Leiden University

Rapenburg 73, Leiden

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  • #=141 QS Global World Ranking
  • PublicStatus
  • Very HighResearch Output
  • 34,744Total Students
  • 2,945Faculty
  • 7,682Int'l Students

About

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Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.


We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!


Leiden University – The facts

  • 7 faculties spread across Leiden and The Hague
  • 16 English-taught bachelor's programmes
  • 200+ English-taught master’s programmes
  • 447 years of tradition and innovation
  • Top 100 research-focused university
  • 16 Nobel Prize winners
  • 130 nationalities
  • +34,000 students


Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

  • Archaeology
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Humanities
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social and Behavioural Sciences


Bachelor’s programmes

Information for international students
 

Two cities: one university

Leiden University is located in two exciting student cities: Leiden and The Hague.  In addition to the 7 faculties each having their own main faculty building with lots of services, cafeterias and cafes, the university enjoys a student center in each location:  Plexus Student Center in Leiden and the Beehive Student Center in The Hague.  In addition we have the University Sports Center in Leiden.

Take a virtual tour of our faculties

Student counsellors
The student support is available when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised counselors. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.

The university also has a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.


Leiden University Student Affairs

If you want to study at Leiden University, you can choose between the best of two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Leiden is a real student city. If you didn’t know better you might think that the historic and lively city of Leiden was made for students. Its atmospheric and compact center has everything that students could wish for: from university buildings to student pubs, and from student accommodation to student associations. Studying and living in The Hague broadens your perspective on the world and quickly gives you an international network. Studying in a city full of embassies, multinationals and international courts certainly has its advantages!

Information for international students

Take a virtual tour of our student cities of Leiden and The Hague

Admissions processes and requirements are dependent on the level of study, programme and your credentials. Find out more here: general information about application and admission.
 

With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a first-
class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.

Career Services
Our career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career
step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for
an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year
after graduation.

Academic and professional network
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next
career step.

Internships and jobs
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our
career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.

Leiden University Career Service
 

About

Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the various national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.


We challenge you to look beyond your own boundaries. Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a highly personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. You will also be encouraged to conduct research in cooperation with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, regardless of the career path you choose!


Leiden University – The facts

  • 7 faculties spread across Leiden and The Hague
  • 16 English-taught bachelor's programmes
  • 200+ English-taught master’s programmes
  • 447 years of tradition and innovation
  • Top 100 research-focused university
  • 16 Nobel Prize winners
  • 130 nationalities
  • +34,000 students


Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

  • Archaeology
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Humanities
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social and Behavioural Sciences


Bachelor’s programmes

Information for international students
 

Two cities: one university

Leiden University is located in two exciting student cities: Leiden and The Hague.  In addition to the 7 faculties each having their own main faculty building with lots of services, cafeterias and cafes, the university enjoys a student center in each location:  Plexus Student Center in Leiden and the Beehive Student Center in The Hague.  In addition we have the University Sports Center in Leiden.

Take a virtual tour of our faculties

Student counsellors
The student support is available when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised counselors. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.

The university also has a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.


Leiden University Student Affairs

If you want to study at Leiden University, you can choose between the best of two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Leiden is a real student city. If you didn’t know better you might think that the historic and lively city of Leiden was made for students. Its atmospheric and compact center has everything that students could wish for: from university buildings to student pubs, and from student accommodation to student associations. Studying and living in The Hague broadens your perspective on the world and quickly gives you an international network. Studying in a city full of embassies, multinationals and international courts certainly has its advantages!

Information for international students

Take a virtual tour of our student cities of Leiden and The Hague

Admissions processes and requirements are dependent on the level of study, programme and your credentials. Find out more here: general information about application and admission.
 

With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a first-
class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.

Career Services
Our career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career
step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for
an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year
after graduation.

Academic and professional network
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next
career step.

Internships and jobs
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our
career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.

Leiden University Career Service
 

University highlights

QS World University Ranking

  • 2012
    #=75
  • 2014
    #74
  • 2015
    #75
  • 2016
    #95
  • 2017
    #=102
  • 2018
    #=109
  • 2019
    #=122
  • 2020
    #118
  • 2021
    #=128
  • 2022
    #=112
  • 2023
    #=131
  • 2024
    #=126
  • 2025
    #=141

Student & Staff

Total students
34,744

37%
63%

International students
7,682

48%
52%

Total faculty staff
2,945

968
1977

Total students
34,744

37%
63%

International students
7,682

48%
52%

Total faculty staff
2,945

1977
968
QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.

Campus locations

Leiden University,

Rapenburg 73 , Leiden , Netherlands , 2311GJ

Campus The Hague,

Turfmarkt 99 , The Hague , Netherlands ,

Leiden University College,

Anna van Buerenplein 301 , The Hague , Netherlands ,

+ 3 More Locations

English language requirements

Leiden University EN