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KU Leuven Philosophy motivation letter and reading assignment
KU Leuven's Institute of Philosophy requires Bachelor of Philosophy applicants to submit both a motivation letter and a reading and writing assignment. The letter explains academic preparation and reasons for studying philosophy at the institute, with an invited reflection on background and contribution to the community. The separate assignment asks applicants to read a supplied Hannah Arendt text and answer nine short questions with individual word limits. The standard and abridged degree routes have different prior-study and language requirements.
Writing format
Two-page motivation letter plus a separate nine-question academic reading assignment
What to prepare
- 1In the motivation letter, connect a philosophical question you have explored to your academic background and reasons for choosing the institute.
- 2If relevant, explain a study interruption and the perspective you would bring to the academic community without treating those optional topics as replacements for motivation.
- 3Read the supplied text closely and answer each of the nine assignment questions within its own stated word range, including examples you develop yourself where requested.
How to approach the writing
- Keep the letter within two pages in 12-point Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing, as the institute specifies.
- Submit the letter and assignment as separate materials. The 63-ECTS abridged route also asks for a list of completed philosophy coursework and credits.
Before you submit
The institute's published dates are for 2026–27 and have passed; wait for its next application calendar before applying. Check the standard or abridged route, the correct KU Leuven or Flemish-institution submission process, and the current assignment PDF and answer sheet. Do not reuse an old text if the institute changes it.
Read KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy bachelor application ↗Read KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy application calendar ↗Official source checked 2026-09-26.