You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.

• Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
• The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
• If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.

You are required to submit a research proposal that demonstrates your insight into the proposed subject matter and the relevant scholarship. This should open with an introductory paragraph for the non-specialist; name the research questions and/or objectives and the key primary source material; outline the state of the field and the contribution you expect to make; reflect on theory and methodology; identify any challenges and limitations; and reflect on any ethical issues raised by the research. The proposal is about 2,000 words in length (+/– 10%, including references) and it is advised to use subheadings.

Annotated bibliography

The proposal needs to be accompanied by an annotated bibliography that lists five key scholarly books or articles and explains the relevance and significance of each item. You should also list one or two faculty members at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studiesas potential project supervisors (depending on availability).

This programme requires two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from an academic member of staff.

Your motivation and suitability for the chosen programme should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to apply for the programme and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate for the research MA programme. The motivation letter should be between 700 and 1,500 words.

• Letters of recommendation must be written on letterhead paper, signed and (for verification purposes) they must bear the full contact details of the applicable referee.
• Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies.

Option 1. Uploading the letter yourself
You can upload the letter(s) of recommendation in the online application portal (uSis).

Option 2. Sent by your referee
Your referee can send the letter directly to the university, as follows:

1. Your referee must clearly state your name and student number in the letter.
2. He or she should send the letter to us, either: 

• digitally, by uploading the letter in our contact form
• by posting it to:

Leiden University
Admissions Office
Rapenburg 70
2311 EZ Leiden
The Netherlands

3. Complete this form and upload it in the online application system (uSis), instead of your letter of recommendation.