Be a part of it
Tiptoe through the tulips—really! Located in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands, Leiden and The Hague are home to Leiden University’s seven faculties. Leiden is a smaller, traditional university town overflowing with character, and The Hague is the stately international city of peace, justice, and security. Both cities are ideally located just a 20-minute train journey from the international airport, 30 minutes from Amsterdam, and a 20-minute bike ride from the beach. There are many cultural, social, and outdoor activities offered. The Netherlands is the gateway to Europe, easily allowing you to expand your study adventure even further.
Type of school: Public research university founded in 1575
Size of campus: Leiden University’s faculties are located throughout the beautiful and historical cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Number of students: 28,130
Number of faculty: 6,700 faculty and support staff
Colleges, programs, and degrees: Leiden University offers 14 English-taught bachelor’s programs.Programs are three years in length and are offered in the topics of Archaeology; Arts, Media, and Society; Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology; Dutch Studies; English Language and Culture; International Relations and Organisations; International Studies; Linguistics; Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives; Psychology; Security Studies; South and Southeast Asian Studies; and Urban Studies.
Leiden University College offers six flexible majors in the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges program: World Politics; International Justice; Global Public Health; Earth, Energy, and Sustainability; Governance, Economics, and Development; and Human Diversity, with many choices of minors.
Geographic diversity: Leiden University students come from over 120 nations worldwide.
International student services: A wide portfolio of international student services are offered. Orientation weeks, International Student Advisors, career centers, clubs and associations, University Sports Center, psychological counseling, Fenestra Center, Housing Office, and study and program coordinators are available for students.
International student BuDGET: Monthly expenses including rent, groceries, some travel, books, and incidentals range from $1,000–$1,200 USD* per month.
2019–2020 Academic Year Tuition:
• Non-EU/EEA citizens: $12,300–$15,000 USD*, depending on the program
• EU/EEA citizens: $2,350–$5,000 USD*, depending on the program
Financial aid: The Holland Scholarship is offered to non-EU/EEA citizens and is a one-time award of $5,650 USD* in the first year of study. It is a competitive merit-based scholarship.EU or EEA citizens are eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government (more information at duo.nl).
Test score requirements: No SAT or ACT required, but admission requirements vary by diploma (admissible diplomas are listed on our website). International applicants who are non-native English speakers or without an IB diploma or diploma from Canada (not including Quebec), the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand will be required to submit IELTS or TOEFL results as part of the admission process. Most programs require a 6.5 IELTS or 90 iBT TOEFL score, with the exception of Leiden University College, which requires a 7 IELTS or 100 iBT TOEFL score.
Application deadlines and fees:
• September enrollment:
- January 1: Early Bird (Leiden University College)
- January 15: Early Bird (Security Studies)
- January 15: Psychology (Numerus Fixus)
- January 15: International Relations and Organisations (Numerus Fixus)
- April 1: Regular deadline for all other programs for non-EU/EEA citizens
- May 1: Final deadline for Security Studies
- June 15: Final deadline for all other programs for EU/EEA citizens
• Application fee: $57 USD* for Leiden University College; $123 USD* for all other programs
* All fees noted in USD are approximate. All fees are charged in euro, so please visit our website for accurate fees and check for current exchange rates.
Be a part of it
For almost 450 years, students and lecturers from all over the world have come to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden University offers you a truly international experience with 120 nationalities represented in aunique mosaic of cultures. We are a small-scale academic communitywhere there is room for personal contact and regard for your talents and opportunities.
Learn from the best
Leiden University is among the top100 universities in prominent international rankings. Our academic staff include many top scholars with an international reputation of excellence. You will have the chance to closelyinteract with Leiden’s scholars and thinkers, conducting your own research and exploring topics that are timely and relevant.
Look beyond your boundaries
Leiden University attaches great value to freedom of spirit, thought, andspeech. The University is open to everyone who is willing to get the bestout of themselves. What binds us isthe search for solutions for current global challenges, a search that we conduct with an open mind. We don’t shy away from difficult discussions,and we allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded, and critical attitude from you.
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 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 14 bachelor’s programs taught (and examined) in English.All research bachelor’s programs in the Netherlands are three years in length.Whether you’re interested in cultures, history, languages (studied or spoken), international law, safety/security issues,human rights, human behavior, debate and ethics, politics, art and social media, the plight of refugees, sustainability, health issues, diversity, or why humans do the things we do—and much, much more—Leiden University may offer a program that’s perfect foryou.The University also offers an honors college experience with LeidenUniversity 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 featuresthe flexible and personalized benefitsof the liberal arts and sciences philosophy of education.
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 becamehome to the first Dutch university in 1575, and many of the University buildings are still located in the picturesque city center. You’ll enjoy strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets and experiencing traditional Dutch architecture, but Leiden offers much more. Take, forinstance, the myriad 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 keepyou fit, and joining the InternationalStudent 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 inThe Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. Thislocation was chosen specifically, as the programs and research taking place here reflect the themes that are important to this center of government and international diplomacy. TheHague 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 can still be savored today on the streets and squares near the Houses of Parliament and many other historical buildings. It’s also a relaxed city that you’ll 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 theprogram of your choice.Not able to see us in person?Meet us at a schoolevent near you, try out a program inone of our Online Experiences, emailour student ambassadors, find us onsocial media, apply online, or contact us with your questions any time.
Remember to brush up on your biking skills too!It’s the main mode of transportation in the Netherlands!
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