Leiden University
Video Play Icon5 Videos,
10 Photos
Leiden University Logo

Leiden University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements

Shiksha popularity ranking
Info Icon

#64 in World

#4 in Netherlands

Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 9 Oct '25

Leiden University
What's new?

Accordion Icon V3

Leiden University admission deadline for LLM course is Oct 15, 2025. Check Leiden University Reviews from here

About Leiden University

Accordion Icon V3
All
Things to Know
Year of establishment
1575
University website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Student website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
No. of campus
1
Scholarships available
2
Accepted exams
UG/PG course ratio
1.68
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   How much is the application fee for Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden University offers a number of bachelor's and master's programs. International students can apply online to Leiden University through the 'Studielink'. International students applying to Leiden University are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of EUR 100. Also, international studetns are entitled to apply for up to three programs within teh same academic year, without paying any extra application fee. However, internationa students are required to pay extra EUR 50 separately as an application fee for Leiden University College. 

Q:   Is Leiden University free for international students?
A: 

Leiden University is not free for international students who are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland. The Leiden University fees for international students is mentioned below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MIM (4 courses)

INR 17 L - 18 L

MS (78 courses)

INR 16 L - 18 L

MIM0 (2 courses)

INR 11 L - 15 L

MA (92 courses)

INR 7 L - 17 L

MIM06 (13 courses)

INR 13 L - 17 L

MIM9 (13 courses)

INR 9 L - 14 L

BSc (1 course)

INR 12 L

MIM3 PG (1 course)

INR 18 L

BArch (1 course)

INR 11 L

Check how to Study in the Netherlands for Free

Q:   How hard is it to get into Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden University is one of the universities that do not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However, as per EduRank, Leiden University acceptance rate is 63%. With an acceptance rate of 63%, the university selective for admissions. It is not easy to get into Leiden University as it is one of the most prestigious and popular university in the Netherlands. Also, the data given on the acceptance rate is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Leiden University Ranking 2026

#64

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon

#4

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon
Course wise : Shiksha Popularity Rankings
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   Is Leiden University prestigious?
A: 

Leiden University is a public research universtiy and the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden University rankings make it one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Leiden Universtiy is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. 

Ranked ByRanking
THE World University Rankings - 2025#73
QS World University Rankings - 2026#119

 

Q:   Which university is better among Utrecht University and Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden Universtiy and Utrecht University both are public universities in the Netherlands. Both the universities are among the oldest universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Here we have given a comparison between both the universities. 

Ranked By Leiden University Utrecht University 
THE World University Rankings 2025#73#66
QS World University Rankings 2026#119 #103
Q:   What is Leiden University ranked in QS?
A: 

In the year 2025, Leiden University ranks at #141. In 2026, its QS ranking is #119. It can be seen that this university's ranking has improved in 2026 by many spots. A few of the subject rankings of this university in the QS subject rankings are:

Particulars

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Law & Legal Studies

#25

Geography

#26

Social Policy & Administration

#38

Arts and Humanities

#46

Communication and Media Studies

#51-100

Leiden University Admission Dates 2025

  • Application fees :Euro 100
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
Lock Icon
Sign-up to view details
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   How do I apply to Leiden University?
A: 

To apply at Leiden University, international students will have to first register themselves at 'Studielink'. After registration, international students can apply online for various programs at Leiden University. Before applying, international students must ensure that they have all the necessary documents and they meet the minimum admission eligibility. 

Q:   Does Leiden University have an application fee?
A: 

Yes, Leiden University has an application fee of €100. This amount is roughly around INR 8,900. To apply to this university, the applicants can apply via studielink. A few documents required to apply are:

  • Academic records
  • English language proficiency score
  • Letter of Motivation
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Other program-specific documents
Q:   What are the English language requirements for the University of Leiden?
A: 

IELTS / TOEFL scores are accepted by Leiden Uni. For Master's admission, Indian applicants are required to have a range of IELTS between 6.0 – 7.5 (as required by the course). The TOEFL score range is 80-113. To know the English language requirements for Bachelor's courses, refer to the official website for more details.

