Leiden University – Ranking, Fees & More

This article is a comprehensive guide to information regarding Leiden University, which is  a popular choice for many study abroad aspirants. It is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, with campuses in Leiden and The Hague. Ranked 77th in the world by The Higher Education 2024 and 141st by QS World University 2025, it's a top choice for higher education in Europe. 

Let's explore what makes Leiden University a top choice for your academic journey!

About Leiden University

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is a renowned public research institution in the Netherlands. It is the country's oldest university and was established during the Dutch Golden Age, attracting scholars like René Descartes and Hugo Grotius. The university boasts seven faculties in Leiden and The Hague, offering 16 English-taught bachelor's programs and over 80 master's programs with 200 specializations. 

With a longstanding tradition of 448 years, the university emphasizes tradition and innovation. Renowned as a top 100 research-focused institution, it has seen 16 Nobel Prize winners and welcomes a diverse community of 121 nationalities, comprising over 34,000 students.

Highlights

Here are some quick facts about Leiden University:

Highlights	Details
Founded	1575
Location	Leiden, Netherlands
Campus Size	Spread across Leiden and The Hague
Total No. of International Students	Approximately 3,500
Number of Undergraduate Programs	Approximately 48
Number of Graduate Programs	Over 83

Source: University Website

Leiden University Rankings

Discover Leiden University's impressive global standings and accolades across renowned rankings.

Rankings & Ratings	Details
QS World University Rankings 2025	=141
Europe University Rankings 2025	52
THE World University Ranking 2024	77

Leiden University Admission 2024

Applying to Leiden University is straightforward for national and international students. Here’s how you can navigate the process smoothly:

1. Start with Studielink: Begin your application for a program at Leiden University through Studielink, which opens on 1 October each year.
2. Online Application: If you're not automatically admitted, continue your application through Leiden University's online portal (uSis). Upload the required documents and pay the €100 application fee (unless exempt).
3. Student Registration: Once admitted:
   • Confirm your attendance promptly via uSis.
   • Fulfill any admission conditions and arrange tuition fee payment before your program begins.
   • International students should prepare for their stay by arranging housing, visas/residence permits, and necessary insurance.

Leiden University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Leiden University (according to secondary sources) is 30%, and is calculated based on the ratio of admissions to applications, along with other enrollment data.

Intake and Eligibility of Leiden University

Leiden University has two main intakes:

• September Intake: The primary intake for most programs.
• February Intake: The February intake is only available for the Governance of Violence specialization.

To apply for English-taught programs at Leiden University, international students must meet specific academic and language proficiency requirements. Here's a breakdown of these requirements:

Academic Requirements

• The equivalent of a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) diploma.
• Recognition of specific non-Dutch diplomas by the admissions office.
• Additional exams may be required if the diploma does not meet standard requirements.

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in English is essential for all study activities.
• Exemption from English proficiency tests may apply, if:
  • The applicant holds a Dutch VWO diploma.
  • The applicant holds a bachelor's or master's diploma from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences (HBO).
  • Secondary education was completed in English in certain countries (USA, UK, Ireland, etc.).
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB) was completed in English.
  • The German Abitur included English at a specified level.

Otherwise, proof of English proficiency is required through one of the following tests:

• IELTS Academic (minimum score of 6.0 overall and in each component).
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (minimum score of 80 overall and 20 in each component).
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced (minimum score of 169 in each component).

Required Application Documents

1. Identification:

   • A copy of a valid passport or European ID card
   • Dutch residence permit (if applicable)

2. Education Documents:

   • Copies of diplomas and transcripts
   • Digital copies initially; certified copies will be requested upon admission
   • Documents in original language with official translations if not in English, Dutch, German, or French
   • If still studying, include the expected graduation date and current transcripts

3. Additional Requirements for Specific Students:

   • International Baccalaureate (IB): Submit transcripts with IB grades so far, including at least the first year’s final grades and predicted grades, if available.
   • European Baccalaureate: Indicate subjects for written and oral exams.
   • Colloquium Doctum Applicants: Submit transcripts from any uncompleted study programs.

