
Leiden University, established in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a top European research institution with over 60 English-taught programs across its historic Leiden and international The Hague campuses.
Leiden University, established in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's most prestigious research institutions. Renowned for its motto 'Praesidium Libertatis' (Bastion of Freedom), it has produced five Dutch monarchs, thirteen Prime Ministers, and seventeen Nobel laureates. With campuses in Leiden and The Hague, the university attracts students from around the world to its 60+ English-taught programmes.
Leiden University offers vibrant student life in its historic cities. Students can engage in a wide array of extracurricular activities and numerous student associations. The University Students' Union (USF) funds over 200 student associations covering sports, culture, academic debate, and international networking. Events like online open days and campus visits are regularly organised to connect prospective students with the community.
Some non-government subsidised programmes and advanced LL.M. programmes have specific institutional tuition fees. Fees are subject to change annually.
Leiden University is a statutory research university governed by the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW). All programmes are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). The university is a founding member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
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.
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 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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

This Master of Science specialization focuses on the computer systems of the future, including high-performance computing for processing large data volumes, cloud and distributed systems for data analysis, and embedded systems integrated with sensors for environmental responsiveness. It provides a strong foundation in computer science, preparing students for research or industrial careers. The program offers advanced topics with a unique specialization in computing systems, building on Leiden University's research expertise. Students can also explore related areas like Foundations of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, tailoring their studies to future-oriented technological demands.


This Bachelor's program in African Studies offers an orientation towards the humanities, allowing students to specialize in one of three tracks: History and Anthropology, Literature and Film (Art), or Linguistics. It's also possible to combine two tracks. The program includes the study of Berber and Swahili languages over three years, as well as a language of the student's choice for their study abroad period. The first year is common for all students, focusing on foundational knowledge and developing digital research and publication skills. After the first year, students choose their specialization track(s). In the third year, students engage in a practice-oriented project in the first semester, applying their acquired skills to a real-world theme and producing a tangible outcome.

The African Studies BA programme at Leiden University offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the African continent. With Africa playing an increasingly significant role in global developments, this program explores its diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies from an Africa-centric perspective. You'll gain in-depth knowledge by examining the continent through various humanities disciplines, fostering a critical understanding of both internal dynamics and external perceptions.

The Master's in African Studies at Leiden University offers a comprehensive exploration of Africa's diverse cultures and societies. This one-year program combines in-depth academic study with practical, research-based learning. You will engage with Africa from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including history, anthropology, literature, politics, and economics, developing a strong methodological foundation. The curriculum is structured around six cross-cutting themes designed to foster critical analysis of current events from a global viewpoint, alongside an introduction to various research methods.

The Advanced LL.M. in Air and Space Law is an intensive one-year master's programme that delves into the complex legal frameworks governing aviation and space activities from both international and European perspectives. You will explore critical issues such as passenger safety, accident investigation, environmental protection, drone usage, fair competition, the sustainability of space exploration, and the militarisation of outer space. This unique programme offers a solid legal foundation taught by leading experts in academia and legal practice, preparing you to address contemporary challenges in this dynamic field.
full fundingFor 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 fundingOpen 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
For most non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals, institutional tuition fees at Leiden University range from approximately EUR 12,800 to EUR 22,300 per academic year for the 2026-2027 academic year. Some programmes may have different fee structures.
Living costs in Leiden are estimated to average EUR 900–1,200 per month. This typically includes accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance.
Yes, Leiden University offers over 60 English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes that are open to international applicants.
International applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5–7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90–100, depending on the specific programme.
Leiden University offers scholarships such as the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding non-EEA Master's students, and the Holland Scholarship for non-EEA students in their first year of study.