The master's programme in Philosophy of Humanities at Leiden University allows you to specialise in conceptual and methodological issues in the Humanities.
Why study Philosophy of Humanities at Leiden University?
Taught by Leiden University's acclaimed international faculty, this programme explores three areas of the humanities: European culture, language and thought, and literature and art.
Explore what Nietzsche called ‘European nihilism’. Discover how languages are not interchangeable and that language is more than an instrument of expression. Critique Nietzsche's metaphysics and the role played by philosophical aesthetics in the destruction of the traditional aesthetic and the emergence of modern art. Expect to graduate with in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in critical-thinking – ensuring you stand out in any future career.
Successful completion of the master’s programme can lead to PhD research and an academic career, or in the public, private or non-profit sectors. 75% of our students choose to enter a PhD programme after their studies, primarily in the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Germany or France. The remaining 25% already had a job when they joined the programme and were seeking to enhance their performance.
Is Philosophy of Humanities the programme for you?
This high-level programme attracts talented and motivated students. In-class debates with fellow students will fine-tune your reasoning skills and teach you how to formulate strong, logical arguments. Small classes allow for valuable, direct contact with your lecturers, who are invested in developing your potential.
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in which to reach their potential.
A top-ranking university
Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access the best teaching staff, the very latest research, and a wealth of resources found nowhere else in the world, including those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals.
Accomplished teaching faculty; an individual approach
The Leiden Institute for Philosophy is a leading centre of academic research with an exceptionally broad range of research streams. Our students can pursue specialised areas of interest not available elsewhere. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars from Leiden as well as scholars from our international network of philosophy departments. Small classes give students valuable time interacting with their lecturers, who offer a high level of personal support and guidance.
Access to the Humanities Hub labs
As a Humanities master’s student you will have access to the Humanities Hub which comprises labs with digital facilities for both students and researchers. The labs include an AI Lab, Media lab, film studio and podcast studio and give you the opportunity to develop your digital and media skills within the field of the humanities. Check the Humanities Hub page for a full list of all the labs and facilities.
Humanities Hub Leiden
An excellent start to your career
Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. Our graduates enjoy successful careers thanks to their broad and global mind-sets, their specialised and in-depth knowledge, and their strong critical thinking skills.The success of our alumni speaks for itself. Our graduates are equipped to solve the challenges facing society now and in the future.
Diversity and inclusion
We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.
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You will take courses at both the Leiden Institute for Philosophy and at other Humanities departments. Students in this two-year programme typically also enrol in one of the master’s programmes taught at the faculty of Humanities.
Philosophy courses integrate historical and systematic approaches in philosophy in the study of primary philosophical texts. The programme combines continental and analytical philosophy.
Programme structure
The two-year programme consists of the following components:
MA courses in the chosen discipline outside philosophy (for a total of 40 EC)
Specialist courses (for a total of 20 EC)
Optional courses in Philosophy (for a total of 40 EC)
Master’s thesis, thesis seminar, and exam (20 EC)
For a detailed programme, see this year's Prospectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Objectives
The objective of the two-year master’s in Philosophy of Humanities programme is to provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical foundations and methodological aspects of a number of disciplines in the field of Humanities.
The development of in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in logic, critical thinking and communication are key goals of this programme. Opportunities are provided for students to broaden their world experience and professional skills through an internship or by participating in an exchange programme at another top university.
Frank Chouraqui
University Lecturer
“This course of study is especially designed for students with a humanities background who seek to develop the philosophical implications of the themes of their studies. The disciplines of the humanities are distinguished by their focus on what makes a human life truly human. Thinking philosophically about the humanities therefore involves thinking philosophically about what it means to live in a human world. The programme follows a rigorous series of seminars distributed along three axes: the first is a continuation of your studies in the chosen field of humanities. The second involves a philosophical examination of themes common to philosophy and the humanities. Such past courses have addressed the philosophy of fiction, the philosophy of history, the philosophy of play and the philosophy of embodiment. The third axis involves a focus on philosophical ways to think about the disciplines of the humanities themselves, including philosophical explorations of the ways the disciplines of the humanities create a world of meaning for the members of a culture, including studies of phenomenology, deconstruction, hermeneutics.
In class, you will develop your own critical approach to your home discipline and use it as a starting point to critically engage with philosophical materials relevant to it. You will also examine such disciplines in terms of the way they not only describe their object but also create a certain way for us to live. The student experience is focused on developing independent and critical thinking, with great personal attention and group work. You will be introduced to the tradition of European philosophy and to the practice of philosophy as a quest and construction of meaning.”
