Leiden University

Leiden University has been elevating minds, pioneering research and having a real-world impact since 1575.  Broaden your horizons through one of our 46 bachelor’s programmes or 80 master’s programmes from our 7 faculties:  Archaeology, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Governance and Global Affairs, Medicine, Humanities and Law.  

Leiden University unites people and knowledge from all corners of the world. Currently there are approximately 28,500 students across the two campuses, with 10% coming from over 105 nations.

These days, the university has also a campus in The Hague. Both cities are located in the Western part of the Netherlands and are within 20-30 minutes of the international airport. Furthermore there are excellent train connections to other European mainland cities, such as Brussels, Paris and Berlin.  

Leiden Leiden is a typical university city: the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere.  It’s a small and safe city in the heart of Western Europe with many international students. The historical centre has many beautiful 16th and 17th century buildings, and is crisscrossed by canals, giving it a medieval feel.  The university buildings, new and old, are spread throughout the city.   However,  you will never more than a 10-minute bike ride away from your university destination.   

The Hague The Leiden University’s Campus The Hague is  just ten minutes by train from the city of Leiden. In the judicial capital of the world,  home of the International Court of Justice and the Peace Palace,  programmes based on the themes of peace and justice are offered within the Dutch and global context. The Hague is a cosmopolitan city bursting with style and culture, full of parks, elegant homes, embassies and non-government organizations. The city has always been the seat of national government and the official residence of the Dutch monarchs.  It is also one of the most international cities in the Netherlands, with over 40% of the population being comprised of expatriates.

Leiden University will contribute to your academic and your personal development. Besides attending lectures, you will be doing your own research into topics that are relevant to society today. Engage with our lecturers, who are renowned for their ground-breaking research and worldwide networks.  Benefit from the personal and interactive classroom experience. 

In its nearly 450 years of existence, our university has built a solid reputation. We invite you to follow in the footsteps of our 16 Nobel Laureates, and other notable alumni such as King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands, our current prime minister Mark Rutte and international DJ Armin van Buuren.  Not to mention former US president JohnQuincy Adams, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill,  and Albert Einstein!  Leiden University's good name will help you find a job after you graduate.

Your opinion matters. Whatever your views, whatever your faith, for us freedom of thought and opinion is key. Discover yourself. We would love to welcome you at Leiden University!