The main institution is the University of Luxembourg (Université du Luxembourg, Uni.lu), founded in 2003. Around 7,200 students from 148 countries study there, and 60% of them come from abroad. The university has three faculties:
Classes take place on three campuses: Belval, Kirchberg and Limpertsberg.
Besides the university there are accredited private institutions – including Lunex University (sport and physiotherapy) and the Luxembourg School of Business (MBA and management) – and the European centre of the American Miami University. Public secondary schools also run higher technician programmes (BTS).
Studies follow the Bologna system:
Outside the universities you can earn a BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur) – 2–3 years of professional training at public secondary schools, e.g. in animation, construction, healthcare and management.
The academic year at Uni.lu starts in mid-September. Many programmes are bilingual or trilingual (French, German, English), and some are taught entirely in English.
Luxembourg – bachelor's programmes
Luxembourg – integrated (single-cycle) programmes
Luxembourg – master's programmes
Luxembourg – doctoral programmes
You apply directly to the University of Luxembourg through its online platform. You can apply for up to three programmes; the university charges an administrative fee of €100 per application.
Deadlines: for applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, applications for 2026/27 opened on 1 February 2026 and close on different dates depending on the programme. Applicants from outside the EU have earlier deadlines – in 2026 their application period had already closed while it was still open for EU applicants. Plan ahead: after admission you still need a temporary authorisation to stay, which can take up to 60 days (see: Residence and formalities).
For a bachelor's programme you need a secondary school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued, and proof that you know all the languages the programme is taught in. For a master's – a bachelor's degree in a related field. The exact requirements for each programme are on its web page under "Admissions".
There are usually no traditional entrance exams – the university assesses your documents and, above all, your skills in the languages the programme is taught in. Some programmes have additional selection steps – you'll find the details on the programme's page.
Luxembourg has three languages: Luxembourgish (the national language) plus French and German (also used in public administration). At Uni.lu, programmes are bilingual, trilingual or taught entirely in English, and you must prove your level in every language of instruction according to the CEFR scale.
An example: the Bachelor en Cultures Européennes – English Studies required English at level C1, a second language (French or German) at B2 and a third at A2. English dominates at master's level – a certificate helps, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL, and for French DELF or DALF.
You don't need Luxembourgish for your studies, but it makes everyday life and job hunting easier.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa. You have two obligations instead:
If you are insured in another EU country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Students from outside the EU/EEA must apply for a temporary authorisation to stay as a student before entering Luxembourg – to the General Department of Immigration (Ministry of Home Affairs), directly or through a Luxembourg embassy or consulate. You will need a copy of your whole passport, a criminal record extract, proof of enrolment, proof of sufficient resources – at least 80% of the current social inclusion income (REVIS) a month – and proof of health insurance. The answer usually comes within 60 days. If your nationality requires a visa, you then apply for a type D visa. After arrival you declare your arrival at the commune within 3 days, have a medical check (including tuberculosis screening) and apply for your residence permit for students within 3 months (fee €80). The permit is valid for at least one year (or the length of your studies, if shorter) and you renew it within 2 months before it expires.
At the University of Luxembourg everyone pays the same – there is no difference between EU and non-EU students. The registration fee is usually €400 per semester (Uni.lu data from 2025), although it depends on the programme.
According to Eurydice (April 2025), bachelor's students pay €400 per semester in semesters 1 and 2 and €200 in semesters 3–6. Some master's programmes cost more, e.g. the Master in Accounting and Audit – €1,600 per semester, the Master in Psychotherapy – €2,600 per semester, and the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation – €5,000 for the first year and €3,000 for the second.
On top of that there is €100 for each application. Private institutions set their own fees.
Luxembourg is expensive. Uni.lu says you need at least €1,517 a month (2025 data), i.e. €18,211 for an academic year. To get started – registration, insurance, deposit, first rent and food – plan for at least €2,700.
The university has around 1,000 places in residences, but it does not guarantee a room for everyone – apply as soon as you are admitted. You'll find more about student life on luxembourg.public.lu.
What you can apply for:
EU/EEA citizens can work in Luxembourg without a permit. Students at Uni.lu and on BTS programmes can work on a fixed-term student contract: during the academic year on average up to 15 hours a week (60 hours in a month or 4 weeks), in the holidays up to 40 hours a week. You are entitled to at least the minimum wage for your age.
Students from outside the EU/EEA with a residence permit for students may also work, up to 15 hours a week averaged over a month; during the holidays there is no limit on hours.
For casual jobs, French, German or Luxembourgish helps. Start with the Uni.lu careers office.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.