As a prestigious European research university, Leiden University plays a foremost role in academic research and teaching. High-quality academic research and teaching are crucial to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world.
- #77 Ranking
- 25 Bachelors
- 1,352 Academic Staff
- 29,542 Students
- Public Institution Type
Bachelor's programmes
Social Sciences (20)
- B.A. African Studies
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Heritage and Society
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Security Studies
- B.A. Urban Studies
- B.A. World Archaeology
- B.A. World Politics
Humanities (11)
- B.A. African Studies
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Heritage and Society
- B.A. Linguistics
- B.A. World Archaeology
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
- B.A. Urban Studies
Business & Management (2)
Computer Science & IT (2)
Journalism & Media (2)
- B.Sc. Political Science
Medicine & Health (2)
- B.Sc. Global Public Health
- B.Sc. Psychology
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- B.Sc. Security Studies
Education & Training (1)
- B.Sc. Psychology
Engineering & Technology (1)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (1)
Law (1)
About
History
Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands. William of Orange gave Leiden Academia Lugduno Batava in 1575, it is said in recognition of the city’s courageous resistance against the seige by the Spanish invaders.
Education
Our teaching is characterised by individual attention for students, contact with diverse cultures and innovative teaching methods. Personal supervision and the binding study advice contribute to our success. Our teaching and research are closely interwoven.
Research
- Leiden University is an internationally oriented, comprehensive University. Our scientific research and teaching inspire one another, and this cross-pollination shapes our contribution to society. With our research, we work to gain a fundamental understanding of the world and the people around us.
- In our teaching, we train our students to become analytical thinkers and critical world citizens who can apply this knowledge to make the world a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just place. Where possible, we endorse and apply the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Career
As an alumnus you can come to the Career Services for career guidance for up to one year after graduation. A session with one of the career counsellors is free of charge. For workshops you pay the student rate.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2023
77 -6
2022
71 -1
2021
70
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2022
101 -18
2021
83 -3
2020
80
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2023
131 -19
2022
112 16
2021
128
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2023
-
2022
-
2021
86
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Housing services
With many kilometres of beaches, hundreds of sights, excellent restaurants and lively cafés, the Hague really is a cool city to live in. However, arranging accommodation can demand a lot of time and effort for Dutch and international students. For this reason, finding a place to stay is one of the first things that need to be arranged when you are planning to study at Leiden University. But how do you actually find a room in The Hague?
- Are you an international student? Each semester, Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms for international students via a local housing agency. These rooms are intended for short-stay students only as the maximum rental contract duration is one year.
Library services
The UBL owns a vast collection of scientific information, both on paper and online. Furthermore, UBL provides access to special collections of international allure. Among these are medieval manuscripts, archives, old prints, maps, sketches, drawings and photographs, both from the Western world and the Middle East and Asia.
Student Life
Campus life
Leiden University chose The Hague because the city’s identity complements the University. As a city of peace, justice and security and as a metropolitan area, The Hague provides plenty of opportunity for research and teaching. It is also the political and administrative heart of the Netherlands and a home to many international organisations. The teaching and research at Campus The Hague is closely linked to the city’s profile and is grouped into four key themes:
- International law, peace and security
- Globalisation and international relations
- Politics, public administration and public finance
- Urban issues
- Health and patient care
Student clubs
- Becoming a member of a student association is the best way to quickly feel at home in The Hague. You’ll soon get to know people and you’ll make new friends for life.
- The Hague’s student associations: As a student city, The Hague is growing in stature and is gaining more and more student associations. But don’t worry if you’re not sure which one you should join. During The HOP introduction week you can simply drop by them all, talk to existing members and visit their parties. Or, to get a better picture, you could check them out online first.
Student Reviews
Don't take studying online lightly or you will fail.
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
The experience to study online was and still is excellent. At first I was rather sceptical about studying online because I was only used to the classic on site mode. However it turned out to be well structured, very efficiently and methodical. You can study at your own pace and that means I my case late at night since I have to work hard during the day. The exams are...
My Leiden University Journey
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
LUC, and the Liberal Arts programme specifically, has offered me an refreshing educational experience, combining a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum and a critical vision about the world. The instructors I have had are the most inspiring. I have witnessed my peers' and my own intellectual and personal growth here at LUC. To me, the past three years has been definitely...
Different households same university
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
I actually almost finished two degrees at this university. A bachelors in Public Administration and Middle Eastern studies. I overall like this university, however the diversity is really missing. I’m from a Turkish immigrant family and the highest anyone has studies is high school. The students at this university were all from different households. However, the school is...
Other programmes from this university
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