Leiden University
Leiden University Scholarships

2No. of scholarships available
9.1 LTotal scholarship amount
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
Q:   What is Leiden University NL – Scholarship (Outgoing) scholarship?
A: 

Leiden University NL – Scholarship (Outgoing) scholarship, formerly known as Holland Scholarship is for Bachelor's and Master's students enrolled at this university. The scholarship amount is EUR 2,500 (Around INR 2.5 lakh). Do apply for the scholarship separately from the designated tab. The scholarship application is forwarded to the faculty to make the final selection.

Q:   What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
A: 

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is for the students joining full-time Master's programme at the university (with the exception to all Humanities program) and LLM Non-Advanced and MSc Int. Relations and Diplomacy). The students must be among the Top 10% in their previous study program. There are 5 levels of scholarship. Apply for this scholarship separately during the admission process. It is awarded for the duration of the study program. 

  • €10,000 of the tuition fee
  • €15,000 of the tuition fee
  • €17,500 of the tuition fee
  • €18,500 of the tuition fee
  • €19,000 of the tuition fee
Q:   How can I get scholarship in Leiden University?
A: 

To get Leiden University scholarships, international students have to apply online for admission to a Master's programme and pay the Leiden University application fee if applicable. In the scholarship section of your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for a LExS. Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in your online application.

Read more about the Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands

Leiden University Popular Courses

MS
M.A.
M.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
More

₹22.2 LGet Fee Details

₹23.35 LGet Fee Details

₹22.62 LGet Fee Details

₹23.56 LGet Fee Details

₹22.82 LGet Fee Details

View AllMS Courses

Leiden University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.5/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Friendly
Academically oriented
Internships4
Part time work3
Post study jobs2
Quality of faculty4
Student Life4
Value for money2
Public transportation4
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Political Science - Batch of 2023
3.5
More opportunities if you are a Dutch speaker.
Tips: There is a bit of cultural transition which one adapts to while living here. I did not opt for any scholarship. I am completely satisfied with the country. A little bit dissatisfied with the course and university. The thesis seminar was very stressful, it could have been organized in a more relaxed manner.
Likes (Safety): Leiden is a safe city in itself, so not a lot of facilities need to be in place. Walking alone at night is not at all concerning as it is absolutely safe most of the time. I did not come across any specific safety measures in the university. But there might be something in place that I don't know about
Dislikes (Post study jobs): There are a lot of companies offering sponsor visas for work but most of them require Dutch-speaking individuals so it's a bit tricky for internationals to get in. It also totally depends on the field of job somebody is looking in. For political science, it can be difficult as a lot of companies, organizations, NGOs are not registered with the government to sponsor visas.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1500
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 30325
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2023Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
View 1 ReviewRight Arrow Icon

Leiden University Placements

Visit official career services website External Link Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   Can I work part-time while studying at Leiden University?
A: 

Yes, students with a residence permit at Leiden University can work part-time. Students can work a maximum of 16 hours per week or full-time during the summer months. A few of the part-time job for international students at the Netherlands include:

  • Cashier at supermarket
  • Tutoring
  • Hotel receptionist
Q:   What is the placement rate of Leiden University?
A: 

The job outcomes rate of Leiden University graduates varies as per the courses. However, for MSc in CS, 96.9% is the placement rate. A few of the top employers of this university (overall) are:

  • Rabobank
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • Amsterdam UMC
  • European Commission
Q:   Where does Leiden University rank in the Employability rankings?
A: 

As per Times Higher Education Global Employability ranking, Leiden Uni ranks at #93 in the 2025 and for Netherland employability ranking, it ranks at #3 position in 2025. Additionally, this university has one Mentor programme in which students are mentored by experts in their chosen field. The university also helps students by providing career coaching and networking opportunities. It organizes events, workshops, and more for its students. Moreover, Leiden has one Mentor programme in which students are mentored by experts in their chosen field.

Leiden University Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(78 courses)
INR 19 L - 24 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 & Above
M.A.(91 courses)
INR 8 L - 23 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 - 100
M.Sc.(4 courses)
INR 20 L - 22 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE
MBA/PGDM(4 courses)
INR 20 L - 22 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses)
INR 13 L - 19 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE
B.A.(13 courses)
INR 3 L - 16 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 - 7, PTE, TOEFL: 90 - 100
LL.M.(13 courses)
INR 16 L - 23 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, PTE
B.Sc.(1 course)
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
Others PG(1 course)
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE
B.Arch(1 course)
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   How much is the fee for Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden University offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The tuition fee for international students will depend on the type of course and level of study. Also, Leiden University is a public university, therefore, tuition fee for international students and domestic students may vary. Here we have given the average tuition fee for internaitonal students for some popular courses. 