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Community building
Throughout the year, activities are organised by the Philosophy department to encourage community building. You will for example be able to take part in seminars and guest lectures at the Centre for Political Philosophy.
Small-scale teaching
Teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars (10-20 students), in which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. The small size of classes allows for a high level of quality contact and interaction between you and your lecturers and fellow students.
Leiden Leadership Programme
Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
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Bert van den Berg is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. He specialises in the philosophy of the Greeks and Romans. Additionally, he engages in the influence of the ancient philosophers on later philosophy and their relevance to modern times. View his full profile here.
Dr. F. Chouraqui
Frank Chouraqui is a University Lecturer at the Institute for Philosophy. His research has a historical side and a systematic side. View his full profile here.
Prof.dr. F.A.J. de Haas
Frans de Haas is a Professor of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy / Director Dutch Research School of Philosophy at the Institute of Philosophy. His teaching is mainly concerned with influential aspects of the philosophy of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. View his full profile here.
Dr. H.W. Siemens
Herman Siemens is a Senior University Lecturer at the Institute for Philosophy. He teaches modern philosophy, with emphasis on the self-understanding of modernity developed in the philosophy of the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment. His areas of specialisation are Nietzsche and post-Nietzschean thought. View his full profile here.
Dr. J.E. de Jong
Johan de Jong is assistant professor in Continental Philosophy at Leiden University. He also holds a research fellowship in the project “Nietzsche: Experiment en nihilisme” at the Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen. View his full profile here.
Dr. M. Boven
Martijn Boven is a Lecturer at the Institute for Philosophy. His fields of research are Continental Philosophy, Aesthetics, Phenomenology and more. View his full profile here.
Dr. R. Uljée
Rozemund Uljée is a University Lecturer at the Institute for Philosophy. Her research focuses on the notion of justice as found in phenomenological and post-phenomenological thought. View her full profile here.
The master’s programme in Philosophy (120 EC) offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires knowledge of a specific discipline and the added value of advanced skills in logic, reasoning, abstraction and critical thinking.
Successful completion of the master’s programme can lead to PhD research and an academic career, or in the public, private or non-profit sectors. 75% of our students choose to enter a PhD programme after their studies, primarily in the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Germany or France. The remaining 25% already had a job when they joined the programme and were seeking to enhance their performance.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
PhD student at a university
Curator at a gallery
Project advisor on digital literacy
Campaign strategist for a campaign developer
Academic employee for a foundation
Teacher qualification
Are you interested in pursuing a career in education? Then you may apply for the Dutch-taught teacher-training MAat the ICLON Graduate School of Education after graduating from the master’s programme. To be admitted, you need to have a master’s degree in the relevant discipline. Fluency in Dutch is mandatory and additional entry requirements may apply.
Lanette Lanting
Graduated in Philosophy of Humanities (120 EC)
"In my work as an advisor child-inclusion, I see how a different view can change the way you see things yourself. How children view the world and their advices for us can be of big value for both companies and individuals. Furthermore, children always find a way to include sustainability in their thinking."
Really listening
"My studies in philosophy have helped me to really listen to what children and adults are saying, and finding a way of combining the sometimes extraordinary ideas of children and the reality of an organisation."
Nick Hortensius
Graduated in Film and Photographic Studies (MA Media Studies) and Philosophy of Humanities (MA Philosophy)
"During my MA Film and Photographic Studies I started volunteering for the Leiden International Film Festival. Fueled by my newly gained insights during my studies I was eager to develop my own initiatives, and after finishing my second master Philosophy of Humanities (with a focus on philosophy and film) I founded an educational platform that teaches film history, literacy and filmmaking skills to high school students."
Critical eye
"I've always had an affinity for teaching, and the skills and knowledge I acquired during my studies helped me start up my professional career. I now also work as head of programming for the film festival and am still using my critical eye and the curating skills I developed during my studies."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the cluster of the MA (60EC) and MA (120EC) in Philosophy 2016-2020.
25 %Government and semi-government organisations
25 %Education
13 %Research
8 %Consultancy
8 %Non-profit (e.g. at an idealistic organisation)
4 %Culture, sports and leisure
4 %Business services
4 %Media and journalism
4 %Financial organisations
4 %IT
1 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The master’s programme in Philosophy (120 EC) at Leiden University aims to equip you with a range of intellectual skills and academic attitude that can help you thrive in any position. Your high-level skills in abstraction, reasoning and critical thinking are intellectual skills that can be applied within any role, to any conceptual problem.
