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.
4.2 out of 5 (126 ratings / 100 reviews) Leiden, Netherlands
Top reasons to study here
- The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom.
- As a prestigious European research university, Leiden University plays a foremost role in academic research and teaching.
- The University is committed to developing, disseminating and applying academic knowledge.
Bachelor's programmes
Social Sciences (12)
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Human Diversity
- B.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Security Studies
- B.A. Urban Studies
- B.A. World Politics
Humanities (5)
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Linguistics
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (3)
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
- B.A. Urban Studies
Business & Management (2)
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- B.Sc. Security Studies
Computer Science & IT (1)
- B.Sc. Security Studies
Engineering & Technology (1)
Law (1)
Medicine & Health (1)
- B.Sc. Global Public Health
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
The 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. Within this international and diverse student population we train our students to become world citizens who can make their own contribution to resolving the complex societal challenges of the future.
Research
If you want to help make the world a better place, you first have to understand this world. This conviction forms the basis of our research and teaching in Leiden and The Hague.
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.
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.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2019
GSSA 2019
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2020
67 1
2019
68 -1
2018
67
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
2019
82 -8
2018
74 14
2017
88
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.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2020
89 -3
2019
86 -7
2018
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.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2020
118 4
2019
122 -13
2018
109
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.
Services
Housing services
The Housing Office offers accommodation for international students in Leiden and The Hague via DUWO student housing corporation.
- Residence Life Programme
For international students living in (most) DUWO student housing complexes in Leiden, Oegstgeest and The Hague, there is the Residence Life Programme. The goal of the programme is to help international students feel happy and at home in Leiden.
Library services
The libraries of Leiden University are located at different locations in Leiden. There are also libraries located in The Hague, Jakarta and Rabat.
Student Life
Campus life
Leiden University also has a location in The Hague. Six of the University's seven faculties are now active at Campus The Hague.
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. Our teaching and research at Campus The Hague centre on four key themes:
- International law, peace and security
- Politics, public administration and internatonal relations
- Urban issues
- Health and patient care
Sports facilities
In Beehive, located opposite the Wijnhaven building, you can find our brand new sports facility, The Buzz.
The Buzz is equipped with the latest technology in the world of fitness: eGym. Combined with our functional- and cardio training equipment and group classes, we offer a complete fitness concept for students and employees of Leiden University.
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.
- Student associations: more than just partying
You might think that student associations are all about partying with your friends. Well, there’s much more to them than that. If you are a member of a student association, a whole new world will open up to you as you come into contact with first-, second- and third-year students from other programmes. Furthermore, by playing an active role in your association you’ll learn new things, such as organisational, delegation and negotiating skills.
Student Reviews
To develop and advance in Physics.
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
When I was accepted to the best university of our country, I didn't know about the scientific material in the university so much and it was taken time for me to be adopted with those universities roles. At the first two years of my study, my grades was not high, but after trying my best I got my grades high and even in the duration of my bachelor, I have worked on a paper...
MA International Relations at Leiden University
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great university. Commonly, the lecturers are knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about their subjects. The environment in my master is truly international, with students hailing from everywhere on the globe, which adds greatly to the discussions in class. Administration and bureaucracy can be a real pain sometimes, but at what university is that not the case?
LUC - great academics & okay student life
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
The academic aspect of the university is great. Leiden University College has great teachers who are dedicated to teaching. You can major in several different fields and expect rigorous school work. However, the student life is somewhat narrow on the basis of the fact that the college is relatively small in size and has an on-campus housing, which can make you feel...
Other programmes from this university
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