Leiden University

About the university

Leiden University is the oldest public research university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. It has a strong international reputation for research and education across seven faculties, including Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Science, and Medicine. The university operates in Leiden and The Hague, offering a diverse range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Leiden is known for its global academic collaborations, high-quality research output, and vibrant international student community.

Key information

Location: Leiden, NL
Ranking #3
QS #123
THE #77
National ranking #5
Institution type: public

Popular faculties

Law
Humanities
Social Sciences
Science
Medicine

Programs (35)

Nursing
Veterinary Science
Electrical Engineering
Business Administration
Economics
Medicine
Pharmacy
Dentistry
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Telecommunications
Psychology
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Law
Political Science
International Relations
Sociology
Anthropology
Education
Engineering
Finance and Accounting
Marketing
Tourism and Hospitality
Philosophy
History
Linguistics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Environmental Science
Fine Arts
Music

Student body

Total students: 26,900
Undergraduate: 20,000
Graduate: 6,900
International students: 15%

Campus life

Leiden University’s campuses in historic Leiden and The Hague combine academic rigour with vibrant student culture. Students participate in associations, cultural events, and international programmes. The city environments offer museums, cafés, and study spaces, with active student organisations fostering community and extracurricular engagement.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €400 - €700 / per month

Housing options

Student housing via Leiden University Housing Office
DUWO student housing
Private furnished apartments
Student rooms in shared flats
Short-stay student housing

Student clubs and organizations

Minerva Student Association
Augustinus Student Association
Quintus Student Association
SSR-Leiden Student Association
Faculty Study Associations (e.g. Mordenate
P.C. Club)
International Student Associations

Sports

Leiden University Sports Centre (USC) teams
Student sports clubs
Rowing (L.R.S.V. Asopos de Vliet)
Football (Leiden student football clubs)
Tennis clubs
Basketball clubs

Career & internships

Employment rate: 91%

Partner companies

Shell
Unilever
Philips
ING Group
ABN AMRO
Deloitte
KPMG
EY
PwC
Booking.com
Heineken
Google
Microsoft
European Commission
NATO
Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

Internships: Leiden University supports internships through career services and faculty links, connecting students with organisations in research, government, and industry. Opportunities vary by programme and may include placements in The Hague’s international institutions.

Admission requirements

Required documents

Secondary school diploma or bachelor’s degree
English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
passport copy
CV
motivation letter

Tuition costs

€2,500 - €22,000 / per year
Acceptance rate: 42.00%
Scholarships available: Leiden University offers various scholarships for international students including merit-based and need-based options. Examples include Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS) and faculty-specific awards. Eligibility criteria typically include academic excellence and nationality requirements; deadlines vary by programme. (Check official site for details.)

Quick facts

Founded: 1575
Teaching languages: Dutch, English, english, dutch
Study formats: offline

Contact

Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl
[email protected]
+31 71 527 9111