Admissions at Leiden University are invited annually for bachelor applicants and bi-annually for master degree applicants. Leiden University is home to 30,869 students and annually hosts around 3,000 international students. In 2022, the university enrolled 6,101 undergraduate students and 5,352 graduate students. The student body represents 123 countries around the world. Leiden is considered to be a competitive university in Netherland due to the popularity of its programs and the number of applications received each year. Admission to Leiden University is based on academic merit.
The admissions for international students are conducted till April and October every year for courses commencing in September and February respectively. With a major number of programs being offered in English, the University of Leiden attracts a huge number of international students who come to study in the Netherlands.
- Bi-annual intake is provided for a few courses only.
- The last date for application is April 1 for undergraduate applicants and April 1/October 15 for graduate applicants.
- English language proficiency test is required for English taught programs.
- Similarly, Dutch proficiency is required for Dutch taught programs.
- Certified translation of documents in English is required.
- Direct admission is provided to students having appropriate Dutch diploma certificates or equivalent.
- Registration on Studielink and University Application portal is required for non-direct entry students for application to be considered successful.
COVID-19 update on Leiden University Admissions
- The visa application deadline has been extended to June 15.
- The application deadline is also extended to May 1 for both UG and PG applicants.
- The new academic year will be starting from August 31. Classes will be conducted partly online and on campus.
- The last date of submissions of documents such as English language proficiency can be extended to August 1.
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Table of Contents |
Highlights
| College type | Public |
| Application Process | Studielink/University Application Portal |
| Document Submission | Online- Application portal |
| Entrance test for Bachelor | Not required |
| Direct admission provided | Yes, requires Dutch diplomas and equivalent |
| Application fee | EUR 100 |
| Intake sessions | Undergraduate – 1 Postgraduate – 2 |
| English proficiency test | TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge |
| Dutch proficiency test | Required only for programmes taught in Dutch language |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships Available |
| Admission Helpline | 071-527 8011 |
Leiden University Important Deadlines
- Almost all programmes have similar deadlines. Deadlines tabulated below are for applications as well as document submission.
- Some Master programmes can be applied for bi-annually.
| Application type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | April 1 |
| Masters | April 1 and October 15 |
Leiden University International Admissions
International students applying for any program at Leiden University must first register at Studielink, the national online registration system for students who want to study in the Netherlands.
Depending on academic qualification, some students may be eligible for direct admission at Leiden University. A gist of the admission process is given below:
Application Form: Studielink or uSis Application
- Steps to Apply for International Students
- Register in Studielink
- Submit University application
- Pay required application fee
- Submit required documents
- Results and accepting offer
- Apply for VISA/ Housing
- Complete Student registration and other formalities to confirm admission.
Language Proficiency Tests
- Differing with programs, either Dutch or English language proficiency is required to be able to get admitted at Leiden University.
- All international students must demonstrate enough fluency in English through any of the given language tests:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80-113 |
| TOEFL component score | 20-27 |
| TOEFL PBT | 550 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) | CPE/CAE CERTIFICATE – CPE/CAE 191 |
| Cambridge component score | 169-191 |
Other than these, proficiency in Dutch may be required for some programs:
- Faculty of Science & Faculty of Medicine (LUMC): Dutch TUL intermediate exam from the Academic Language Centre or Dutch NT2-II diploma (in Dutch)
- All other faculties: Dutch TUL advanced exam from the Academic Language Centre
Visa for International Students
International students from Indian-Subcontinent region require both Residence Permit and Visa to study in the Netherlands. The university applies for the visa and residence permit on behalf of students if they are selected. Students need to submit the required documents to university and pay the required fees. The application for a visa is also submitted by the university application portal – uSis. The standard deadlines are June 1 and December 1.
- Visa and residence application form
- Passport colour copy
- Signed Antecedents Certificate
- Financial sufficiency proof
Leiden University Undergraduate Admissions
Students who have Dutch diploma or equivalent certificates may be eligible for direct admission. Students without these certificates need to apply through Studielink and University application (uSis) both. Popular bachelor’s programmes at Leiden University include BSc in Computer Science, BSc Mathematics, BSc Economics, BA Archaeology, International Business law (LL.B.) etc.
