Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, has been excelling in the field of Arts, Law, and Science for almost five centuries. As per the 2023 QS Rankings, the university stands at 122 in the world. Despite Dutch being a primary language in the state, the university board has a range of programs that are taught in English, 12 programs at UG and 78 programs at PG-level. Explore Leiden University courses.
Check out our video review of Leiden University and get details related to fees, campus life, and much more.
Located in the two vibrant cities of the Netherlands in Leiden and The Hague, the university is home to 30,000 students belonging to 125+ countries. Admissions to Leiden University are comparatively easy as it has an acceptance rate around 63%. International students seeking admission to the university, especially PG programs, need 60% or above in academics with an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent).
The university has 16 Nobel laureates and several alumni working in well-established areas around the globe. The graduates of Leiden University draw a competitive salary 40,000 to 80,000 EUR. Unlike other Netherlands universities, the highest paying degree at Leiden University is Bachelor of Arts degree program.
Leiden University Rankings
Belonging to the top 1% global institutions, the rankings of Leiden University have improved over the years. The latest ranking for the institution are:
- QS World University Rankings 2023 place Leiden University at #112.
- As per Times Higher Education Rankings, the university ranks #70 in the world.
- THE has also honored the institution with World Reputation Rankings of #71-80 in 2023.
- For 2023, Leiden University’s ranking as per US News & World Report is #89 (tie) in the world and #26 in Europe.
- The CWUR 2023-2024 rankings for the university is #79 in the world and #2 in the Netherlands.
Highlights
| Year of Establishment | 1575 |
| Type of University | Public |
| Admission Portal | Studielink with 100 EUR fee |
| Admission Requirements | 60% or above |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
| Total No. of Students | 32,806 |
| Percentage of international students | 18% |
| No. of Programs | 47 UG and 78 PG |
| Nobel Prizes | 16 |
| Tests Required | IELTS or any equivalent test |
| Tuition for International Students (in EUR) | UG: 635.78 - 1099.75 PG: |
| Student Satisfaction (Scale 05) | UG: 4.1 & PG: 3.9 |
| Official website | https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en |
Leiden University Campus
Leiden University, established in 1575, operates with two campuses in the Netherlands. While the main campus is situated in the Leiden city itself, the university’s other campus is in the Hague. The details and key attractions of the Leiden University campuses are:
Leiden Campus
- Leiden Campus has around 6 main buildings on its premises, including parks and cafeterias.
- The Hortus Botanicus in Leiden is a must-visit place for the residents of Leiden.
- Eating places for students - Quintus Student Restaurant, Lipsius Refectory, or Cafe UBL at university Library.
- There are University Sports Centres in both campuses. In Leiden there are two - USC Leiden, USC PlexFit.
The Hague Campus
- The Hague campus of Leiden University has been operating for the last 20 years in The Hague.
- Hague Campus has a total of 18 study programs, 6,300 students, 500+ staff from 106 nations. This Campus has five buildings including the student center and runs all 7 faculties.
- Eating places at The Hague- Cafe and Restaurants are almost available at every building of the University, Faculty Club also provides Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at pocket-friendly prices.
- USC TheBuzz is the sports center at The Hague Campus of Leiden University.
Check: Student Review on Leiden University Campus
Leiden University Accommodation
International students are entitled to student housing facilities at both campuses via DUWO. The accommodations are offered on the basis of early applications. The deadlines for accommodation at university is
- June 1 for Fall Semester
- November 5 for Spring Semester.
The Leiden University accommodation options for international students are:
| Type of Rooms | Average Costs at Leiden (in EUR) | Average Costs at The Hague (in EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Single/ Shared Rooms with common kitchen and bathroom facilities | 425 - 650 | 425 - 615 |
| Studio Apartments with own kitchen and area of living | 405 - 955 | 640 - 860 |
Leiden University Programs and Faculties
Leiden University specializes in scientific research-based programs as well as teaching. The university comprises seven faculties spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague. These include:
- Archeology
- Government and Global Affairs
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Medicine
Cumulatively, these faculties offer 47 bachelors programs and 78 masters degree programs. Some of the top Leiden University subjects as per QS Subject-rankings 2023 are:
- Classical & Ancient History (#4)
- Archeology (#8)
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology (#11)
- History (#15)
- Politics (#22)
- Law and Legal Studies (#24)
- Linguistics (#31)
Leiden University Application Process
The application process for international students seeking admission at Leiden University, in 2023, is mentioned below:
- Check and choose their UG or PG program
- Verify the admission requirements and check the deadline.
