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Leiden University

Leiden, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
#4 National #119 QS World #70 THE #101 ARWU
Leiden University campus
Founded 1575 €18k - €23k/yr

About Leiden University

Leiden University, located in the charming city of Leiden, Netherlands, is a highly esteemed European research university renowned for its rich history and academic excellence. Established in 1575, it is the oldest university in the Netherlands and has consistently maintained a strong international reputation, attracting students and scholars from across the globe.

Academics


Leiden University boasts a wide array of faculties, including Archaeology, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Governance and Global Affairs. The university is known for its research-driven teaching approach, encouraging critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable programs often include those in international law, astronomy, and Asian studies, benefiting from the university's strong research institutes and global partnerships. The university also emphasizes multidisciplinary strengths, allowing students to combine various fields of study.

International Students


Leiden University offers extensive support services for international students, including assistance with admission, housing, and visa applications. A significant number of master's and bachelor's programs are taught entirely in English, making it highly accessible for non-Dutch speakers. The university prides itself on its diverse student body, fostering a multicultural environment and promoting cultural integration through various events and student organizations. These organizations help international students connect with peers and adapt to Dutch life.

Campus & Location


Leiden offers a vibrant yet historic city life, characterized by its picturesque canals, charming alleyways, and lively student population. The university's buildings are integrated throughout the city, creating a unique campus experience where academic life blends seamlessly with urban living. Transportation within Leiden is primarily by bicycle or on foot, and the city is well-connected by public transport to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. Nearby attractions include numerous museums, botanical gardens, and historical sites, offering a rich cultural experience.

Career Outcomes


Leiden University graduates demonstrate strong employment rates, benefiting from the institution's robust industry connections and comprehensive career services. The university's Career Zone provides students with resources such as career counseling, workshops, and networking events to prepare them for the job market. Graduates find opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including government, international organizations, research, and multinational corporations. While specific startup culture statistics may vary, the university's focus on research and innovation often fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among its students.

Highlights

  • Oldest Dutch university
  • Renowned research institution
  • Diverse international community
  • English-taught programs
  • Historic city integration
  • Multidisciplinary academic strengths

Subject Areas

LawHumanitiesMedicineSocial SciencesAstronomy

Student Life & Support

Campus Housing

Photos

Leiden University photo 1Leiden University photo 2Leiden University photo 3Leiden University photo 4Leiden University photo 5Leiden University photo 6Leiden University photo 7Leiden University photo 8Leiden University photo 9

Programs Offered at Leiden University (21)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Computer Science Law Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (7)

Archaeology

Archaeology

Archaeology
archaeology bachelor programbsc archaeology in netherlandsbachelor archaeology in netherlandsstudy archaeology in leidenarchaeology program
36 months English Full-time

€25,300/yr

International Studies

International Relations

International Relations
bachelorrelationsinternationalstudies
36 months English Full-time

€15,900/yr

Law

Law

Law
babachelorbengbsbsc
36 months Dutch Full-time

€15,900/yr

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Liberal Arts and Sciences
liberal arts and sciences at Leiden Universityinternational liberal arts and sciences programstudy liberal arts and sciences in netherlandsBSc liberal arts and sciencesliberal arts and sciences in leiden
36 months English Full-time

€15,900/yr

Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences

STEM

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences
international pharmaceutical sciences degreebs degree pharmaceutical sciencespharmaceutical sciences abroadbio-pharmaceutical sciencesbachelor pharmaceutical sciences
36 months English Full-time

€15,900/yr

Psychology

STEM

Psychology

Psychology
psychologycognitive psychologybehavioral psychologysocial psychologyclinical psychology
36 months English Full-time

€15,900/yr

Public Administration

Public Administration

Public Administration
bachelor in public administrationstudy public administrationstudy public administration in netherlandsbachelor public administration netherlandspublic administration program leiden
36 months English Full-time

€15,900/yr

Master Programs (10)

African Studies

African Studies

African Studies
africanafrican studiesgraduateleiden universityma
12 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology

Anthropology

Sociology
anthropologycultural anthropologycultural anthropology and development sociologycultural studiesethnography
12 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Archaeology (Research)

Archaeology

Archaeology
leiden university masters programmaster archaeologymasters archaeologyenglish masters in netherlandsmsc archaeology
24 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Astronomy

STEM

Astronomy

Astronomy
masters in astronomymasters astronomystudy astronomy in netherlandsmasters in astronomy in netherlandsastronomy program in leiden
24 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences
biomedicalbiomedical sciencesenglish languageleidenmaster
24 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computercomputer sciencemasternetherlandsscience
24 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Advanced Studies in International Civil and Commercial Law

Law

Law
law schoolmsc law in netherlandsmsc lawllb programmaster of law
12 months English Full-time

€21,000/yr

Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
political science degreepolitical science in Leidenpolitical science programmaster's political sciencetop political science schools in Netherlands
12 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Psychology (Research)

STEM

Psychology

Psychology
ms psychologymsc psychologypsychologist degreemaster in psychologypsychology (research)
24 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

Crisis and Security Management

Security Studies

Security and Crisis Management
english languageleidenmasternetherlandssecurity
12 months English Full-time

€19,300/yr

PhD Programs (4)

PhD in Archaeology

Archaeology

Archaeology
PhD in archaeologydoctorate in archaeologydoctoral program archaeologyPhD program archaeologystudy archaeology in netherlands
48 months English Full-time

PhD in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
phd in computer sciencedoctorate in computer sciencePhD program computer sciencedoctoral degree computer scienceresearch doctorate computer science
48 months English Full-time

PhD in Law

Law

Law
law degreestudy Law in Netherlandslaw schoolstudy in Leiden LawPhD Law Leiden University
48 months English Full-time

PhD in Psychology

STEM

Psychology

Psychology
doctoraldoctoratenetherlandsphdpsychology
48 months English Full-time

Leiden University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

Intakes Fall, Spring
Tuition (per year) €18k - €23k/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leiden University

Common questions from international students considering Leiden University.

How much does Leiden University cost for international students?

Tuition at Leiden University ranges from €18k - €23k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Leiden University ranked globally?

Leiden University holds the following rankings: QS World #119, Times Higher Education #70, ARWU #101, #4 in Netherlands. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

When does Leiden University start its semesters?

Leiden University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Leiden University offer?

Leiden University offers 20+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Leiden University located?

Leiden University is located in Leiden, Netherlands 🇳🇱. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What is the tuition cost at Leiden University?

For specific details about Leiden University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How do I apply to Leiden University?

For specific details about Leiden University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Leiden University offer?

For specific details about Leiden University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does Leiden University compare to similar universities?

Leiden University is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #119). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

What scholarships are available at Leiden University?

For specific details about Leiden University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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