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Leiden University


About

Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you. We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

  • Archaeology
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Humanities
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. 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 finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have 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.

Leiden University - the facts

  • 7 faculties spread across Leiden and The Hague
  • 14 English-taught bachelor's programmes
  • 200+ English-taught master's programmes
  • 444 years of tradition and innovation
  • Top 100 research-focused university
  • 16 Nobel Prize winners
  • 129 nationalities
  • +29,000 students

    Student life & Student cities

    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 centre 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!

    Housing

    Leiden University is not campus-based and the university buildings and student housing are therefore spread throughout the cities of Leiden and The Hague. The cities themselves are the campus. Living and learning in either location will give you first-hand experience of Dutch life, and direct access

    to student life and the regular comings-and-goings of the cities. Most students rent a room or share an apartment with others.

    As an international student, house hunting in the Netherlands can present additional challenges. You can independently look for housing via private landlords or housing associations. There are a number of housing organisations that can assist, such as DUWO. You can also apply for a housing offer through the university Housing Office. Here you will be assisted in finding accommodation in Leiden or The Hague. Accommodation ranges in location, size, number of people with whom you share facilities and rental fees.

      • Leiden

        Leiden: Academy Building, 1575 Rapenburg 73 2311 GJ Leiden, , Leiden

        • Leiden

          Leiden - Law: Kamerlingh van Onnes Building Steenschuur 25 2311 ES , , Leiden

          • Leiden

            Leiden - Humanities: Lipsius Building Cleveringaplaats 1 2311 BD , , Leiden

            • Leiden

              Leiden - Social and Behavioural Sciences: Pieter de la Court Building Wassenaarseweg 52 2333 AK , , Leiden

              • Leiden

                Leiden - Archaeology Van Steenis Building Einsteinweg 2 2333 CC , , Leiden

                • Leiden

                  Leiden – Science Gorlaeus Building Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC , , Leiden

                  • The Hague

                    Koningin Julianaplein 10 2595 AA , , The Hague

                    • The Hague

                      Leiden University College (BA/BSc Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges only) Anna van Buerenplein 301 2595 DG , , The Hague

                      • The Hague

                        International Studies (BA only) Lange Voorhout 44 2514 EG, , The Hague

                        Programs

                        Questions

                        Leiden University