- Gather the admission documents
- Passport or ID card
- A copy of the Dutch renaissance permit (which you’ll have to apply for early)
- Resume
- English Language Proficiency Tests
- Diploma and Transcripts
- Letter of Motivation
- Recommendation
- Start the application via Studielink
The admission deadline for September session at Leiden University is April 1, 2023
English Language Proficiency Tests
The minimum score required for English Language Proficiency Tests
Leiden University Cost of Attendance
For international students commencing their studies at Leiden University, the cost of attendance includes tuition expenses, housing, transportation, and other living expenses. The estimated cost of attendance at Leiden University mentioned below:
Tuition Fees
| Faculty or Program | Tuition fees (in EUR) |
|---|---|
| All Bachelors Course | 635.78 - 1099.75 |
| Faculty of Archeology, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences and Governance & Global Affairs | 17.716 |
| Faculty of Science MSc Industrial Ecology | 18.016 |
| Faculty of Medicine/LUMC | 18.016 - 26.216 |
Cost of Living After Housing and deposits, monthly living expenses in Leiden are somewhere between 928 EUR and 1378 EUR. This amount includes monthly rent, groceries, clothing and shoes, travel expenses, books, study materials, sports, and entertainment.
| Expense Type | Annual Cost (in EUR) |
|---|---|
| Housing Fee and Deposit | 350-500 |
| Health Insurance | 80 - 120 |
| Cleaning Costs | 77.50 |
| Bed Linen Package | 45 |
| Kitchenware and essentials | 57 |
| The Hague municipal taxes | 234 (subject to change) |
| Water Authority Levies | 216 (subject to change) |
Leiden University Scholarships
Although international students are eligible for a limited range of Leiden University scholarships, the benefits offered are outstanding. Some of the external and internal scholarships applicable for Indian applicants of Leiden University are:
| Scholarship Name | Specific Course | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | All Bachelors | 5,000 to 15,000 EUR |
| Leiden University Excellence Scholarship | All Masters, LLM - Advanced Studies, MSc - International Relations, and diplomacy | Tuition fee waiver |
| Children Rights Scholarship - 1 | MA - Advanced Studies Programme in International Children’s Rights. | 15,000 EUR |
| Kuiper Overpelt Study Fund | MA - Advanced Studies Programme in International Children’s Rights | 25,000 EUR |
Leiden University Alumni
Leiden University alumni community comprises 200,000 professionals currently working in 141 countries. Some notable alumni of Leiden University are :
- Mark Rutte, Current President of Netherlands
- Paul Verhoeven, Dutch Director
- Edith Schippers, a Former member of the house of representatives of the Netherlands.
- Eva Jinek, Dutch-American Journalist
- Melissa Drost, Dutch Actress
Leiden University Placements
University provides career planning tests and guidance to prepare its students for better jobs and internships. Leiden University’s Career Services offer support in various areas such as Career Advice, Internship Advice, Career tests, workshops, etc.
Some of the highest paying degrees at Leiden University are:
| Degree | Average Salary (in EUR) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 114,000 |
| Master of Arts | 111,000 |
| LLM | 79,000 |
| Masters in Science | 48,000 |
| Bachelor of Science | 40,000 |
In total, the university offers 47 bachelor’s and 78 master's programs along with various short-term and associate degree courses. Leiden University is a highly reputed international institution, it is a founding member of the League of European Research Universities. The university’s premises are quite historical in structure and possess an old architectural paradigm.
FAQs
Ques. Is Leiden an expensive city?
Ans. In comparison to other European countries and their educational expenses, Leiden is quite cheap and affordable to stay at.
Ques. How to apply for Leiden University?
Ans. Through Studielink. Most Universities in the Netherlands have a Common Application link to apply for all the colleges.
Ques. Does Leiden University provide any financial aid to International Students?
Ans. Yes, The university provides various Loans and Scholarships as financial aids.
Ques. How many campuses does the university have?
Ans. Leiden University has two campuses.
Ques. Does Leiden University allow work while studying?
Ans. Yes, you may work while studying in the Netherlands.
Ques. How long does it take the admission process?
Ans. Currently, for bachelor’s programs, it takes 2-4 weeks and 6-8 weeks for master’s application.
Ques. Is the university going to open from 1st September 2023?
Ans. It is still unclear whether the university is going to open or not but students can follow up with online classes.
Ques. Do I need to get quarantined upon my arrival in the Netherlands?
Ans. Yes, International students need to get quarantined for 10 days upon their arrival.
