Quick Summary
Based in Leiden, Netherlands, Leiden University is a public with roots dating back to 1575. Ranked #141 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 33800 students including 24% from outside Netherlands. Known for strengths in Classics & Ancient History, Archaeology, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 51%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Oldest university in the Netherlands with a 450-year legacy, premier location for International Law in The Hague, and a leading member of the League of European Research Universities.
Subject Strengths
Classics & Ancient HistoryArchaeologyLawPoliticsHistoryPhilosophyPharmacy & PharmacologyAstronomy
Founded1575
TypePublic
Total Students33800
Intl Students24%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsLeiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
AccreditationNVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#141
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#77
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#131
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,PhD
Programs
100
PhD Programs
12
Online Programs
Leiden Institute of Physics,Leiden Observatory,Lorentz Center,Leiden Bio Science Park
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate51%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 1 (Non-EU), June 15 (EU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1 (Non-EU), December 1 (EU)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the Motivation Letter and ensure your previous degree is directly equivalent to Dutch academic standards. Early application is recommended for housing priority.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€15,500/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€13,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€19,600/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$108
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€28,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableLeiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS),Holland Scholarship,Orange Tulip Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$12,500
Financial AidAvailable for EU students via DUO; limited for non-EU students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Archaeology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
86%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with international organizations in The Hague and the Bio Science Park.
Industry Connections
International Court of JusticeEuropolLeiden Bio Science ParkDutch Government
Notable Alumni
René Descartes,Albert Einstein,Hugo Grotius,John Quincy Adams,King Willem-Alexander
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Sports Centre (USC) Leiden,The Beehive Student Centre (The Hague)
Student Clubs
LSV Minerva,Augustinus,ISN Leiden,Leiden Debating Union
Library Resources
Leiden University Library,Asian Library,Scaliger Institute
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,Global Exchange Programme,ISEP
Summer Programs
Leiden Summer School,Frontiers of Children's Rights