NETHERLANDS · LEIDEN
Hogeschool Leiden
public · Founded 2008 · Languages: Dutch, English
H
In short
Hogeschool Leiden is a university of applied sciences in the historic student city of Leiden, offering practice-oriented programmes in fields like health, ICT, and teacher education. It provides a practical learning environment with strong industry connections and a growing number of English-taught pathways for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2008
- Students
- 7,500
- International students
- 900
- Acceptance rate
- 80%
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–11k/yr
- Languages
- DUTCH, ENGLISH
- Location
- Leiden, Netherlands
Hogeschool Leiden is a university of applied sciences in Leiden, Netherlands, offering practice-oriented programmes in teacher education, social studies, ICT, business, and health sciences. Its teacher-training college is one of the Netherlands' largest and most innovative, with a distinctive pedagogical approach and deep partnerships with schools across the Randstad. The institution emphasises practice-based research that directly addresses societal challenges.
Why study here
- One of the Netherlands' largest and most respected teacher-training colleges with innovative, practice-led pedagogy
- Strong emphasis on applied research that directly solves real-world professional challenges
- Located in Leiden — a vibrant student city with outstanding transport links to Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam
- Small-group teaching and close lecturer-student relationships in a practical learning environment
- Growing range of English-taught pathways making it accessible for international students
Student life
Leiden is one of the Netherlands' most beloved student cities, with a lively historic city centre, canals, cycling culture, and a strong community of university and hogeschool students. Hogeschool Leiden's campus is well-connected by public transport and cycling paths. Students have access to sport facilities, student societies, and benefit from Leiden's rich calendar of cultural events, including the annual October 3 liberation celebrations.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA students: approximately €7,200–€10,500/year depending on programme. Institutional fees; check current rates on the Hogeschool Leiden website.
HomeEU/EEA students: statutory tuition fee approximately €2,530/year (2025–26). Students may be eligible for Dutch government study finance (DUO).
LivingEstimated €900–€1,150/month in Leiden for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
EU students with Dutch study finance rights may qualify for a supplementary grant from DUO. Housing in Leiden can be competitive; early registration with student housing agencies is strongly advised.
Admissions
Bachelor's (Dutch track)Dutch MBO level 4, HAVO, VWO, or recognised equivalent international secondary qualification
Bachelor's (English track)Recognised secondary school certificate equivalent to Dutch HAVO level; programme-specific subject requirements may apply
Language (Dutch programmes)Proficiency in Dutch required; NT2-II certificate or equivalent
IELTS6.0 overall for English-taught programmes
TOEFL iBT80
University scholarships
Holland Scholarship€5,000 one-time grant for non-EEA bachelor's students
Hogeschool Leiden ProfileringsgrondPartial fee reimbursement for students with exceptional achievements in sport, arts, or social engagement
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO); all programmes carry NVAO accreditation.
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Hogeschool Leiden?
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Non-EU/EEA students can expect tuition fees ranging from approximately €7,200 to €10,500 per year, depending on the specific programme. It is recommended to check the Hogeschool Leiden website for the most current rates.
What are the living costs like in Leiden for students?
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Estimated monthly living expenses in Leiden, including rent, food, transport, and personal costs, range from €900 to €1,150. Housing in Leiden can be competitive, so early registration with student housing agencies is advised.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programmes, international students generally need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.
What kind of programmes does Hogeschool Leiden offer?
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Hogeschool Leiden offers practice-oriented programmes in fields such as teacher education, social studies, ICT, business, and health sciences.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, Hogeschool Leiden offers scholarships like the Holland Scholarship, providing a €5,000 one-time grant for non-EEA bachelor's students, and the Hogeschool Leiden Profileringsgrond for students with exceptional achievements.
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