Admission and application for international students

Admission to master's programmes is based on several requirements. Our step-by-step guide will give you the necessary help and guidance in submitting your application.

Admission to a master’s programme is specific and based on academic, programme-specific and language requirements.

Academic requirements
The minimum requirement for admission to any master’s programme is a relevant BA or BSc degree (or equivalent) with good results from a recognised research university. If you do not meet the requirements, in some cases a pre-masters programme may be offered. Please note that pre-masters are not available for all programmes and not all pre-masters are taught in English. Check this on the programme's webpage.

Language requirements
As almost all master’s programmes are taught in English, you will be asked to submit proof of your English proficiency. Please note that test result may not be more than two years old. Requirements vary per programme. See the website for more information.
Accepted tests are:  

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic module

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL internet-based)

  • Cambridge English Exam (C2 Proficiency (CPE) or C1 Advanced (CAE)) depending on the admission requirements of the study programme

Programme-specific requirements
The entry requirements for each master’s programme vary, particularly with regard to your qualifications. They may include specific academic or professional experience and motivation, or specific course requirements. You can find the details on the website of your chosen programme. 

universiteitleiden.nl/admission

The deadlines for application for your chosen master’s programme may vary, so please check your programme's webpage. The general application deadlines are:

Non-EU/EEA students, those requiring a student visa or residence permit:
April 1: September intake
October 15: February intake

EU/EEA students:
May 15: September intake
December 1: February intake

  • You must complete a two-part application procedure: registering your application(s) in the national system Studielink and applying in Leiden University's online application portal (uSis). This means it will take at least two days to submit your complete application.
    If you haven’t completed these two processes before the deadline, you will miss out!

  • Scholarship deadlines are usually much earlier; take this into account when planning your application process and check the scholarship website.

  • Other deadlines apply for housing: check our housing website and request housing early.

Collect the required documents
When applying for admission, you will be asked to submit a number of documents. Refer to the 
programme-specific information for details of the documents required by each study programme.  

 

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  1. Choose your programme, and if required, specialisation. 

  2. Start your application in Studielink and await your activation e-mail for the Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis).

  3. Activate your (ULCN) Leiden University account and log into our online application portal (uSis).

  4. Finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. The portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your application.

  5. After submitting your application, the online portal will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing or a scholarship.

  6. Pay the €100 application fee, if applicable.

  7. The Admissions Office and the Board of Admissions at the faculty will review your application.

  8. You will receive the Board of Admissions decision within 6-8 weeks of the university receiving your complete application.

  9. Have you been admitted? Accept your offer and check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet your conditions of admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.

Don’t forget to:

Pay your tuition fees
Arrange tuition fee payment before the official start date of your study programme. You will receive instructions and information on payment methods by e-mail. 

Prepare for your studies
Congratulations! You have completed all the steps for application and admission. Welcome to Leiden University! Have a look at our website for tips to start your studies well prepared. 

universiteitleiden.nl/prepare

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