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Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? AtLeiden University, the first university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.
We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!
Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? AtLeiden University, the first university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.
We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!
Leiden University is located in two exciting student cities: Leiden and The Hague. In addition to the 7 faculties each having their own main faculty building with lots of services, cafeterias and cafes, the university enjoys a student center in each location: Plexus Student Center in Leiden and the Beehive Student Center in The Hague. In addition we have the University Sports Center in Leiden.
Student counsellors
The student support is available when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised counselors. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.
The university also has a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.
Departmental study advisers and coordinators
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.
If you want to study at Leiden University, you can choose between the best of two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Leiden is a real student city. If you didn’t know better you might think that the historic and lively city of Leiden was made for students. Its atmospheric and compact center has everything that students could wish for: from university buildings to student pubs, and from student accommodation to student associations. Studying and living in The Hague broadens your perspective on the world and quickly gives you an international network. Studying in a city full of embassies, multinationals and international courts certainly has its advantages!
With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a first-
class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.
Career Services
Our career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career
step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for
an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year
after graduation.
Academic and professional network
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next
career step.
Internships and jobs
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our
career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Leiden University has a limited number scholarships opportunities for prospective master's students, though there are no full scholarships available. Students must be able to fund a portion of their studies even if they are awarded a scholarship. The majority of students will need to fully fund their tuition and living expenses in order to attend Leiden University. You can find more information on our scholarship page.
How do I apply?
There are a few simple steps to apply to the programme of your choice at Leiden University. The process is two-fold - registration in Studielink and submitting the online application form along with the required documentation prior to your deadline. There is a non-refundable application fee of €100 that includes application to up to three programmes/specialisations. Find out more details at our admissions and application page.
Applications for each academic year open on October 1st. Students need to first register in Studielink and then apply to their programme following the instructions given by their programme. Deadlines range per start date, per programme, and whether a student needs a visa/residence permit, so it's best to check carefully!
Leiden University
Leiden University, Leiden Netherlands
# =141QS World University Rankings
86Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes
22 % International students
Follow University
About Leiden University
Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University, the first university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.
We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!
Leiden University – The facts
Academic fields
Leiden has faculties in the fields of:
Bachelor’s programmes
Master’s programmes
Information for international students
About Leiden University
Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University, the first university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.
We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!
Leiden University – The facts
Academic fields
Leiden has faculties in the fields of:
Bachelor’s programmes
Master’s programmes
Information for international students
Available programmes
Arts and Humanities (5)
African Studies (BA)
African Studies (BA)
Archaeology (BA)
Archaeology (BA)
Arts, Media and Society (BA)
Arts, Media and Society (BA)
Dutch Studies (BA)
Dutch Studies (BA)
English Language and Culture (BA)
English Language and Culture (BA)
Linguistics (BA)
Linguistics (BA)
Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives (BA)
Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives (BA)
South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
Urban Studies (BA)
Urban Studies (BA)
Engineering and Technology (5)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
Life Sciences and Medicine (5)
Psychology (BSc)
Psychology (BSc)
Natural Sciences (5)
Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc)
Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc)
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
International Studies (BA)
International Studies (BA)
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (BA/BSc)
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (BA/BSc)
Political Science (BSc)
Political Science (BSc)
Security Studies (BSc)
Security Studies (BSc)
Arts and Humanities (5)
African Studies (MA)
African Studies (MA)
African Studies (research) (MA)
African Studies (research) (MA)
Archaeology (MA/MSc)
Archaeology (MA/MSc)
Archaeology (Research MA)
Archaeology (Research MA)
Arts and Culture (MA)
Arts and Culture (MA)
Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)
Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)
Asian Studies (MA) (1 year)
Asian Studies (MA) (1 year)
Asian Studies (MA) (2 years)
Asian Studies (MA) (2 years)
Asian Studies (research) (MA)
Asian Studies (research) (MA)
Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
History (MA)
History (MA)
History (research) (MA)
History (research) (MA)
Latin American Studies (MA)
Latin American Studies (MA)
Latin American Studies (research) (MA)
Latin American Studies (research) (MA)
Linguistics (MA)
Linguistics (MA)
Linguistics (research) (MA)
Linguistics (research) (MA)
Literary Studies (MA)
Literary Studies (MA)
Middle Eastern Studies (MA)
Middle Eastern Studies (MA)
Middle Eastern Studies (research) (MA)
Middle Eastern Studies (research) (MA)
North American Studies (MA)
North American Studies (MA)
Philosophy (MA) (120EC)
Philosophy (MA) (120EC)
Philosophy (MA) (60EC)
Philosophy (MA) (60EC)
Religious Studies (MA)
Religious Studies (MA)
Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA)
Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA)
Engineering and Technology (5)
Computer Science (MSc)
Computer Science (MSc)
Computer Science and Business Studies (MSc)
Computer Science and Business Studies (MSc)
Cyber Security (MSc)
Cyber Security (MSc)
Life Sciences and Medicine (5)
Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc)
Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc)
Biology (MSc)
Biology (MSc)
Biomedical Sciences (MSc)
Biomedical Sciences (MSc)
Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)
Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)
Life Science & Technology (MSc)
Life Science & Technology (MSc)
Population Health Management (MSc)
Population Health Management (MSc)
Psychology (MSc)
Psychology (MSc)
Psychology (research) (MSc)
Psychology (research) (MSc)
Technical Medicine (MSc)
Technical Medicine (MSc)
Natural Sciences (5)
Astronomy (MSc)
Astronomy (MSc)
Chemistry (MSc)
Chemistry (MSc)
Industrial Ecology (MSc)
Industrial Ecology (MSc)
Mathematics (MSc)
Mathematics (MSc)
Physics (MSc)
Physics (MSc)
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Child Law (LL.M.)
