Application and admission

Once you’ve decided on the right programme for you, making your application is the next step.
To apply, just follow these steps.

1. Academic requirements
An educational diploma that is at least equal to the Dutch pre-university diploma (VWO) is the minimum requirement for admission to any bachelor’s programme. This includes over 50 international diplomas listed on our website. Some programmes may have additional requirements, so please check per programme. 

2. Language requirements
Proficiency in English is required for admission to all English-taught programmes. Leiden University accepts the following English language tests (results must not be more than 2 years old):

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): academic modules only, with a minimum score of 6.0-7.0 depending on the programme.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL internet-based): with a minimum score of 80-100 depending on the programme.

  • Cambridge English Exam: Advanced (CAE) with minimum grade C or Proficiency (CPE).

For information about exemptions, and exact scores required per programmme, please check the website.  

3. Programme specific requirements 
The specific academic entry requirements for each bachelor’s programme are mentioned under each programme description at 

bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/en

1 December 2023 (Early Bird/Non-EEA)
15 March 2024 (Regular) 

Leiden University College The Hague 

15 January 2024 

Numerus Fixus programmes (Psychology, Political Science: International Relations and Organisations)

1 April 2024

Bachelor’s programmes for students who

  • Require a student visa or residence permit  

1 May 2024

Programmes with a compulsory matching module 

15 June 2024 

Bachelor’s programmes for students who

  • Do not require a visa or residence permit to study in the Netherlands
  • Are not applying for a programme with compulsory matching or numerus fixus   
bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/en

You will need to submit a variety of required documents along with your application for the Admissions Office to assess. These include:

  • Dutch residence permit (if applicable)

  • CV (résumé)

  • Copies of diplomas and official transcripts in the original language (with official translations if these documents are not in English, Dutch, German or French).

  • Proof of English-language proficiency

  • Any additional documentation required per programme

1. Apply in Studielink

All students who would like to apply to a programme at Leiden University will need to start in Studielink, the national online system for students applying to a programme at a Dutch university. 

studielink.nl

2. Complete the application form

After applying in Studielink, you will receive login details to the Leiden University Online Application Portal (uSis). There you can finalise your application by uploading the required documents and answering some additional questions. Don’t forget to click submit!

3. Pay the application fee

The application fee of €100 is non-refundable and entitles you to apply for up to three programmes within the same academic year. The €50 application fee for Leiden University College is separate from the main application fee. 

What happens next?

  • The Admissions Office will start processing your application once the application fee (if applicable) has been paid and inform you of any missing items.

  • Admissions decisions are made in 6-8 weeks on average. 

  • If you are informed that your application has been successful, congratulations!

  • The next step is to actively accept your offer. Follow the instructions given.

  • Complete your enrolment by paying your tuition fee.

  • Follow the instructions concerning visa (if applicable) and other registration details.

  • Register for the relevant orientation week. 

Welcome to Leiden University! See you soon!

Check out all details
Visa and residence permit

If you come from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit. Our staff at the Admissions Office will apply for these documents on your behalf. They will contact you once you have been admitted to a master’s programme, have applied for or secured accommodation, and after you have submitted proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your study period.

universiteitleiden.nl/visa

‘I’ve spent a lot of time living abroad, in America and Taiwan. It struck me how cities are very different from one another and how people behave differently in cities. People have such a different relationship with cities in Asia and Europe. I found that really interesting. More and more people are living in cities. That also brings challenges. What about sustainability, health, safety and multiculturalism, for example? In the Urban Studies programme, we look at the problems, the solutions, the opportunities and the drawbacks.’

You could see Urban Studies as a mix of social geography, planning and urban administration. You actually cover loads of topics. That’s what makes the programme such fun. We’re taught by lecturers from all sorts of faculties. If you have broad interests and like to think about complex issues, this is the right programme for you. 

There’s a vibrant student life in Leiden and The Hague. Leiden and The Hague are both great cities and it’s a good university. There are more Dutch students in Leiden, whereas The Hague is more international. I’ve got friends from all over the world that I’d never have met otherwise.

Comar Beulens
Loves cities