A growing number of students choose to do an internship during their study. Internships are a great way to gain firsthand experience in your area of interest before you decide on making it a career.
In recent years students from the MA Philosophy (120EC) have been doing internships at the following organisations:
Filosofie Magazine
Koninklijke Bibliotheek (Royal Dutch Library)
Peace Palace The Hague
Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment Dutch Consulate Office in Chongquing, China
Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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Find out how to apply for Philosophy of Humanities at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This specialisation is part of the MA Philosophy (120EC). If you would like to apply to this programme please first select the MA Philosophy (120EC) (CROHO code: 60823) in Studielink and then select Philosophy of Humanities.
Step- by step guide
The guide will give you the necessary help and guidance in submitting your application.
To be eligible for Philosophy of Humanities at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MA Philosophy in Philosophy of Humanities (120 EC) if you have:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, including general academic skills (research/heuristic skills, written/oral presentation skills, learning skills), and
either the bachelor's degree is in a discipline relevant to the chosen specialisation (modern European languages and cultures, classics, (art)history, culture, or religious studies) and you possess knowledge, understanding and skills comparable to those acquired upon completion of the pre-master's programme, for example by having earned a bachelor’s degree in a programme in which philosophy is combined with the chosen discipline;
or the bachelor’s degree is in Philosophy; and you possess knowledge, understanding and skills comparable to those acquired upon completion of the pre-master’s programme in one of the relevant non-philosophical disciplines, and
the ability to formulate a clear philosophical research question, to develop and formulate a critical view on that question, and to support this view by means of argument and analysis (to be determined on the basis of a writing sample).
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a research university that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for the pre-master’s programme. If you have completed the imposed pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the relevant specialisation of the Master’s programme. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Applicants with a degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (hbo) or equivalent are not eligible for admission to the Master’s programme in Philosophy (120 EC) and its pre-master’s programme.
Language requirements
The following requirements apply*:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.
*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 1 April.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 May.
Starting in February
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 15 October.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 November.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Other deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents.
Note: If you have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission, you will generally not be asked to submit additional documents.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
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.
Additional requirements specific to Philosophy of Humanities
Applicants are requested to enclose a writing sample in English, preferably consisting of no more than 3.500 words. The writing sample should be an academic paper that conveys the applicant’s ability to formulate a philosophical research question and argue their own critical position.
You are required to upload additional information: 1) about your acquired knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of the Master’s programme you are applying for and 2) about your acquired general academic skills. You can upload this format Questionnaire Master Application.
You can check the programme specific requirements regarding knowledge, understanding and skills on the Admission Requirements page.
The format includes the list of general academic skills which the candidate must possess in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme at the Faculty of Humanities.
The application procedure is broken down into three parts.
Part 1. Application in Studielink
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
1. Go toStudielink 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
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
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 master 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.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA Philosophy but who, according to the Board of Admissions, still have deficiencies in their educational background. Once you have completed the pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the relevant specialization of the Master’s programme.
Diploma requirements
with a bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, in a subject belonging to the relevant disciplines, who do not fulfil the entry requirements regarding the knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of philosophy.
It is not possible to apply to this programme with a degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo).
English language requirements
The English language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the pre-master.
Application procedure pre-master programme
In order to apply for the pre-master programme, you must first apply for the master’s programme.
After submitting your application for the master programme in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or if you’re not eligible for either programme because the deficiencies are too extensive.
Students who have been offered a pre-master programme, will find the procedure for the registration into the pre-master programme stated on their admission statement.
Start date
This pre-master offers 2 intakes: September and February.
More information
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “Philosophy pre-master”. The programme prospectus of the pre-master has a yearly update for the upcoming academic year in June.
The pre-master is taught in English. It is possible to pursue courses in Dutch as well.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee) and €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
The tuition fee for this programme is €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee) and €21,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2024-2025
2025-2026
€42,17 per EC
€43,35 per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. You can find your digital student card in the Leiden University app three days after your student registration is finalised. Read more about your student card here.
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the previous Master's Online Open Days and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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Questions about the application procedure, tuition fees and scholarships
Student Affairs Front Office
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website
Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday to Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday between 11.00 and 17.30.
