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Leiden University

Leiden, Netherlands · Public · Est. 1575

Updated 23 Oct 2026

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Established

1575

Type

Public

Location

Leiden, Netherlands

QS World University Rankings 2027

=119th in the world

About the university

Leiden University was founded in 1575 by William of Orange, as a reward to the city for resisting a Spanish siege. It is the oldest university in the Netherlands, and its alumni and staff include Albert Einstein (as a visiting professor), Rembrandt, Nobel laureates and many Dutch prime ministers and members of the royal family.

Leiden is a comprehensive research university with strengths in law, international relations, political science, Asian studies, archaeology, astronomy, life sciences, pharmacy and computer science. Its Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and many law and politics programmes are based in The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government and of international courts.

The city of Leiden is a historic canal town between Amsterdam and The Hague, with a large student population, while the Hague campus offers a city setting close to embassies and international organisations. The Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe's largest life sciences clusters, sits next to the university's science faculty.

For Indian students, Leiden appeals for master's in computer science and AI, statistics and data science, pharmaceutical and life sciences, international relations and public administration. Its Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) can cut the tuition fee significantly for top applicants.

Founded
1575 by William of Orange – the oldest university in the Netherlands
Type
Public comprehensive research university, a member of LERU
Students
34,837 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data
International students
23% (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Student–staff ratio
17.3 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Campuses
Leiden and The Hague
Non-EEA tuition 2027/28
€23,300 for science master's; €22,900 for humanities and social sciences master's

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    =119th in the world

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    69th in the world

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 16 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (EUR)Approx. in rupees
MSc Computer Science2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Statistics and Data Science2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc ICT in Business and the Public Sector2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Life Science and Technology2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Biology2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh
MSc Mathematics2 years€23,300≈ ₹24.7 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Leiden University with similar universities in the Netherlands.

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Scholarships

  • Full-time master's starting in September, non-EEA

    Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

    Value: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000 off the tuition fee, for the whole programme

    Eligibility: Results around the top 10% of your class. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 1 December 2026.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Non-EEA bachelor's and master's students at participating institutions

    NL Scholarship

    Value: €5,000, paid once in the first year (not a full scholarship)

    Eligibility: For students who have not studied in the Netherlands before. Each participating university sets its own deadline and criteria.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Joint master's run by European university groups

    Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships

    Value: Programme costs, travel and visa costs, and a monthly living allowance

    Eligibility: Top applicants from any country. Applications usually open between October and January.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC) with high marks; some programmes ask for specific subjects. Leiden publishes country-specific requirements.
  • English-taught bachelor's include International Studies and Security Studies in The Hague, among others.
  • Apply through Studielink; numerus fixus programmes close on 15 January.

Postgraduate

  • A bachelor's degree in a related subject with the courses the programme lists.
  • Apply through Leiden's online application and Studielink. For LExS you must apply for admission by 1 December 2026 for September 2027.
  • Non-EU deadlines are usually between 1 December and 1 April depending on the programme; check yours.
  • Your university applies for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit on your behalf; you show proof of funds of €1,130.77 a month (IND, 2026).

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's) or bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (master's)
  • English test score (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or another test the programme accepts)
  • CV
  • Motivation letter or statement of purpose
  • One or two reference letters, where the programme asks for them
  • GMAT or GRE score, only for programmes that ask for it
  • Course descriptions or a list of courses, for programmes that check your prior knowledge

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS Academic6.5 overall with no section below 6.0 is typical; some programmes ask for 7.0.
TOEFL iBTAccepted; minimum set by each programme.
Cambridge EnglishC1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency accepted by most programmes.

Accommodation and living costs

Leiden and The Hague both have tight housing markets. Leiden University's Housing Office offers a limited number of furnished rooms to new international students through partners; book as soon as you are admitted.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn EURApprox. in rupees
Non-EEA science master's tuition, 2027/28Humanities and social sciences master's €22,900€23,300per year≈ ₹24.7 lakh
Rent for a student roomLeiden and The Hague are mid-priced; rooms still go quickly before September€450–900per month≈ ₹47,700 – ₹95,400
Groceries and meals€200–300per month≈ ₹21,200 – ₹31,800
Health and liability insuranceDutch basic health insurance is required, at a higher cost, if you take a paid job€80–120per month≈ ₹8,480 – ₹12,720
Public transportMany students cycle, which keeps this low€50–70per month≈ ₹5,300 – ₹7,420
IND proof of funds for living costs, 2026The amount the IND expects students to have; about €13,570 a year€1,131per month≈ ₹1.2 lakh

Campus and location

Leiden is a historic university city of about 130,000 people with canals and museums, 35 minutes by train from Amsterdam; The Hague is the Netherlands' seat of government and home to international courts.

  • The Faculty of Science is next to the Leiden Bio Science Park.
  • The Hague campus hosts governance, international relations and some law programmes.
  • The Hortus botanicus, founded in 1590, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
  • Schiphol airport is about 15 minutes by train from Leiden.

Careers and graduate outcomes

Leiden graduates work in government, international organisations, pharma and biotech, IT and consulting, in The Hague, Amsterdam and beyond. The figures below are general rules and statistics, not a promise of a job.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
Orientation year permit after graduating1 year to look for work, with no work permit neededIND: residence permit for the orientation year
Work allowed while studyingUp to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August (not both); employer needs a work permit (TWV)IND: student residence permit
Minimum wage from 1 July 2026 (age 21+)€14.99 an hour grossGovernment of the Netherlands: minimum wage
International students at Leiden University23%Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027

Studying in the Netherlands

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the Netherlands. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the Netherlands

Compare all universities in the Netherlands

FAQs

How much does a Leiden master's cost?

For 2027/28, €23,300 a year for science master's and €22,900 for humanities and social sciences master's (non-EEA).

What is LExS?

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship takes €10,000 to €19,000 off your tuition for the whole programme. Apply by 1 December 2026 for September 2027.

Are Leiden master's one or two years?

Science master's usually take two years; many humanities and social sciences master's take one year.

Is Leiden good for international relations?

Yes. Its programmes in The Hague are close to embassies, ministries and international courts.

Can I work after graduating?

Yes, through the one-year orientation year permit.

Sources

  1. Leiden University: Evolutionary Biology tuition fee 2027-2028 (science rate) (opens in a new tab)
  2. Leiden University: European Union Studies tuition fee 2027-2028 (humanities and social sciences rate) (opens in a new tab)
  3. Leiden University: Computer Science (MSc) (opens in a new tab)
  4. Leiden University: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  5. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: Leiden University (opens in a new tab)
  6. QS World University Rankings 2027: Leiden University (opens in a new tab)
  7. Study in NL: NL Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  8. Study in NL (Nuffic): tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
  9. IND: student residence permit for university education (opens in a new tab)
  10. IND: required amounts (income requirements) (opens in a new tab)
  11. IND: residence permit for the orientation year (opens in a new tab)
  12. Government of the Netherlands: minimum wage amounts 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 23 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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