Go to Studielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:

• a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
• if you are a Dutch resident, your DigiD

After taking the first step, you will receive an email with the following information (but bear in mind that it can take a few days):

• confirmation that you have started the application process in Studielink
• login details for Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)

In the online application portal, Leiden University will let you know whether you are directly admissible and will guide you through all necessary steps to complete your registration, as well as informing you about what you have to do after applying.

a. Automatically admissible
If your diploma grants you automatic admission to the bachelor’s, programme of your choice, Leiden University’s online application portal will tell you this and you will not need to apply for admission. The portal will give you further instructions.  

Check if you can be admitted automatically
Some Dutch diplomas grant direct admission to bachelor’s programmes at Leiden University. Check in the programme description whether this is the case with your diploma. 

b. Not automatically admissible
If your diploma doesn’t grant you automatic admission to the bachelor’s programme of your choice, Leiden University’s online application portal will tell you this and you will need to apply for admission. The portal will give you further instructions. 

Generally speaking, you cannot be admitted automatically if:

• You are an international student (you have a non-Dutch diploma).
• You are a Dutch student without the appropriate VWO diploma (you have an international diploma or a VWO diploma that falls short of the applicable requirement, for example).

If you cannot be admitted automatically, you will have to apply. In our online application portal you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application at Leiden University. Please follow the instructions carefully. We strongly recommend that you complete your application as early as possible, because the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll receive a decision.

The application fee for degree programmes at Leiden University is €100. This fee is non-refundable and it entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations within the same academic year. The online registration system describes how you can pay this fee. 

Can I be exempted from paying the application fee?    
Do you have a Dutch pre-university diploma (VWO) or a propedeutical diploma (HBO or WO) from a Dutch institute of higher education? In that case you are exempted from the €100,- application fee. This also applies to students who have a pre-university diploma (VWO) or a propedeutical diploma (HBO or WO) from an institute of higher education in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten.

You can also be exempted if:

• You have a European Baccalaureate diploma from a Dutch department (NE Taal 1).
• You were previously registered as an exchange, SAP, degree or pre-master's student at Leiden University.
• You are applying for the BSc in Molecular Science and Technology.
• You have refugee status in the Netherlands (residence permit for asylum).
• You have previously been admitted to a degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you wish to apply for a different study programme or specialisation.

Exemptions cannot be granted on any other grounds. 

After submitting your application, the online portal will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa or a scholarship. Make a careful note of the deadlines for applying for a scholarship, student visa/residence permit and student accommodation.

• Upon receipt of your application fee (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether your application is complete or if there are any omissions.
• Your application will then be reviewed by the Admissions Office or the Board of Admissions of the faculty. They will then decide whether you meet the entry requirements of the degree programme of your choice. 
• Leiden University will make a decision within four to six weeks after the receipt of your application. In the meantime, you can check the status of your application online.

The Board of Admissions will send you its decision by email within four to six weeks after your application has been received.

There are three possible options.

1. You are admitted
   All conditions have been fulfilled.
2. You are conditionally admitted, in other words you will be admitted if you meet certain conditions.
   The conditions will be given in the decision letter.
3. You are not admitted, because you do not meet the programme’s entry requirements.
   The reasons will be clearly stated in the decision letter.

If you are told that your application has been successful, congratulations! A number of additional steps now need to be taken.

If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).

1.    Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2.    Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:

• Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
• No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
• Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.

The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.

Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office bachelor team.  

Deadline final decision 
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline. 

If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.