Leiden University Overview
Leiden University, established in 1575, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. With a long history of academic excellence, it offers a wide range of programs in various fields of study.
Academic Excellence
Leiden University boasts a strong faculty team consisting of renowned scholars and experts in their respective fields. It is known for its high-quality research and innovative teaching methods, providing students with a challenging and stimulating academic environment.
Key Disciplines
The university excels in areas such as Law, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. It offers a diverse range of programs, catering to the interests and career goals of students from different backgrounds.
Research Achievements
Leiden University has a rich history of groundbreaking research and scientific discoveries. Its research output is highly regarded globally, contributing to advancements in various fields and enhancing the university's reputation as a leading research institution.
Specialized Programs
Leiden University offers specialized programs in fields such as International Relations, Archaeology, Environmental Sciences, and Public Administration. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field.
Talent Development
The university is committed to developing future leaders and professionals through its innovative teaching methods and practical learning experiences. It provides students with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and industry collaborations to enhance their skills and employability.
Social Reputation
Leiden University has a strong social reputation, known for producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers. Its alumni network is extensive, with many successful professionals and leaders in various industries, reflecting the university's commitment to excellence in education.
Programmes
Bachelor(17) / UG(17)
Arts and Humanities(9)
- •African Studies (BA)
- •Archaeology (BA)
- •Arts, Media and Society (BA)
- •Dutch Studies (BA)
- •English Language and Culture (BA)
- •Linguistics (BA)
- •Philosophy: Global and Comparative Perspectives (BA)
- •South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
- •Urban Studies (BA)
Engineering and Technology(1)
- •Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
Life Sciences and Medicine(1)
- •Psychology (BSc)
Natural Sciences(1)
- •Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc)
Social Sciences and Management(5)
- •Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
- •International Studies (BA)
- •Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (BA/BSc)
- •Political Science (BSc)
- •Security Studies (BSc)
Master(69) / PG(69)
Arts and Humanities(25)
- •African Studies (MA)
- •African Studies (research) (MA)
- •Archaeology (MA/MSc)
- •Archaeology (Research MA)
- •Arts and Culture (MA)
- •Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)
- •Asian Studies (MA) (1 year)
- •Asian Studies (MA) (2 years)
- •Asian Studies (research) (MA)
- •Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
- •Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
- •History (MA)
- •History (research) (MA)
- •Latin American Studies (MA)
- •Latin American Studies (research) (MA)
- •Linguistics (MA)
- •Linguistics (research) (MA)
- •Literary Studies (MA)
- •Middle Eastern Studies (MA)
- •Middle Eastern Studies (research) (MA)
- •North American Studies (MA)
- •Philosophy (MA) (120EC)
- •Philosophy (MA) (60EC)
- •Religious Studies (MA)
- •Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA)
Engineering and Technology(3)
- •Computer Science (MSc)
- •Computer Science and Business Studies (MSc)
- •Cyber Security (MSc)
Life Sciences and Medicine(9)
- •Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc)
- •Biology (MSc)
- •Biomedical Sciences (MSc)
- •Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)
- •Life Science & Technology (MSc)
- •Population Health Management (MSc)
- •Psychology (MSc)
- •Psychology (research) (MSc)
- •Technical Medicine (MSc)
Natural Sciences(5)
- •Astronomy (MSc)
- •Chemistry (MSc)
- •Industrial Ecology (MSc)
- •Mathematics (MSc)
- •Physics (MSc)
Social Sciences and Management(27)
- •Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)
- •Child Law (LL.M.)
- •Creative Intelligence & Technology (MSc)
- •Crime and Criminal Justice (MSc)
- •Crisis and Security Management (MSc)
- •Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
- •Education and Child Studies (MSc)
- •European Politics and Society (MA)
- •European and International Business Law (Advanced LL.M.)
- •European and International Human Rights Law (Advanced LL.M.)
- •Governance of Sustainability (MSc)
- •International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)
- •International Civil and Commercial Law (Advanced LL.M.)
- •International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration (Advanced LL.M.)
- •International Relations (MA)
- •International Relations and Diplomacy (MSc)
- •Language Teaching in Secondary Education (MA)
- •Language and Culture Education (MA)
- •Law & Finance (Advanced LL.M.)
- •Law (LL.M.)
- •Law and Digital Technologies (Advanced LL.M.)
- •Law and Society (MSc)
- •Media Studies (MA)
- •Political Science (MSc)
- •Public Administration (MSc)
- •Public International Law (Advanced LL.M.)
- •Statistics & Data Science (MSc)
University Information
Admission
General
Facilities
Two cities: one university
Leiden University is located in two exciting student cities: Leiden and The Hague. In addition to the 7 faculties each having their own main faculty building with lots of services, cafeterias and cafes, the university enjoys a student center in each location: Plexus Student Center in Leiden and the Beehive Student Center in The Hague. In addition we have the University Sports Center in Leiden.
Take a virtual tour of our faculties
Student counsellors
The student support is available when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised counselors. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.
The university also has a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.
Departmental study advisers and coordinators
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.
Students & Staff
Student life
If you want to study at Leiden University, you can choose between the best of two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Leiden is a real student city. If you didn’t know better you might think that the historic and lively city of Leiden was made for students. Its atmospheric and compact center has everything that students could wish for: from university buildings to student pubs, and from student accommodation to student associations. Studying and living in The Hague broadens your perspective on the world and quickly gives you an international network. Studying in a city full of embassies, multinationals and international courts certainly has its advantages!
Information for international students
Take a virtual tour of our student cities of Leiden and The Hague
Total students
34,615
International students
8,047
Total faculty staff
3,064
Cost of Living
Accommodation
$8,800
(Approx. amount)
Food
$3,690
(Approx. amount)
Transport
$1,580
(Approx. amount)
Utilities
$3,490
(Approx. amount)
Employability & Career
Career Services
With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a first-
class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.
Career Services
Our career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career
step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for
an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year
after graduation.
Academic and professional network
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next
career step.
Internships and jobs
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our
career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.
Leiden University Career Service
Media & Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rankings
Sustainability Rankings
Rank: #495
University Rankings by Region
Rank: #57
World University Rankings
Rank: #119
World University Rankings by Subject
Rank: #4
Campus Locations
Leiden University Campus
Primary CampusRapenburg 70
Campus The Hague Campus
Turfmarkt 99