Public International Law (LL.M.)
Required documents
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents. The documents that are required depend on your educational background and chosen study programme.
Note: If you have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission, you will generally not be asked to submit additional documents.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national already living in the Netherlands, upload copies of both sides of your Dutch residence permit.
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.
- Please upload your academic records of all previous secondary and higher education (completed and uncompleted).
- Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies so we can verify your documents.
- 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.
- For students with a refugee background who do not have verifiable documentation of their previous education, Leiden University offers an alternative assessment procedure. If this applies to you, make sure to upload a detailed CV containing an explanation of which documents you have and detailed information on all education attended.
- Language proficiency (if applicable)
Additional requirements - specific to Public International Law
- This programma requires two letters of recommendation.
- At least one letter must be from an academic member of staff.
- The letters of recommendation must be in English.
- 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.
Your letter of motivation should be a personal statement illustrating your experience and interest in matters of public international law. It should also explain why you want to follow the programme, why you want to do so at Leiden University and what makes you think you'll be a good candidate.