4. Other Documents:

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé

Leiden Application Deadline 2024

Applying to Leiden University for 2024 involves two main steps, each with its own deadline:

Step 1: Nomination/Pre-application

Before applying, Leiden University must receive:

• A nomination from your home university (for students from partner universities) or
• Your pre-application form (for independent fee-paying students and EU/EEA students).

Deadlines for Nomination/Pre-application is usually around following dates:

• Fall semester (starting in September): 1 January - 1 March
• Spring semester (starting in February): 15 July - 15 September
• Other start dates: At least five months before your start date

Step 2: Application

After verifying your nomination or pre-application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your online application.

Deadlines for Online Application:

• Fall semester (starting in September): 1 April
• Spring semester (beginning in February): 15 October

Other start dates: At least 4 months before your start date

Student Life at Leiden University

At Leiden University, students can enjoy a vibrant student life both on and off campus. There are plenty of social and personal development opportunities, from campus-wide organizations like the International Student Network and Leiden United to program-specific study associations. 

Leiden is a lively university city with a rich history and culture, conveniently located near Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Students can easily explore these cities within 30 minutes by train.

Study associations such as Albion and LET organize various activities, including lectures, social events, drama performances, and student publications like The Angler. Additionally, Leiden's compact size makes it easy for students to get around by bike, enhancing their university experience.

Fee Structure at Leiden University

Here is the fee structure for Leiden University for the academic year 2024-2025, highlighting tuition costs across faculties. 

Faculty	2024-2025
Faculty of Archaeology	€20,900
Faculty of Humanities	€20,900
Faculty of Governance & Global Affairs	€20,900
Faculty of Law	€20,900
Faculty of Social Sciences	€20,900
Faculty of Science	€21,200
Faculty of Medicine/LUMC
- Biomedical Sciences	€21,200
- Medicine	€31,100
- Farmacie	€31,100
- Health, Ageing and Society	€21,200
- Population Health Management	€21,200

Scholarships at Leiden University

Discover financial support opportunities at Leiden University tailored for international students. 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Deadline	Benefits Offered
NL Scholarship - Incoming students	Non-EEA students who: Are ineligible for Dutch student finance. - Do not qualify for the statutory tuition fee. - Have not previously studied at a Dutch university. - Completed pre-university education outside the Netherlands.	1 February 2024	One-time payment of €5,000 after arrival in the Netherlands
LUC Financial Support Programme	Open to prospective and current students of Leiden University College (LUC).	20 Oct 2023 - 15 Mar 2024	€1,000 to €4,000 per year, renewable based on financial need and academic progress
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)	Non-EEA/non-EFTA students, except for certain programs at Leiden Law School. Applicants must: - Demonstrate academic excellence. - Not hold a Leiden University Master’s degree already.	1 Feb (Sept start)/1 Oct (Feb start)	Three levels: €10,000, €15,000, or total tuition fee minus the statutory fee
LION Scholarship	Non-Dutch nationals applying to the MSc program in Physics at Leiden University. About 10% of admitted candidates are awarded based on academic merit.	1 February	€6,000 per year, renewable for the second year, subject to satisfactory performance

Career Placements After Studying at Leiden University

Graduates of Leiden University's International Studies program achieve remarkable career placements:

• High Employability: 76% students secure employment within two months of graduation, and 100% within six months.
• Diverse Sectors: Alumni excel in (semi-)governmental institutions, consultancy, finance, non-profits, education, research, media, and more.
• Career Paths: Examples include police officers, diplomats, journalists, editors, diversity advisors, and researchers.
• Specialized Skills: Valued for their regional expertise, language proficiency, and intercultural competencies.

Some of the areas of employment after graduation from Leiden University:

Job Roles	Average Annual Salary
PhD Position at University	€57,000
Advisor	€44,400
Policy Officer	€57,000
Journalist	€36,000
Editor	€26,400

Source: Glassdoor, August 2024