Course Average Annual Fees
MSINR 15.7 L - 17.3 L 
MAINR 7.1 L - 17 L 
BAINR 9.3 L - 13.6 L 
Q:   What is the cost of studying at Leiden University?
A: 

The annual Leiden University tuition fees for Indian students can be between INR 3 L – INR 22 L. Course-Wise as per Shiksha Study Abroad at Leiden can be as follows:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

LL.M. (13 courses)

INR 15 L - 22 L

MS (78 courses)

INR 18 L - 22 L

M.A. (91 courses)

INR 8 L - 22 L

B.A. (13 courses)

INR 3 L - 16 L

M.Sc. (4 courses)

INR 19 L - 21 L

MBA/PGDM (4 courses)

INR 19 L - 21 L

B.E. / B.Tech (2 courses)

INR 12 L - 18 L

B.Arch (1 course)

INR 14 L

Others PG (1 course)

INR 20 L

B.Sc. (1 course)

INR 14 L

Q:   What are the requirements for Leiden University for Indian students?
A: 

Indian students who wish to study at Leiden University must meet the below admission requirements:

Leiden University Requirements for UG Admissions

  • A Diploma that is at least equal to the Dutch pre-university Diploma (VWO)
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Students have to meet the programme specific requirements

Leiden University Requirements for PG Admissions

  • Students must have a BA or BSc degree (or equivalent) to be admitted to any of Leiden University’s master’s programmes
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Students have to meet the programme specific requirements







Leiden University Notable Alumni

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Alumni
Q:   Who are the most famous alumni of Leiden University?
A: 

Members of Dutch Royal family such as Queen Juliana, Beatrix of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands are alumni of Leiden University. Around 10 Prime Ministers of the Netherlands including Mark Rutte is also an alumni of this university. Also, U.S. President John Quincy Adams also studied at this university.

Q:   Who went to Leiden University?
A: 

Members of the Dutch Royal family such as Queen Beatrix, Queen Juliana, and King Willem-Alexander studied at Leiden University Netherlands. Additionally, 10 Prime Ministers of the Netherlands including Mark Rutte have studied at this university. John Quincy Adams (the U.S. President) also studied at this university. Other notable alumni of this university are: 

  • Rene Descartes
  • Paul Verhoevan
  • Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands
  • Eva Jinek
  • Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

Utrecht University Vs University of Groningen Vs Leiden University - Which is Better?

Accordion Icon V3

Compare Leiden University with other similar colleges

MS
M.A.
M.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
B.A.
LL.M.
B.Sc.
Others PG
B.Arch
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 18.64 L - 23.56 L#119 QS, 2026
INR 13.44 L - 38.48 L#194 QS, 2026
INR 18.32 L - 25.58 L#103 QS, 2026
INR 11.37 L - 23.56 L#279 QS, 2026
INR 9.42 L - 33.5 L#147 QS, 2026
INR 16.54 L - 20 L#239 QS, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons
Q:   Which university is better among Utrecht University and Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden Universtiy and Utrecht University both are public universities in the Netherlands. Both the universities are among the oldest universities in the Netherlands and Europe. Here we have given a comparison between both the universities. 

Ranked By Leiden University Utrecht University 
THE World University Rankings 2025#73#66
QS World University Rankings 2026#119 #103

Leiden University
Studying in Netherlands

Key Facts About Netherlands

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in Netherlands
school Key Fact Icon
34+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.5K
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
16 Hours Per Week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
1 Year
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Amsterdam
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
18.35M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
1%
letterA Key Fact Icon
Dutch
Weather
October
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Nijmegen614
Maastricht815
Amsterdam714
Utrecht715
Explore popular study abroad destinations

Leiden University Campus

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Others
Q:   How is the student life at Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden University offers its students countless options to develop socially and personally outside the classroom. Students can join the campus-wide organizations such as the International Student Network. Students can also utilize University Sports Centre (USC) to remain fit. There are also various student associations covering different culture area. Many students and student associations can run their own drama groups, join an independent drama group, sing in a choir, etc.

