Why Leiden University?

High-quality education, a broad choice of bachelor’s programmes and personal support in a student city. And that’s just for starters. Leiden University offers you the ideal basis for enjoying the time of your life and a world-class career.

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6 reasons why to choose Leiden University

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent reputation built up over more than four centuries. We attach great value to freedom of spirit, thought and speech. We do not shy away from difficult discussions. What binds us is the search for solutions for current global challenges, a search that we conduct with an open mind.

A top-ranked university: For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and among the top 100 universities worldwide in 3 prominent international rankings. Our academic staff include many top scholars with an international reputation of excellence.

We offer upwards of 50 bachelor’s programmes, 16 of which are taught in English, and approximately 80 master’s programmes: you’re certain to find one that suits you. You can look beyond the limits of your own programme or choose to delve deeper into your own discipline instead. Take advantage of our broad array of electives, honours classes, leadership programmes and exchange programmes with other universities or one of the many minors that our university has to offer.

You receive a truly international experience with almost 4.000 internationals students and 120 nationalities. We are a small-scale academic community where there is room for personal contact and regard for your talents and opportunities. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions. If you’re keen to venture further afield, our global network of over 600 universities and partnerships will make studying abroad a truly unforgettable experience.

If you choose Leiden University, you will be choosing a university with one eye to tradition and the other to the future. Our lecturers and students join in the scientific and public debate, and seek answers to societal issues. We give our students and researchers the space and the resources to excel. You will have the chance to closely interact with Leiden’s scholars and thinkers and we will encourage you to conduct your own research. As a student in Leiden, you will develop your skills: not only critical thinking, independent research and problem-solving, but also 21st century skills such as leadership and entrepreneurship. So that when you graduate as an academic professional and engaged global citizen, you can help solve the challenges facing the world today.

In our two cities – Leiden and The Hague – you will find an inspiring community of students and lecturers from all over the world. Two different student cities with something for everyone. Leiden is a lively city with a centre full of student houses and associations and a wealth of well-preserved history. The Hague is the most international student city in the Netherlands. The good thing about our Hague campus is its proximity to the politicians and organisations that are dedicated to more freedom, justice and security in the world. And regardless of whether you study in Leiden or The Hague, live in a student house or join one of the student associations, you will meet so many other students – from other degree programmes too – who will enhance your student life with their insights, experiences and activities.

Sanne Heynen: ‘I decided to study Arts, Media and Society because I have a passion for art and culture. I’m active in the organisation of Leiden’s Museum Night. That event is entirely organised by students. I think that’s extraordinary; in every other city, the event is organised by professionals. It just goes to show how much students can do!’
Nikolas Stratopoulos: ‘I was really surprised by how much is possible in Leiden. Be it associations, sports, skills, language learning, part-time jobs or internships, there are so many opportunities here to develop yourself, take on new challenges and discover who you are. Personally, I have an active student life, in both a Dutch and an international student association.’
Wilke Geurds: ‘I’ve always been an avid photographer. I photograph student rooms and take pictures at student galas. Thanks to a partnership between Leiden University and the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, I’ve taken several photography courses. I think it’s very unique that you get opportunities to develop yourself outside your studies.’
Cas de Boorder: ‘I learned a lot about art and culture during my bachelor’s programme. My focus was mainly on Japanese art and history. A management position in the cultural sector would be nice. I secretly hope to end up working for a cultural institution in Japan, but a concert hall, a museum or another cultural institution in the Netherlands would also be cool.’
Zeineb Romdhane: 'I would describe myself as an idealist who wants to improve the world. That is why, for example, I am a volunteer at Amnesty International and I founded the MENA Student Association. We organise events about the Middle East and want to offer people from that region a safe place and to take away the feeling that they are disadvantaged by ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.’