Application and admission

Once you’ve decided on the right programme for you, starting your application process 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 overall and component score of 6.0-7.0 depending on the programme.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL internet-based): with a minimum overall score of 80-100 and minimum component scores depending on the programme.
  • Cambridge English Exam: Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE), with minimum component scores.

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

Our bachelor’s programmes

1 December 2024 (Early Bird/Non-EEA)
15 March 2025 (Regular) 

Leiden University College The Hague 

15 January 2025 

Numerus Fixus programmes (Psychology, Political Science: International Relations and Organisations. Be aware that the following Dutch-taught programmes also have a numerus fixus: Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Technology, Criminology and Medicine.)

1 April 2025

Bachelor’s programmes for students who require a student visa and/or residence permit

1 May 2025

Programmes with a compulsory matching module 

15 June 2025 

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   

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.

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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
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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 bachelor'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
20240514 Universiteit Leiden 082 7534
20240514 Universiteit Leiden 082 7534

'I feel a deep connection to our past; it’s both nostalgic and heartfelt for me. This sentiment is also influenced by my background. I am from India and I am Muslim, brought up with a strong sense of history and tradition. From a young age, I learned about religious prophets and their stories, which are rich in historical significance.

My interest to study Archaeology in Leiden started because of the city's aesthetic appeal in photos. The beautiful, rustic charm of the city drew me in. Later on, I discovered that Leiden University is ranked among the top six in the world for Archaeology, making it the perfect match for me. Living in Leiden is wonderful. It’s not too big and it is a true student city with a diverse community and plenty of activities with student discounts. The OWL (Orientation Week Leiden) was where I met most of my friends and learned a lot about the Netherlands.

To international students considering studying abroad, I would say: just take the leap. It might seem daunting at first, but in the end, you will experience so many new things. You will undoubtedly learn a lot and grow immensely during your time abroad.'

Farheen Quadri
Loves the historic atmosphere in Leiden