Leiden University has been elevating minds, pioneering research and having a real-world impact since 1575. Broaden your horizons through one of our 12 English-taught bachelor’s programmes or 78 master’s programmes from our 7 faculties: Archaeology, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Governance and Global Affairs, Medical Sciences, Humanities and Law.
Leiden University unites people and knowledge from all corners of the world. Currently there are approximately 29,000 students across the two campuses, with 16% coming from over 121 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.
LeidenLeiden 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 HagueThe 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 15 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!
Leiden University enjoys two locations: the university town of Leiden, and the bustling, stately International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague. The cities are the campus background for the university. Leiden offers the main faculty buildings for our Science, Law, Social and Behavioural Science, Humanities, Medical Sciences, Archaeology faculties, as well as the Plexus Student Center, the University Library, the University Sports Center and the main Academy Building for the university. Students also have access to the Hortus Botanicus (botanical gardens) of the University.
Studying in the Netherlands is an excellent choice for many reasons. The quality of education is high, the value for tuition is very good, there is no language barrier as nearly everyone speaks English, and the student experience is fantastic! This applies to Leiden University as well, as students have many options to engage with the university and other students across Leiden and The Hague.
We start with either The Hague Orientation Programme (HOP Week) or the Orientation Week Leiden (OWL Week) to help students integrate into their city, meet other students, have some fun, meet their faculty and support staff, and even buy a bike! This is a week for students to feel welcome and at home before they begin their classes. It's not to be missed.
Once you've arrived there are several services available from student housing, international student advisors, social and psychological assistance and more, just in case you need it. There are many social clubs, sports clubs and study associations that welcome international students as well. Groups such as the International Student Network (ISN), Leiden United, and all the study associations that are a part of faculties/programmes are at your disposal. You won't be at a loss to find something extracurricular to do!
Admissions processes and requirements are dependent on the level of study, programme and your credentials. Find out more here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/admission-and-application
The Career Service offers support if you have questions about your career, your personal profile, the job market and job applications. It’s a good idea to start thinking about your future (academic) career as early as your first year of studies. You should familiarise yourself with the job market, draw up a personal profile and start working on your CV. Leiden University would be happy to help you.
Your career advisor can help you to plan your career, learn more about the job market and give form to your personal profile. Even in your first year of studies your career advisor can offer tips and advice for your future career.
A career advice meeting can cover aspects such as:
Each faculty also has a career service dedicated to you and your preparation for the job market or continued education.
Please check the specific English language requirements for your chosen course with the university.