Q:   Does Leiden University have student housing?
A: 

Each semester, Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms for international students via a local agency. The university does not have student dorms. The university can house certain number of students of students only who submit the housing request. The average room cost in Leiden is between Euro 300 – Euro 750 per month.

Leiden University Research

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 1
Q:   Is Leiden a research university?
A: 

Yes, Leiden University is one of the leading international research universities in Europe. It has more than 40 national and international research institutes. There are five main research domains of this university namely Human in the world; Resilient and Learning Society; Technology and Society; Health and Life Sciences; Peace, Justice, Democracy and Governance. Leiden Uni has a strong reputation for research, especially in areas like Physics, Law, and Archaeology. Note that the Faculty of Archaeology ranks in the Top 10 worldwide in academic reputation and research impact as per QS World University Rankings 2024.

Q:   What are the research institutes of Leiden University?
A: 

The research institutes of Leiden University are based in Leiden and Hague. The research institutes are divided as per the disciplines. Some of the research institutes of this university are:

  • Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
  • Institute for History
  • Institute of Public Administration
  • Institute of Private Law
  • Institute of Public Law
  • Institute of Psychology
  • Institute of Political Science

Leiden University FAQs

Q:   What are the English requirements for Leiden University?
A: 

Leiden University offers various programs at bachelor's and master's level in the English language. However, international students enrolling in these programs are required to meet the minimum English language requirements. The English language requirements will vary from programme to program. Check below the minimum IELTS score equivalency table requirement for international students.  

Score equivalency table

IELTS TOEFL iBTCambridge C2 or C1 Advanced
6.080CPE, CAE
6.590CPE/CAE 180
7.0100CPE/CAE 185
7.5113CPE/CAE 191
Q:   What are the admission requirements for Indian students at Leiden University?
A: 

The entry requirements at Leiden Uni vary as per the course levels. The minimum Leiden University admission requirements for Indian students are given below:

  • UG: A Diploma that is at least equal to the Dutch Pre-University Diploma. An English language proficiency score is required for admission
  • PG: To pursue any Master's course at this university, the applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree (BA or BSc). Also, an English language proficiency score is required. 
qna

Comments

qna

Leiden University

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

Many of the courses at Leiden University Netherlands are taught in English language. It offers 16 English-taught courses at the Bachelor's level and 80 courses at the Master's level. So, students aiming for the English taught courses must submit the English language proficiency score. IELTS / TOEFL

...Read more

C

Chandra Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

In 2026, Leiden University QS ranking is #119. Whereas in 2025, this university ranked at #141. It can be seen that the university's ranking has significantly improved in 2026. Furthermore, as per Times Higher Education rankings, Leiden University world ranking is #73 in 2025. Also, as per U.S. News

...Read more

C

Chandra Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Founded in 1575, Leiden University Netherlands is one of the leading international research universities in Europe. It is famous for its cutting-edge research in Law, Astronomy, Environmental Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence. It has an academic reputation for subjects like Humanities and Socia

...Read more

A

Anya Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Leiden University Netherlands MSc in ICT in Business and the Public Sector course is two-year. The language of instruction of this course is English. In this course, students are going to expand their knowledge of ICT and develop Business and organizational skills that are crucial to become a modern

...Read more

C

Chandra Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

Leiden University expects a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on 4-point scale from international applicants. Along with the GPA score, students must take care of several factors while deciding to enter the university. They must have completed two years of university studies and have relevant experience

...Read more

N

Nishtha Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 8

About the author

author image
Akanksha Malhotra

Study Abroad Expert

Akanksha Malhotra is a Content Writer / Editor at Shiksha.com's Study Abroad vertical, creating content for University pages. She is a seasoned education writer with 5+ years of experience, including writing articles for all-India and state levels, r...Read Full Bio

Leiden University

Leiden University Others(1)Academic building
Leiden University Others(2)Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Leiden University Others(3)Faculty of Science
Leiden University Others(1)
Leiden University Others(2)

Leiden University
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityLeiden, Other - Netherlands, Netherlands
Size of cityMedium
Population of City1,23,856

Leiden University
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Leiden University CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden, Netherlands

Leiden University
Contact Information

Address

Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden ( Other - Netherlands)

Go to College Website ->