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 (134 ratings / 88 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 (14)
- B.A. Archaeology
- B.A. Dutch Studies
- B.A. Human Diversity
- 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 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.
Education
- Leiden University is an internationally operating research-driven university with a wide range of academic disciplines and degree programmes. It aims for excellence in all its research and teaching.
- The University focuses its efforts on achieving the maximum impact from its research and teaching – academic, cultural, societal and economic. It does this in close collaboration with local, regional, national and international partners.
- Based on a careful consideration of its disciplinary structure, Leiden University focuses on disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and teaching.
Research
Leiden University is an internationally oriented, comprehensive University. The scientific research and teaching inspire one another, and this cross-pollination shapes the contribution to society.
With research, the university works to gain a fundamental understanding of the world and the people around us. In teaching, the university train 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, the programmes endorse and apply the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
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.
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
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.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2020
-
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
-
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
-
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.
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:
If 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.
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.
Medical services
Before arrival in the Netherlands, it is important to take out appropriate health and liability insurance. You are also highly advised to register with a local doctor as soon as possible. On these pages you can find detailed information about the type of insurance required, how to take out a policy and how to register with a doctor.
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.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
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very diverse and open minded I met people from all over the world and widened my horizon!
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
I just love studying in The Netherlands
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
When I was selected to study in my current university, Leiden university , i was very happy as I knew the future will be bright .now my expectations are coming to be real thanks to the professional and friendly professors and administration.