Child Law (LL.M.)
Creative Intelligence & Technology (MSc)
Creative Intelligence & Technology (MSc)
Crime and Criminal Justice (MSc)
Crime and Criminal Justice (MSc)
Crisis and Security Management (MSc)
Crisis and Security Management (MSc)
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
Education and Child Studies (MSc)
Education and Child Studies (MSc)
European Politics and Society (MA)
European Politics and Society (MA)
European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)
European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)
European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)
European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Governance of Sustainability (MSc)
Governance of Sustainability (MSc)
International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)
International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)
International Civil and Commercial Law (Advanced LL.M.)
International Civil and Commercial Law (Advanced LL.M.)
International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration (Advanced LL.M.)
International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration (Advanced LL.M.)
International Relations (MA)
International Relations (MA)
International Relations and Diplomacy (MSc)
International Relations and Diplomacy (MSc)
Language Teaching in Secondary Education (MA)
Language Teaching in Secondary Education (MA)
Language and Culture Education (MA)
Language and Culture Education (MA)
Law & Finance (Advanced LL.M.)
Law & Finance (Advanced LL.M.)
Law (LL.M.)
Law (LL.M.)
Law and Digital Technologies (Advanced LL.M.)
Law and Digital Technologies (Advanced LL.M.)
Law and Society (MSc)
Law and Society (MSc)
Media Studies (MA)
Media Studies (MA)
Political Science (MSc)
Political Science (MSc)
Public Administration (MSc)
Public Administration (MSc)
Public International Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Public International Law (Advanced LL.M.)
Statistics & Data Science (MSc)
Statistics & Data Science (MSc)
University information
Admissions processes and requirements are dependent on the level of study, programme and your credentials. Find out more here: general information about application and admission.
General
Varies per programme, please check our website!
Two cities: one university
Leiden University is located in two exciting student cities: Leiden and The Hague. In addition to the 7 faculties each having their own main faculty building with lots of services, cafeterias and cafes, the university enjoys a student center in each location: Plexus Student Center in Leiden and the Beehive Student Center in The Hague. In addition we have the University Sports Center in Leiden.
Take a virtual tour of our faculties
Student counsellors
The student support is available when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised counselors. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.
The university also has a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.
Departmental study advisers and coordinators
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.
Leiden University Student Affairs
Student life
If you want to study at Leiden University, you can choose between the best of two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Leiden is a real student city. If you didn’t know better you might think that the historic and lively city of Leiden was made for students. Its atmospheric and compact center has everything that students could wish for: from university buildings to student pubs, and from student accommodation to student associations. Studying and living in The Hague broadens your perspective on the world and quickly gives you an international network. Studying in a city full of embassies, multinationals and international courts certainly has its advantages!
Information for international students
Take a virtual tour of our student cities of Leiden and The Hague
With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a first-
class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.
Career Services
Our career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career
step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for
an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year
after graduation.
Academic and professional network
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next
career step.
Internships and jobs
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our
career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.
Leiden University Career Service
Cost of Living
Accomodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Rankings & Ratings
Leiden University is one of the top public universities in Leiden, Netherlands. It is ranked #=141 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Europe University Rankings - Western Europe
QS World University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Europe University Rankings - Western Europe
QS World University Rankings
Leiden University
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
open the map
Frequently Asked Questions
Leiden University has a limited number scholarships opportunities for prospective master's students, though there are no full scholarships available. Students must be able to fund a portion of their studies even if they are awarded a scholarship. The majority of students will need to fully fund their tuition and living expenses in order to attend Leiden University. You can find more information on our scholarship page.
There are a few simple steps to apply to the programme of your choice at Leiden University. The process is two-fold - registration in Studielink and submitting the online application form along with the required documentation prior to your deadline. There is a non-refundable application fee of €100 that includes application to up to three programmes/specialisations. Find out more details at our admissions and application page.
Applications for each academic year open on October 1st. Students need to first register in Studielink and then apply to their programme following the instructions given by their programme. Deadlines range per start date, per programme, and whether a student needs a visa/residence permit, so it's best to check carefully!