Leiden University

A research university with an international perspective
Leiden University, the Netherlands, offers a truly international experience with more than 105 nationalities represented across the student body. At our University you will find an inspiring community of students, lecturers, and professors who come from all over the world. 

Excellent reputation
During its 450+ years, our University has built a solid position of authority, which today is highly recognized both in the academic and the professional worlds. As a top 100–ranked university, our academic staff include many leading scholars with an international reputation of excellence. Their research helps answer the questions our society is facing today and has a real-world impact. Students participate in that research, as our staff bring the exciting new insights they are gaining into the lecture rooms and laboratories.

Many recognizable scholars and personalities have graced the halls of Leiden University over the centuries. You could follow in the footsteps of notables such as former US president John Quincy Adams; Albert Einstein; current Dutch monarch, King Willem Alexander; or current Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte; and even popular culture icons such as DJ Armin van Buren. 

Bachelor’s programs
We strive to create an environment in which academics and students have the opportunity to excel. As a university with a responsibility to society and to future generations, Leiden provides excellent research and teaching that make the world a safer, healthier, more sustainable, prosperous, and just place—at the local, regional, and global levels.

Leiden University currently offers nine bachelor’s programs taught (and examined) in English. All research bachelor’s programs in the Netherlands are three years in length. Choose from Archaeology; Arts, Media, and Society (Art History); Dutch Studies; International Relations and Organizations (Political Science); International Studies; Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives; Psychology; and South and Southeast Asian Studies. Leiden University also offers an honors college experience with Leiden University College The Hague. There are six majors to choose from within the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges program. This is a unique living and learning community within the larger University that features the flexible and personalized benefits of the liberal arts and sciences philosophy of education.

Personal and challenging
As a student you will have the chance to closely interact with Leiden’s scholars and thinkers, conducting your own research and exploring topics that are timely and relevant. Our teaching is personal and challenging, and we make use of innovative education methods. 

Not only will you have access to our outstanding facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries with internationally acclaimed collections, but you will get to know your lecturers, program coordinators, and fellow classmates through discussion, debate, and teamwork. We will provide an environment in which you can excel, and we will encourage you to give your best! Your opinion matters. Whatever your views, freedom of opinion and expression is paramount to us.

One university, two locations
Leiden is the founding city and the heart of the University, and six of the seven faculties are based here. Leiden, with its 123,000 inhabitants, is a lively, compact, and safe city, which is much appreciated by national and international students alike. This historical city became home to the first Dutch university in 1575, and many of the University buildings are still located in the picturesque city center. You will enjoy strolling through the narrow cobbled streets and experiencing traditional Dutch architecture, but Leiden offers much more. Take, for instance, the myriad of lovely restaurants and cafés; the venues for theater, music, and film; or the first-class museums. A bike ride out to the beach or a stop at the Leiden University Sports Center will keep you fit, while joining the International Student Network will get you connected to the social heartbeat of the University. Leiden is truly a university town where there is always something to do, friends to meet, and Dutch culture to experience. 

Our second campus location is in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. This location was chosen intentionally, as the programs and research taking place here reflect the themes that are important to this center of government and international diplomacy. The Hague is a cosmopolitan city with around 500,000 inhabitants representing over 100 nationalities. The city hosts some 160 international organizations and NGOs, including the International Court of Justice and several UN bodies. As the seat of the Dutch government, it has a rich history that still can be savored today on the streets and squares near the Houses of Parliament and many other historical buildings. It is also a relaxed city you will enjoy working and living in, with its many parks and beaches within cycling distance.

Make studying in Holland a reality
Find out what it takes to become a student at Leiden University by visiting our website, attending an open day, or scheduling a campus visit to the program of your choice. Not able to see us in person? Meet us at a school/event near you, try out a program in one of our Online Experiences, e-mail our student ambassadors, find us on social media, apply online, or contact us with your questions anytime. Remember to brush up on your biking skills too. It’s the main mode of transportation in the Netherlands!