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Leiden University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
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Last updated on 16 Dec '24, by Anurag Pal (Study Abroad Expert)Leiden UniversityWhat’s new?
Leiden University admission deadline for international students is Apr 1, 2025. Check Leiden University Reviews from here.
- About Leiden University
- Leiden University Programs
- Leiden University Scholarships
- Leiden University Admission Dates 2025
- Leiden University Fees
- Leiden University Student Reviews
- Leiden University Placements
- Leiden University Rankings 2025
- Utrecht University Vs University of Groningen Vs Leiden University - Which is Better?
- Studying in Netherlands
- Leiden University Notable Alumni
- Leiden University Campus Life
- Leiden University FAQs
About Leiden University
Established in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It is a public research university with campuses in Leiden and the Hague. Leiden University is home to more than 33,000+ 23% are foreign nationals at the bachelor's level and 36% at the master's level. Also Check: Leiden University Campus
It is one of the top-ranked universities globally. A top-ranking publisher has ranked Leiden University #141 in the world in 2025. The university offers 16 English-taught bachelor's courses and 80 English-taught master's courses. It has faculties in the fields of Humanities, Medicine, Law, Science, etc. Leiden University acceptance rate is around 63%, signifying that the university is selective at the time of admission. A total of 16 Nobel prize winners are associated with Leiden University.
Things to Know about Leiden University
Some of the facts about Leiden University are given as follows:
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Acceptance rate |
Around 63% |
|
Annual fees for international students |
Between INR 2 L – INR 18.7 L |
|
Ranking |
Among Top 200 Universities in the World in 2025 |
|
Total no. of students |
33,474 |
|
No. of courses |
90+ (English-taught) |
|
Requirements for international students |
UG: Secondary school qualification | Bachelor’s degree |
History
Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands. It was established in 1575 by William of Orange. By the 1960s, 500+ students enrolled from all across Europe, making it the largest Protestant University. In 2012, Leiden University entered into a strategic alliance with the Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam. The university is also home to the Bilderberg Group.
Check out the below videos of Leiden University for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Â How hard is it to get into Leiden University?
Leiden University is one of the universities that do not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However, as per EduRank, Leiden University acceptance rate is 63%. With an acceptance rate of 63%, the university selective for admissions. It is not easy to get into Leiden University as it is one of the most prestigious and popular university in the Netherlands. Also, the data given on the acceptance rate is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Â How much is the application fee for Leiden University?
Leiden University offers a number of bachelor's and master's programs. International students can apply online to Leiden University through the 'Studielink'. International students applying to Leiden University are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of EUR 100. Also, international studetns are entitled to apply for up to three programs within teh same academic year, without paying any extra application fee. However, internationa students are required to pay extra EUR 50 separately as an application fee for Leiden University College.
Q: Â What does Leiden University specialize in?
Leiden University offers a number of programs at the bachelor's and master's level for students. The universtiy offers 45 bachelor's programs in Leiden and 7 bachelor's programme in the Hague. Also, Leiden University offers about 80 English-taught postgraduate programs. The university specializes in major such as: Culture, History, Society; International Justice; World Politics; Global Public Health; and Governance, Econocmics & Development etc.
Q: Â Is Leiden University good for international students?
Leiden University is one of the most prominent research universities in the Europe. Leiden University courses are highly-ranked and top-rated for research and teaching. Each year thousands of students from 112 countries around the world come to study at Leiden University. As of 2022, Leiden University has 6,290 international students enrolled in its bachelor's programs making up to 23% of total students. Similarly, in Masters programs, there are 5,462 internationa students making up to 35% of the total students.
Q: Â Is it easy to get into Leiden University?
Leiden University acceptance rate is around 63%, which means admission are slightly difficult or international students. To get admission to the university, students must have a qualifying GPA and a good academic profile. They also need to complete the admission application before the deadline.
Check the Study Guide to the Netherlands for Indian Students
Leiden University Programs
Leiden University offers a number of Undergraduate and Graduate courses. 16 English-taught bachelor’s courses are offered by this university. On the other hand, 80 English-taught master’s courses are offered. A few PhD courses are also offered. Study areas at the bachelor’s level are International Studies, Political Sciences, Psychology, Urban Studies, etc. At the master’s level, a few of the study areas are Arts and Culture, Asian Studies, Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc. Check details about Leiden University courses from here.
