4.2 out of 5 (198 ratings / 178 reviews) Leiden, Netherlands
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.
Bachelor's programmes
Social Sciences (18)
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Heritage and Society
- B.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Security Studies
- B.A. Urban Studies
- B.A. World Archaeology
- B.A. World Politics
Humanities (10)
- 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)
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)
Journalism & Media (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!
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2022
71 -1
2021
70 -3
2020
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
2021
83 -3
2020
80 2
2019
82
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
2022
112 16
2021
128 -10
2020
118
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
2022
-
2021
86 3
2020
89
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
Leiden and what did we gave each other
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, I enjoyed my time there a lot. I was given a lot of supervision and the professors were all interesting people with a lot to offer. Even though 1.5 years I spend studying online, I still received a lot of positive experience and find my social circle. I was also able to join the UNICEF student board and brought a lot of awareness about children rights as well as...
Leiden University: The Uphill Battle with a Human Face
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Interesting and engaging content that enhances critical thinking and general comprehension. The lecturers and guests lecturers are inspiring and are more than willing to communicate with students. The measures and solutions Leiden uni took during the Covid-19 were relatively efficient compared to many other Dutch universities. The university and its study coordinators are...
Go to Leiden but control your expectations
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Leiden is very good university in terms of quality, but it does not include students as much as it should.
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