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 129 nationalities represented in a unique mosaic of cultures. We are a small-scale academic community where there is room for personal contact and regard for your talents and opportunities.
Learn from the best
Leiden University is among the top 100 universities in prominent international rankings. Our academic staff include many top scholars with an international reputation of excellence. 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.
Look beyond your boundaries
Leiden University attaches great value to freedom of spirit, thought, and speech. The University is open to everyone who is willing to get the best out of themselves. What binds us is the search for solutions to 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 for you.The 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.
One university, two locations
Leiden, with its 124,417 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’ll enjoy strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets and experiencing traditional Dutch architecture, but Leiden offers much more. A bike ride out to the beach or a stop at the Leiden University Sports Center will keep you fit, and 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, justice, and security. This location 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. The Hague is a cosmopolitan city with around 527,748 inhabitants representing over 100 nationalities. The city hosts some 160 international organizations and NGOs, including the International Court of Justice and several UN bodies. 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 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, email our student ambassadors, find us on social media, apply online, or contact us with your questions any time.