Some of the courses studied by this university’s graduates are Law, Psychology, Economics, International / Global Studies, History, Political Science and Government, etc.
12.4K+ students got admitted through us.
Guided 34 students to Netherlands universities.
Guided 34 students to Netherlands universities.
Guided 34 students to Netherlands universities.
Guided 34 students to Netherlands universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Â What are the various courses offered by Leiden University?
Leiden University offers 16 English taught Bachelor's courses. At the master's level, around 80 English taught master's courses are offered. Study areas at the UG and PG level are:
- UG: International Studies, Political Sciences, Psychology, Urban Studies, etc.
- PG: Arts and Culture, Biology, Bioinformatics, Asian Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.
Q: Â What is the duration of M.Sc in CS at Leiden University?
The duration of MSc in CS at Leiden University is 2 years. This course is taught by leading researchers in their fields. Also, the university's close international collaborations with industry and other scientific disciplines enable students to conduct research inspired by applications of Computer Science. The language of instruction of this course is English. According to the facts, 96.9% of all the graduates have a full-time job and they find a job within an average time of 1.3 months. Students job titles after pursuing this course range from Software Engineer to Product Manager, from Researcher to IT-Manager, from Business Intelligence Specialist to Service Manager or Consultant.
Leiden University Scholarships
Leiden University offers a number of scholarships to international students. Besides the university scholarships international students can get scholarships from the Dutch government and EU organizations. Some of the most popular Leiden University scholarships are:
| Scholarship | Award |
|---|---|
| Children's Rights Scholarship | EUR 15,000 |
| Cosmos Malabaricus Pilot Scholarship | Full tuition Fee Waiver |
this University
2 exclusive scholarships available9.1 L worth total scholarship amountWe have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Â How can I get scholarship in Leiden University?
To get Leiden University scholarships, international students have to apply online for admission to a Master's programme and pay the Leiden University application fee if applicable. In the scholarship section of your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for a LExS. Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in your online application.
Read more about the Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands
Leiden University Admission Dates 2025
To apply to Leiden University, students can apply through studielink. This link can be accessed from the direct university portal.
Application Deadlines
For graduate courses, here are Leiden University application deadlines:
|
Particulars |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Feb Intake |
Oct 15, 2024 |
|
Sep intake |
Apr 1, 2025 |
Admission Requirements for International Students
Given below are the general Leiden University requirements for international students:
- UG: Students must have completed at least 5 General / academic subjects (Arts or Science streams; no Commerce stream), including Mathematics and have obtained a certificate from CBSE or CISCE with more than 70%, NIOS certificate with above 80% or higher or Higher Secondary Certificate from State Boards with above 80%
- PG: The applicants are required to have a BA or BSc degree
- English language proficiency: For this requirement, Leiden University accept IELTS / TOEFL score.
Acceptance Rate
Leiden University acceptance rate is around 63%. The acceptance rate justifies that the university is somewhat selective at the time of admission.
Application Fee
Leiden University application fee is €100. This amount is roughly around INR 8,900.
Eligibility
International students applying to Leiden University need to meet the minimum admission requirements. The admission requirements will vary from program to program. Here are the general admission requirements for international students:
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of a valid passport
- CV/Resume
- English language proficiency
- Letter of Motivation
- Letter of Recommendation
Also Check: Leiden University admissions
- Application fees :Euro 100
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Not required |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Important dates| Intake season | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | 1ˢᵗ Apr 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Apr 2024 |
| Spring | 15áµ—Ê° Oct 2023 |
| Winter | 1ˢᵗ Apr 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Oct 2024 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Â How can I apply for Leiden University?
Indian students who wish to study Leiden University must follow the below steps to apply for admissions:
Step 1: Choose your programme from Leiden University courses
Step 2: Check the admission requirements for your program
Step 3: Check the application deadlines
Step 4: Collect the required documents as per the program
Step 5: Start your application and pay Leiden University application fee to submit it
Step 6: Pay your tuition fees
Step 7: Prepare for your studies at Leiden University
Q: Â How do I apply to Leiden University?
To apply at Leiden University, international students will have to first register themselves at 'Studielink'. After registration, international students can apply online for various programs at Leiden University. Before applying, international students must ensure that they have all the necessary documents and they meet the minimum admission eligibility.
