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We must also ensure that study costs do not constitute a barrier to academic ambitions. POCs should take the lead in this and monitor the costs associated by raising awareness among their lecturers. Many student societies now organise second-hand book markets or have developed their own financial support measures. At the policy level, we will continue to work on accompanying measures to better support students facing financial challenges. Now that funding for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) exceeds the maximum percentage set by the Flemish government, talented international students are at risk of being left behind. We must support them with a targeted fee waiver policy, particularly for students from conflict areas and regions with specific socio-economic challenges.
Together with local and regional partners, we will also keep working on high-quality and affordable student housing on all campuses and for all students. Through the student societies, we will check in with commuting students about any barriers they face in attending lectures on campus, and we will look at how we can make the scheduling of in-person classes more commuter-friendly.

Together, we make KU Leuven

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence you have placed in me during what has already been an intense campaign. Now we are steaming ahead to the final round of voting! Because if you really want to bring a breath of fresh air to the university, you need to know exactly what is going on, what the needs are and how we can realistically address them. In short, you need to know KU Leuven inside out so that we can move forward together and leave no one behind. That’s why I am keen to continue the dialogue with you, because yes, together, we make KU Leuven.