Master's
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
(non-EU/EEA) Excellence scholarship
Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
"The Netherlands' oldest university, with campuses in Leiden and The Hague"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#119 (QS)
PSW VISA
1 year (orientation year)
About Leiden University
Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It has two locations, Leiden and The Hague, and seven faculties: Archaeology, Governance and Global Affairs, Humanities, Law, Medicine (LUMC), Science, and Social and Behavioural Sciences. Its facts and figures list 33,474 students, 48 bachelor's and 81 master's programmes, 120 nationalities and 16 Nobel Prizes. 35% of incoming master's students and 23% of incoming bachelor's students are foreign nationals. Leiden is #119 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, unchanged from 2026.
Rankings & Recognition
#119
Ranked #119 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (#119 in QS 2026).
Accreditations & Memberships
LERU member
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Leiden University's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
#
Employer Reputation
#
Faculty Student Ratio
#
Citations per Faculty
#
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Key Facts
1575
Founded
#119
QS 2027 Rank
Public university
Type
Leiden and The Hague
Location
33,474 (2022)
Students
16
Nobel Prizes
Popular Programs
Astronomy
International Studies
Law
Political Science
Psychology
Archaeology
Application Details
Application Route
Studielink + university portal
Incoming Master Foreign
35%
Incoming Bachelor Foreign
23%
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
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IELTS
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TOEFL iBT
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PTE Academic
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Duolingo English Test
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Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
—
I-20 Processing
Study permit (MVV + residence permit)
Post-Study Work
1 year (orientation year)
Green Card Pathway
Highly skilled migrant permit
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
LExS (non-EU master)
Career Outcomes
88%
Placement Ratio
1 year (orientation year)
Post-Study Work
16
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Staff Members — 7,860 (2022)
Academic Staff (FTE) — 1,903 (2022)
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Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
Leiden University has locations in Leiden and in The Hague. In Leiden, the faculties are spread across the historic city centre and the Leiden Bio Science Park. In The Hague, Campus The Hague is in the city centre and is home to the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and Leiden University College The Hague.
Campus Details
Leiden
(city centre + Bio Science Park)
The-Hague
(Wijnhaven Spui Anna van Buerenplein)
Campus Forecast
Leiden
The Hague
Student Life & Housing
Housing
University housing partners and private rooms
Dining
Campus canteens and nearby cafes
Health & Wellness
Dutch health insurance is mandatory
Activities & Clubs
Student associations
Sports
Cultural events
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
33,474 (2022)
Nationalities
120
Cost Deep-Dive
Non-EU/EEA tuition (2026/27)
EUR 22,300 / year
EU/EEA statutory fee (2026/27)
EUR 2,694 / year
Intakes & Deadlines
Leiden admits international students in September, and some master programmes also in February. The tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is EUR 22,300 for 2026/27 for the programmes that charge it, and the fee depends on the programme. Check each programme page for the deadline.
Scholarships at Leiden University
1 scholarship available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Secondary school diploma accepted as equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, plus the entry requirements of each programme.
Postgraduate
Relevant bachelor's degree, English proficiency and the entry requirements of each programme.
English Proficiency
IELTS
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Required Documents
Passport copy
Application form (Studielink + university portal)
Diploma and academic transcripts
English proof (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo)
Motivation letter
CV / resume
Recommendation letters (master)
Proof of financial means
Photo
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme, language of instruction and entry rules on the Leiden website.
2
Apply online
Register in Studielink and complete the application in the university portal before the programme deadline.
3
Upload documents
Upload your diploma, transcripts, English proof, motivation letter and CV; some programmes add a test or interview.
4
Admission decision
The university assesses your file and sends an admission decision.
5
Accept & pay
Accept the offer and pay the tuition fee instalment or deposit; the university applies for your MVV and residence permit with the IND.
6
Visa & arrive
Collect the MVV at the Dutch embassy if needed, travel, collect your residence permit card and register with the municipality.
Campus & Location
Leiden University has locations in Leiden and in The Hague. In Leiden, the faculties are spread across the historic city centre and the Leiden Bio Science Park. In The Hague, Campus The Hague is in the city centre and is home to the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and Leiden University College The Hague.
Bachelor's
4
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Bachelor's
International Studies (The Hague)
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Bachelor's
Law (International and European tracks)
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Bachelor's
Psychology
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
5
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
Astronomy
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
Political Science
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
International Relations
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
Educational Science
Leiden University
📍 Leiden
Master's
Religious Studies
Enquire Now
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