Q: Â When to apply to Leiden University?
Leiden University offers a number of bachelor's and master's programs and their admission dates will vary from programme to program. Here we have given the admission deadline for Leiden University.
Admission Deadline for UG
| Particulars | Deadline |
|---|---|
| UG programs with matching module | May 1, 2024 |
| Liden University College (Hague) | (over) |
| International Students | (over) |
Admission Deadline for PG
| Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Starting in September | (over) |
| Starting in February | Oct 15, 2024 |
Q: Â Does Leiden University have an application fee?
Yes, Leiden University has an application fee of €100. This amount is roughly around INR 8,900. To apply to this university, the applicants can apply via studielink. A few documents required to apply are:
- Academic records
- English language proficiency score
- Letter of Motivation
- Letters of Recommendation
- Other program-specific documents
Leiden University Fees
The annual Leiden University tuition fee is between INR 2 L - INR 18.7 L. The tuition fee as per UG and PG courses is given as follows:
|
Course level |
Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
|
UG |
INR 2.24 L - 15.46 L |
|
PG |
INR 7.07 L - 18.73 L |
Living Expenses: The monthly living expenses for international students are €968 - €1,338 for international students (Around INR 86k - INR 1 L) . The distribution of these expenses is given below:
|
Particulars |
Expenses |
|---|---|
|
Rent |
€400 - €700 (Around INR 35k - INR 62k) |
|
Groceries |
€173 (Around INR 15k) |
|
Clothing and shoes |
€53 (Around INR 4,700) |
|
Travel expenses |
€70 - €100 (Around INR 6,200) |
|
Health insurance |
€80 - €120 (Around INR 7k - INR 10k) |
|
Books and study materials |
€49 (Around INR 4,300) |
|
Sports and social activities |
€124 (Around INR 11k) |
|
Telephone |
€19 (Around INR 1,600) |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.A.(91 courses) | INR 7 L - 18 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
MS(78 courses) | INR 16 L - 19 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
LL.M.(13 courses) | INR 13 L - 18 L | Duration:Â 1 year Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
B.A.(13 courses) | INR 2 L - 14 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6 - 7, PTE, TOEFL: 90 - 100 |
M.Sc.(4 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE |
MBA/PGDM(4 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE |
B.Sc.(1 course) | INR 12 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS, TOEFL |
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses) | INR 11 L - 15 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE |
Others PG(1 course) | INR 17 L | Duration:Â 2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE |
B.Arch(1 course) | INR 11 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: Â What are the requirements for Leiden University for international students?
International students applying to Leiden University are required to meet both the course-specific and general admission requirements. The course-specific admission requirements will vary from programme to program. However, the general admission requirements for internationa students are:
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of a valid passport
- CV/Resume
- English language proficiency
- Letter of Motivation
- Letter of Recommendation
Q: Â What are the requirements for Leiden University for Indian students?
Indian students who wish to study at Leiden University must meet the below admission requirements:
Leiden University Requirements for UG Admissions
- A Diploma that is at least equal to the Dutch pre-university Diploma (VWO)
- Meet the English language requirement
- Students have to meet the programme specific requirements
Leiden University Requirements for PG Admissions
- Students must have a BA or BSc degree (or equivalent) to be admitted to any of Leiden University’s master’s programmes
- Meet the English language requirement
- Students have to meet the programme specific requirements
Q: Â How much is the fee for Leiden University?
Leiden University offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The tuition fee for international students will depend on the type of course and level of study. Also, Leiden University is a public university, therefore, tuition fee for international students and domestic students may vary. Here we have given the average tuition fee for internaitonal students for some popular courses.
| Course | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| MS | INR 15.7 L - 17.3 L |
| MA | INR 7.1 L - 17 L |
| BA | INR 9.3 L - 13.6 L |
Q: Â What are the requirements for Computer Science at Leiden University?
There is no specific requirements for admission in Leiden University MS in CS program. However, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and meet the English language requirements to get admission to the university.
Leiden UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review
- Friendly
- Academically oriented
- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Leiden University Placements
The placement rate for Leiden University graduates from course to course. However, for MSc in CS, 96.9% is the placement rate.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
A few of the job industries where Leiden University graduates are working are Operations, Business Development, Legal, Community and Social Services, Healthcare Services, Engineering, IT, etc.
