ADMISSION

Given that PIONEER is completely taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language and submit an English proficiency test. We only accept the following language certificates:

• TOEFL, for which the minimum total score is 100 (for the internet-based test), with a minimum of 22 on each of the four components (equivalent to the new TOEFL scale scores of 4.5 for reading, 5.0 for listening, 4.0 for speaking and 4.5 for writing as of January 21, 2026).
• IELTS Academic (paper, computer or online based) for which the minimum total score required is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 on each of the four components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake Scores.
• Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education, for which we accept a minimum score of 184 on C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE).
• ITACE, for which level C1 is required.

Please note that no other English proficiency test is accepted. Test results can be provided a maximum of one month after the official application deadline, but a test registration should already be uploaded onto the application form in case the applicant has not yet received their test results at the time of the application.

Students who obtained a previous diploma (secondary or academic) in a programme taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America can be exempted. If you obtained your diploma in a country other than those mentioned above, you must submit one of the accepted tests, even if your studies were in English or the administrative language of the country is English.

Admission decisions are made based on the evaluation of a complete application file that reaches the PIONEER office through the official KU Leuven admissions tool. Applicants complete the online application form by submitting all of the following documents (in PDF):

1. Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of academic records. Applicants upload PDF scans of their original diploma(s) and transcript(s) of academic records. If you still need to graduate at the time of your application, you can upload your official intermediate transcripts. You do not need to upload secondary education documents.
2. Translation of diploma(s) and transcript(s) of records. If your documents are not in English, Dutch, French or German, you must provide a translation into one of these languages, either issued by your institution or by a registered translator. 
3. English proficiency certificate (or test registration; see ‘Language Requirements’).
4. Letter of motivation. A one-page letter motivating your interest in the programme.
5. CV.
6. Proof of nationality. A scan of the identity page of your passport (for EEA citizens, a PDF scan of a national ID card will suffice).
7. Annex of the application form (cf. template) with:
   • your country case study = a one-page reflection essay on the applicant’s country’s innovation strengths and challenges. Candidates use the most recent version of the WIPO Global Innovation Index to analyse the situation of their countries (or a country of their geographical region if they do not find theirs among the 162 ones). The reflection connects to the goals of the PIONEER programme.
   • your motivational video = a two-minute presentation video where applicants introduce themselves and discuss their motivation to join the PIONEER. They can be creative; the most important thing is for the jury to get to know you better. Videos have to be uploaded on Dropbox.
8. Proof of payment of the application fee (given PIONEER applicants are exempted from paying the application fee, please use this document as substitute to your ‘proof of payment’).

A non-EEA selection procedure follows these steps:

1. Applicants submit their application online to KU Leuven’s Admissions Office, primarily consisting of the application form and documents stipulated above.
2. A formal review of the application documents will be done by the KU Leuven Admissions Office (i.e., a verification of the authenticity of transcripts, certificates and English tests) in cooperation with the other international offices at the University of Münster and Tallinn University of Technology.
3. The application file is transmitted electronically to the faculties involved in the three universities.
4. The Selection Committee assesses the application file in light of its admission requirements (‘admitted’ or ‘reject’ to the programme) and decides whether the candidate can be shortlisted for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship interview (provided that they applied before the March 1 deadline).
5. The programme coordinator informs …
   • … the KU Leuven Admissions Office about the final decision of the Selection Committee via updates in the online tool on a rolling basis.
   • … the applicant (only when shortlisted for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship interview) about the interview procedure early April. Scholarship interviews are traditionally held mid-April, with the results being communicated late-April.
6. The KU Leuven Admissions Office notifies the applicant. As soon as the decision is entered into the system, the student will see the changed status of the application as ‘Admitted’ or ‘Rejected’.
7. In due time, an admission letter will be emailed to the admitted student. This document will also be sent to the embassy if the student requires a visa, along with further instructions.