Frequently Asked Questions
General - Application - Additional Requirements - Admission - Financial Aid
General Questions
How long does it take to earn the IMPALLA Master Degree?
The IMPALLA Master in Social Policy Analysis is a 1-year full time programme leading to a MSc in Social Policy Analysis. The programme starts by the 1st of September and the programme does not consider applications for starting during the second semester.
From what university do I receive my IMPALLA diploma?
Although the programme is an interuniversity cooperation between CEPS/INSTEAD (research institution in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg), K.U.Leuven (Belgium), Universiteit van Tilburg (Netherlands), Université de Nancy 2 (France) and Université de Luxembourg (G.D. of Luxembourg), the diploma is issued by K.U. Leuven.
Can I combine the Master programme with professional activities? Is distance learning possible?
The programme is an intensive programme and class attendance is mandatory. During the first terms (September through January) courses are taught in a (weekly) modular format during the day. This makes it neither possible for student to combine the programme with professional activities nor to enroll in the programme through distance learning.
However, since the implementation of the Decree on the Flexibility of Higher Education by the Flemish Government (April 20, 2004) students from countries belonging to the European Economic Region (EER) (i.e European Union Countries and Lichtenstein, Norway and Iceland) can request to spread their courses over a period of max. 4 years. In this scenario, participation in all courses and seminars is mandatory and the deliberation will take place after finishing the complete programme. Students coming from countries not belonging to the EER can only register for a full time diploma contract. They will not be granted a residential permit upon attempting to obtain any other type of registration (i.e. part time).
How many students are admitted to the programme?
The programme admits no more than 24 students. On average the IMPALLA programme receives 80 applications while on average 17 applicants are admitted.
What would be the most appropriate previous degree to apply to the IMPALLA programme?
The most important is that you have successfully finalized 4 years of higher academic education. This could be: a 3-years BA combined with a 1-year or 2-year MA , a 4 year BA or, a 3 year BA with 2-year MA of which the first year is finalized.
Ideal applicants preferably have a background in an empirical social science like Sociology, Political Sciences, Comparative International Relations, Public Policy, Planning and Development, Public Management, Economics, Applied Economics, Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Application Questions
Is an online application sufficient to apply to the programme?
No, an application can only be evaluated when the online application form is accompanied with the printout of the first page of the application form, two reference letters and certified copies of your diplomas/transcripts.
What does providing certified copies mean?
All diploma's and transcripts of academic records should be certified as true and original by either the educational institution that issued them (in a sealed institution envelope) or by the local Belgian diplomatic office. Photocopies and faxes are not accepted. If you are still preparing for an examination at the time of application, you are requested to send – as soon as the results are available – a certificate attesting to the results.
Please add a document explaining the grading system of your country (i.e. comparing the grades to numeric score).
K.U.Leuven student registration procedure requires that the original diplomas are presented before you can be enrolled as a K.U.Leuven student. Therefore, all students need to bring their original diplomas on the IMPALLA starting day.
What is a proof of solvency?
This is any document that gives evidence of your financial situation. It can be:
- a copy of a grant/scholarship certificate if you benefit from any,
- a letter of confirmation from the person providing your financial support
- a document/bank statement giving evidence that you are able to afford your personal living expenses in Luxembourg and Belgium during the time of the programme (accommodation, meals, etc …)
What is a proof of payment (bank transfer) of the application fee?
EEA applicants do not have to pay application fee. For applicants with a nationality other than EEA, the application fee is 50 EUR. Bank transfer is to be made to:
KBC Bedrijvenkantoor
Brusselsesteenweg 100
3000 Leuven
Beneficiary's name: International Office KULeuven
Beneficiary's address: Naamsestraat 63, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Bank account number: 432-0000011-57
Swift/BIC code: KREDBEBB
IBAN number: BE09 4320 0000 1157
In the unstructured notification field that goes with the bank transfer, there should be 3 items included:
1. VGS number: The applicant should write " VGS: 400/0000/27826". Followed by
2. the amount of extra costs that the applicant's bank may be charging for the transfer. Extra costs are additional to the application fee of 50 euro and are to be paid by the applicant. Followed by
3. the applicant's Guest Account ID number. This is the number that identifies the applicant and that you get in step 5 of our application procedure.
In case the payment of the 50€ is a problem, please send an email with justification to impalla secretariat.
Should my referees be professors whom I have attended classes with?
It is important that the reference letters come from people who know you, who are aware of your skills and who would consider that the IMPALLA Programme would be a good orientation for your future career. The more they were satisfied with your performance, be it as a student or in a job, the better. Please make sure that at least one of the letters contains a judgement of your statistical skills.
Where should I send the documents that are additional to the online application?
Your application package must be sent to:
International Office, International Admissions and Mobility Unit
Naamsestraat 63 - bus 5410
B-3000 Leuven
Belgium
Please note that incomplete application packages cause a delay in treating your application and that your deadline may be passed.
Questions concerning additional IMPALLA requirements
Do I need to take an English language test?
Only applicants that have successfully completed a previous degree taught fully in English can be exempted from taking an English language test.
A certificate from a teacher saying that an applicant can speak English is not a sufficient proof of an adequate command of English. Excellent objective knowledge of English is a prerequisite to successfully complete the IMPALLA programme. As standards on what an adequate level of English is, vary from country to country, the IMPALLA programme requires the results of a standardized test in English (TOEFL or IELTS).
Do I have to take the self-test in statistics?
The self test in statistics is mandatory for all applicants. Its results will be taken into account when a decision is made regarding the admission. The IMPALLA programme assumes that applicants take this test individually. The presence of serious and consistent discrepancies between the self-test and grades from actual courses during the programme may lead to expulsion.
I'm currently enrolled in my last of 4 years of university studies. Can I apply for IMPALLA?
Yes, you can apply on the condition that you provide your graduation confirmation (transcript or diploma) before the start of the programme. Should you graduate after the start of the programme, we cannot take your application into account and advise you to postpone your application to next year.
Admission Process Questions
How does the admission process work?
The application, transcripts and English test sent to K.U. Leuven are screened on fraud by the International Admissions and Mobility Unit after which the whole package is forwarded to the IMPALLA responsible. The self test in statistics and the IMPALLA special requirements form are screened by the IMPALLA responsible only. Then, a selection committee that consists of the IMPALLA programme director, the Vice Dean for education of the K.U. Leuven Faculty of Social Sciences, the IMPALLA programme manager and the IMPALLA International Officer decides whether you are admitted. This means that application packages are evaluated on a "first come, first served" basis.
How will I find out if I am admitted?
If you are admitted to the programme, the IMPALLA secretariat will inform you by e-mail. All necessary documents for formalities such as those for obtaining a visa will be sent to you by registered mail by the IMPALLA secretariat.
If you are not admitted, the International Admissions and Mobility Unit will inform you by regular mail about the decision.
How long does the admission process take?
The selection committee of the IMPALLA programme meets on a regular basis starting late January. Normally, a meeting is scheduled every three weeks unless more meetings are needed due to the large number of applications. This means that the programme tries to come to a decision within 6 to 8 weeks after receiving the complete application package.
Financial Aid Questions
Can I apply for financial support from the programme?
Yes, limited financial support is possible on the basis of financial need or merit.