ROI after Education from Leiden University
According to a survey, the 2016-2018 alumni of this university had an average monthly salary of €2,967 (Around INR 2.6 lakh) per month, which is around the average salary in the Netherlands (€3,000 per month). If this is the per month average salary, then for a single year, the average salary could be around INR 31 lakh. As per Shiksha Study Abroad, the average tuition fee is around INR 2 L - INR 19 L. Looking at the average salary and the tuition fee, it can be said that studying at this university could lead to a greater ROI.
Top Employers
Some of the top employers of this university’s graduates are:
- Rabobank
- Amsterdam UMC
- Deloitte
- EY
- European Commission
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: Â What is the placement rate of Leiden University?
The job outcomes rate of Leiden University graduates varies as per the courses. However, for MSc in CS, 96.9% is the placement rate. A few of the top employers of this university (overall) are:
- Rabobank
- Deloitte
- EY
- Amsterdam UMC
- European Commission
Q: Â Can I work part-time while studying at Leiden University?
Yes, students with a residence permit at Leiden University can work part-time. Students can work a maximum of 16 hours per week or full-time during the summer months. A few of the part-time job for international students at the Netherlands include:
- Cashier at supermarket
- Tutoring
- Hotel receptionist
Leiden University Rankings 2025
As per Shiksha Study Abroad, Leiden University has been granted an overall grade of A. Check below Leiden University ranking in the world. According to a top-ranking publisher, Leiden University ranking in 2025 is #141. Whereas, in 2024, it is #126. According to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Leiden University ranks at #73, whereas, in 2024, it ranks at #77. This shows that there has been an improvement in the university’s THE rankings.
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Â Is Leiden University prestigious?
Leiden University is a public research universtiy and the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden University rankings make it one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Leiden Universtiy is consistently ranked among the top universities globally.
| Ranked By | Ranking |
|---|---|
| THE World University Rankings - 2025 | #73 |
| QS World University Rankings - 2025 | #141 |
Q: Â Which university is better among Utrecht University and Leiden University?
Leiden Universtiy and Utrecht University both are public universities in the Netherlands. Both the universities are among the oldest universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Here we have given a comparison between both the universities.
| Ranked By | Leiden University | Utrecht University |
|---|---|---|
| THE World University Rankings 2025 | #73 | #66 |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #141 | #105 |
Utrecht University Vs University of Groningen Vs Leiden University - Which is Better?
A comparison of Leiden University with Utrecht University and University of Groningen is given as follows. However, the choice to study at any of these universities is dependent on students eventually and a few factor may influence this decision including the tuition fee, location of university, faculty quality, etc.
Compare Leiden University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
Leiden University | INR 7.07 L - 18.47 L | A | #52 QS, 2025 |
Ohio Dominican University  Compare | INR 15.59 L | -/- | -/- |
University of Groningen Compare | INR 7.16 L - 18.38 L | B++ | #53 QS, 2025 |
UU Compare | INR 15.46 L - 18.34 L | A+ | #40 QS, 2025 |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Compare | INR 5.25 L - 14.87 L | B+ | #83 QS, 2025 |
Uvt Compare | INR 13.17 L - 14.58 L | C++ | #157 QS, 2025 |
Leiden UniversityStudying in Netherlands
Key Facts About Netherlands
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Leiden University Notable Alumni
Some of the famous celebrities who have studied at Leiden University are John Quincy Adams, Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Beatrix of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, etc.
|
Names |
Designation |
Images |
|---|---|---|
|
Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands |
King of the Netherlands |
 |
|
John Quincy Adams |
Former Statesman, Politician, Diplomat, Lawyer |
 |
|
Beatrix of the Netherlands |
Member of Dutch Royal House |
 |
|
Mark Rutte |
Dutch Politician |
 |
|
Paul Verhoeven |
Filmmaker |
 |
|
Rembrandt |
Golden Age Painter, Printmaker, etc. |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Q: Â Who are the most famous alumni of Leiden University?
Members of Dutch Royal family such as Queen Juliana, Beatrix of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands are alumni of Leiden University. Around 10 Prime Ministers of the Netherlands including Mark Rutte is also an alumni of this university. Also, U.S. President John Quincy Adams also studied at this university.
