Leiden University has been an international university from its founding in 1575. In the first decades of its existence, the university was host to many international students, from Europe and beyond. Since those early days, it has developed into a truly international university, annually hosting more than 3000 international and exchange students.
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4.3 out of 5 (138 ratings / 62 reviews) Leiden, Netherlands
Bachelor's programmes
Social Sciences (14)
- B.A. Archaeology
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- B.A. Dutch StudiesFaculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- B.A. Human DiversityFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Humanities
- B.Sc. PsychologyFaculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- B.Sc. Security StudiesFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- B.A. Urban StudiesFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- B.A. World PoliticsFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Humanities (6)
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch StudiesFaculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- B.A. LinguisticsFaculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Humanities
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (3)
- B.A. Archaeology
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
- Faculty of Humanities
- B.A. Urban StudiesFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Business & Management (2)
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- B.A. Human DiversityFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- B.Sc. Security StudiesFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Computer Science & IT (1)
- B.Sc. Security StudiesFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Engineering & Technology (1)
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Law (1)
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
Medicine & Health (1)
- B.Sc. Global Public HealthFaculty of Governance and Global Affairs
About
History
Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. It has seven faculties in the arts, humanities and sciences, spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague. The University has over 6,700 staff members and 29,520 students. The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom.
Education
Our programmes in Leiden and The Hague attract both Dutch and international students, and our teaching is characterised by small-scale classrooms, contact with diverse cultures and innovative teaching methods.
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.
We encourage our students to get the best out of themselves. Leiden University has almost 29,520 students from 120 countries.
Research
At Leiden University we work on the principle that our scientific research makes an important contribution to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world.
Leiden University and its Academic Medical Center (LUMC) have 30 research institutes, located within the University’s seven faculties. Our research strength can be summarised in five key areas:
- Fundamentals of Science
- Health and Wellbeing
- Life Sciences
- Law, Politics and Administration
- Languages, Cultures and Societies
Our research covers a very broad terrain and has a strong disciplinary basis across a wide range of scientific disciplines and fields.
Career
You’ve graduated, and now what? Employability enhancement and the development of the skills and competences that are needed for the job market of the future are becoming increasingly important aspects of curricula at Leiden University.
Alumni and employers- Via contacts with alumni and employers we are able to gain a good impression of the skills and competences that are expected of graduates. The university also guides students in making the step from university to the job market so that our alumni are truly able to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired for the benefit of society.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2019
68 -1
2018
67 10
2017
77
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
2018
74 14
2017
88 5
2016
93
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
2019
122 -13
2018
109 -7
2017
102
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
2019
-
2018
86 -7
2017
79
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
Student services
Perhaps you have questions about your studies or could use some extra help? Or maybe you’d like some support of a more personal nature? At Leiden University we have people and departments who are glad to help out in any and all of these areas.
Prior to arrival you can contact your International Programme Officer with any questions. After arrival, there are many Leiden University staff members ready to lend a hand:
International Student AdviserIf you have any questions or concerns that are not related to your academic programme, the International Student Adviser is there to help.
Housing services
The Housing Office offers accommodation for international students in Leiden and The Hague via DUWO student housing corporation. You can choose from a room with shared facilities or an apartment with private facilities.
Students with a disabilityIf you have a disability you may require additional facilities in your living environment. Finding suitable accommodation can be time-consuming, so please contact the Housing Office as early as possible for advice.
Library services
The University Libraries provide access to a wealth of information: from e-journals, e-books and databases to printed material. The libraries are more than just a gateway. As a service organization we also help researchers find information, manage their data, assess the best places to publish their articles, advise on open access and copyrights and increase their impact
Student Life
Campus life
Since the late 1990s Leiden University has had locations in two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Six of the University's seven faculties are now active at Campus The Hague. The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is located fully and exclusively in The Hague, as are our Leiden University College and International Studies, the biggest programme taught by the Faculty of Humanities.
Teaching and research in The Hague closely reflect the profile of the city – city of peace, justice and security – and the many other opportunities offered by the city.
Sports facilities
Fancy burning off some calories after a day’s studying? Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend your evenings on the stage? Either way, the good news is that Leiden and The Hague also have plenty to offer in the areas of sport and culture.
If you’re looking to work up a sweat, the University Sports Centre (USC) is the place to be. You can participate in individual recreational sports, or competitive sports that you can do with your fellow students. This completely renovated sports complex caters for more than 60 sports and offers a range of group lessons, so whatever your sport is you’ll find it here.
Student clubs
You can add an extra dimension to your student experience by becoming a member of a student association, and at Leiden University you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice.
You could, for example, join an association for students of the same discipline, or a generic student association, or one in which religion plays a key role. Alternatively, how about signing up for a social organisation or an interest group?
International Student Network (ISN)
- The International Student Network (ISN) spearheads academic and social integration through activities and programmes that include trips to various destinations, language-exchange initiatives and international dinners and parties.
The Global Study Awards
Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.
Student Reviews
University of Leiden, a University City
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
So far it has been pretty good, the study is demanding but as long as you keep up its bearable. Leiden is a great university city and very friendly. Its small but cozy and makes you feel comfortable. The people are lovely and there are lots of internationals to connect with.
My experience
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Coming from across the world to study in The Hague has been an adventurous experience for me. I have met really nice and friendly people from all over the world. The study programme I chose is perfect for what I want, and the university has always been very professional so far. However, at times, I feel like there is not enough support from them, but that is understandable because there are a l...
Excellent University, Too many students
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
The university offers a stimulating and dynamic environment with a good organization and excellent teachers. Unfortunately the huge number of students undermines the quality of the program.