 6 months
Proof of enrolment as a full-time student in one of the universities in Luxembourg
Evidence that you have paid the full tuition fees for the course
Passport with a validity of at least six months post the completion of the course
Copy of the completed and signed visa application form
Proof of sufficient funds
Original copy of the ‘temporary authorization to stay’ letter from the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg
A health insurance policy that will cover the total number of days you will be staying for the duration of your course with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.

Universities in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has extremely few universities. The country has only one public university, the University of Luxembourg, which was founded in 2003. Other private universities include:

Sacred Heart University, Luxembourg
BBI Luxembourg
LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise, and Sports
Business Science Institute
The Miami University Dolibois European Center

Are there Free tuition universities in Luxembourg?

Some universities in Luxembourg offer free programs, but they are taught in Luxembourgish, French, or German.

Can I study in Luxembourg in English?

Yes. Although the bulk of study programs are offered in French or German, English is also widely used in many of them.

Tuition fee

The annual tuition charge for universities in Luxembourg ranges from 2200 EUR to 6000 EUR. Some academic programs, particularly those in medicine and engineering, may be more expensive.

Cheap Universities in Luxembourg

1. University of Luxembourg
Tuition Fee Link
LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise, and Sports
Tuition Fee Link
University of Luxembourg
Tuition Fee Link

Intake period

There are two primary periods for applying:
Summer semester studies are held from January to February (February to June applications)
Winter semester studies take place from July to September (September to January applications)

Can international students work while studying in Luxembourg?

Regardless of nationality, all students registered at any University in Luxembourg are permitted to work 40 hours per week during the school holidays and/or 15 hours per week during the academic portion throughout the year.

Stay back in Luxembourg after study

International students from outside the EU are allowed to stay in Luxembourg after finishing their degree to look for work. They must apply for an employment or business-related residence permit at least 30 days before the expiration date of their present student residence permit.

After finishing your education in Luxembourg, you can apply for a work visa. You will supply an employment contract, work authorization, and other necessary paperwork.

Please keep in mind that this permission must be obtained before to leaving the country and that it is only valid for one year before being renewed for another three years.

Please visit the website of the Ministère des Affaires Etrangères for further information on how to stay in Luxembourg after graduation.