Leiden University Campus Life
At Leiden University, there are campus-wide organizations that students can join. This include the International Student Network or Leiden United. Also, students can utilize the University Sports Centre (USC). This centre offers 55+ sports and group lessons, including tennis, boxing, yoga, dance, and swimming. Also, there are 3 university dining areas in Leiden, which can be used by this university’s students.
Campus Location
Leiden University is located in Leiden and The Hague.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: Â How is the student life at Leiden University?
Leiden University offers its students countless options to develop socially and personally outside the classroom. Students can join the campus-wide organizations such as the International Student Network. Students can also utilize University Sports Centre (USC) to remain fit. There are also various student associations covering different culture area. Many students and student associations can run their own drama groups, join an independent drama group, sing in a choir, etc.
Leiden University FAQs
Q: Â How good is Leiden University for international studies?
Leiden University is a public research university and one of the oldest universities in the Netherland. Leiden University ranking puts it among the top universities list by the QS and THE world university ranking. Leiden University QS rankings for 2024 is #126 in the world. Meanwhile, THE world university rankings 2024 placed Leiden University ranking in the #77 position. It is one of the most sought-after universities among international students going to Europe for higher education.
Q: Â Which would you rather attend, Utrecht, Amsterdam, or Leiden University?
Leiden University, Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam all are public institutions of higher education in the Netherland. All three universities are among the the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Europe. Check below tables for comparison.
Average Tuition Fees
| Course | Leiden University | University of Amsterdam | Utrecht University |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS | INR 16 L - 19 L | INR 13 L - 25 L | INR 16 L - 20 L |
| MA | INR 7 L - 19 L | INR 13 L - 18 L | INR 16 L - 19 L |
Global Rankings
| Ranking Body | Leiden University | University of Amsterdam | Utrecht University |
|---|---|---|---|
| The QS World University Rankings 2024 | 126 | 53 | 107 |
| THE World University Rankings 2024 | 77 | 61 | 66 (for 2023) |
Q: Â What are the English requirements for Leiden University?
Leiden University offers various programs at bachelor's and master's level in the English language. However, international students enrolling in these programs are required to meet the minimum English language requirements. The English language requirements will vary from programme to program. Check below the minimum IELTS score equivalency table requirement for international students.
Score equivalency table
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Cambridge C2 or C1 Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 80 | CPE, CAE |
| 6.5 | 90 | CPE/CAE 180 |
| 7.0 | 100 | CPE/CAE 185 |
| 7.5 | 113 | CPE/CAE 191 |
Leiden University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Some of the reasons to choose Leiden University are:
- The oldest university in the Netherlands, thus, enjoys a great reputation
- Leiden University is a top-ranked university. It ranks among Top 200 Universities in the World in 2025 in the two international prominent rankings
- A wide range of English-taugh
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
 Radboud University has an acceptance rate of around 53%, making admissions to the university somewhat selective and competitive. On the contrary, the acceptance rate at Leiden University is around 63%, hence making admissions to the university less competitive and comparatively easy. Besides the ac
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
AIIMS Delhi MD and MS Admission 2022
Â
AIIMS Delhi offers full-time MD/ MS in various specialisations at PG level. Candidates applying to MD/ MS must have completed 12 months of compulsory rotating Internship/ Practical training on or before July 30 of the year of admission.
Eligibility criteria: Candi
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 9 months ago
Hi,
The best place to live for a Leiden College understudy will depend on your personal needs and inclinations. If you are looking for a secure and helpful put to live, on-campus lodging may be a great choice for you. If you are looking for a more reasonable choice, off-campus lodging may be a superi
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 9 months ago
Application procedure in Leiden University
A leading European research university, Leiden University offers high-quality education, a broad choice of programs, and individual bolster to universal understudies. For Leiden College affirmations, understudies can apply either by means of the Studielink
Scholar-Level 17
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Leiden University
Academic building
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Faculty of Science
Leiden UniversityLocation
| University City | Leiden, Other - Netherlands, Netherlands |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,23,856 |
Leiden UniversityCampuses
Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden UniversityContact Information
Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden ( Other - Netherlands)
What are the best reasons to choose Leiden University?