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 (169 ratings / 143 reviews) Leiden, Netherlands
Top reasons to study here
- The motto of Leiden University is: Libertatis Praesidium or Bastion of Freedom. A number of basic principles guide the University’s actions.
- Throughout its history the University has always stood for freedom of spirit, thought and speech, and for freedom of research and teaching.
- Our academics are guided by the highest ambitions of quality and academic integrity. We aim to instil this same academic attitude in our students.
Bachelor's programmes
Social Sciences (15)
- 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 (7)
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
Their 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 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
2021
70 -3
2020
67 1
2019
68
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
2020
80 2
2019
82 -8
2018
74
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
2021
128 -10
2020
118 4
2019
122
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
2021
-
2020
89 -3
2019
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
- The Housing Office offers accommodation for international students in Leiden and The Hague via DUWO student housing corporation.
- Students with a disability: If 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 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
- Politics, public administration and international 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.
- 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
Academic and personal development
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
It is an amazing experience. Subjects are extremely interesting and teachers are well prepared. It is an international environment and there is a lot of support for students
Psychology at Leiden University
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
I've been studying psychology at Leiden University for four months now, I think the quality of the education is satisfying. Even though we are in a pandemic, university is doing its best to unite the students especially the first year students. I am also happy about the Rotterdam-Delft-Leiden agreement, this gives us the opportunity to do some minors at other universities...
Unique and exciting
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed this program because the classes are excellent and you are able to form personal relationships with your professors. It is a unique experience in a quality environment.
Other programmes from this university
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