Application Form: - Studielink or uSis Application
Application Fee: EUR 100
Application Requirements:
- Completed Application form
- Dutch diploma certificates
- Optional – for direct admission
- Report cards from high school
- English translation of report cards if not already
- Proficiency in Dutch
- for programmes taught in Dutch language
- Proficiency in English
- for English medium programmes– In most cases
- Passport Copy
- CV/Resume
- Program specific requirements
Leiden University Graduate Admissions
Graduate admissions are opened bi-annually for most of the programs. Almost all programs have the same deadlines and requirements but in some cases it varies. Popularly opted master’s programs at Leiden University are MSc in Advanced Computing and System, MA in Ancient History, MSc in Astronomy, MSc in Business studies and LL.M. Civil law. The university offers 200+ Master programmes.
Application Form: Studielink or uSis Application
Application Fee: EUR 100
Application Requirements:
- Application form – Studielink and University uSis
- Academic transcripts of Bachelor degree/Diplomas – BSc/BA equivalent
- English translation of all documents (if not already)
- Valid passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Letter of motivation, recommendation – program specific
- Additional program specific requirements
- Language proficiency results
Course-specific Additional Requirements
| Programs | Degree and Grades requirements | Additional documents | Language requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Computer Science | Dutch Bachelor degree computer science fields or equivalent | Placement letter | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL IBT – 90, CAE Grade C |
| Master in Arts Ancient History | Bachelor degree in related field / BA History | - | IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 25X4, CAE – 185.5 |
| MSc in Astronomy | Bachelor degree in related field; knowledge of Physics, statistics, data science, programming language | Placement letter, Recommendation letter (optional) | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL IBT – 90, CAE Grade C |
| MSc in Economics and Governance | Bachelor degree/diploma preferably in Public Administration or Commerce field | - | IELTS 7.0, TOEFL IBT 100, CAE – 185 |
| Master in Biology | A bachelor/diploma degree in Biology | Placement letter | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL IBT – 90, CAE Grade C |
The last date of application for all programmes is April 1(Extended to May 1 due to covid-19). All application processes and document submission must be done before the deadline. The application status can be checked through the university application portal itself.
Leiden University takes 2-4 weeks for undergraduate and 6-8 weeks for graduate applicants to announce results. International students may contact the university in case of any doubts: General information – 071-527 8011, Contact form
FAQs
Ques. Can I get Direct admission to Leiden University?
Ans: Direct admission is provided to students holding Dutch diploma certificates. Each course has its own requirements.
Ques. How much time does Leiden University take to process an international application?
Ans: Leiden University takes 2-4 weeks for bachelor applicants and 6-8 weeks for master degree applicants.
Ques. What is the last date of application for international students?
Ans: The last date of application for Undergraduate students is April 1 and for Graduate applicants is April 1 and October 15 .
Ques. What entrance test is required for admission at Leiden University?
Ans: No entrance test is required for admission at Leiden University.
Ques. How can I track my application for Leiden University?
Ans: Application can be tracked using university application portal.
Ques. How can I get a Visa and residence permit to study in the Netherlands?
Ans: Students from Indian-Sub continent regions require both a Visa and Residence permit to study in the Netherlands. The students need not apply for a visa and residence permit as the university itself applies for both on behalf of students. Students will need to submit required documents to university and pay the required fees.
Ques. How do I get into Leiden University?
Ans. Students can get into undergraduate programs offered by Leiden University directly if they hold a diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university diploma (VWO). For admission to graduate degree programs, students must hold a BA or BSc degree.
Ques. Does Leiden University offer programs in English?
Ans. Yes. Leiden University offers around 11 bachelor’s and over 250 master’s degree programs in English language.
Ques. Is it hard to get into Leiden University?
Ans. Some popular bachelor’s degree programs offered by Leiden University have limited places. Admission to such programs is difficult because they are usually oversubscribed. Some of these programs include Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Political Science, Clinical Technology, etc.
Ques. Is the application fee waived?
Ans. The application fee can be waived only in very specific conditions. However, international students are not eligible for application fee waiver.
Ques. Are there different deadlines for domestic and international students?
Ans. Yes There are different deadlines for domestic students and international students due to the length of visa procedure.
Ques. If the application is sent past the deadline, what will happen?
Ans. The university will ask you whether you wish to withdraw the application or defer your application.
Ques. When can I expect an admission decision?
Ans. Leiden University generally processes applications within 4 to 6 weeks from the date when the application is completed.
Ques. How can I pay the application fee?
Ans. The payment can be done through online payment or bank transfer.
Ques. What is the tuition for international undergraduate students at Leiden University?
Ans. The tuition for international undergraduate students for 2023-24 at Leiden’s University ranges between 11,800 EUR and 20,900 EUR.
Ques. What is the tuition for international graduate students at Leiden University?
Ans. The tuition for international graduate students for 2023-24 at Leiden University ranges between 18,800 EUR and 27,300 EUR.
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