Leiden University
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Leiden University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#63 in World

#4 in Netherlands

Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 29 Nov '25

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

About Leiden University

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All
Things to Know
Year of establishment
1575
University website
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Student website
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No. of campus
1
Scholarships available
2
Accepted exams
UG/PG course ratio
1.68
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
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 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:   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. 

Q:   What does Leiden University specialize in?
A: 

Leiden University offers a number of programs at the bachelor's and master's level for students. The universtiy offers 45 bachelor's programs in Leiden and 7 bachelor's programme in the Hague. Also, Leiden University offers about 80 English-taught postgraduate programs. The university specializes in major such as: Culture, History, Society; International Justice; World Politics; Global Public Health; and Governance, Econocmics & Development etc. 

Leiden University Ranking 2025

#63

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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#4

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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Course wise : Shiksha Popularity Rankings
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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:   What ranking is Leiden University in the world?
A: 

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 improved in 2026. Also, as per Times Higher Education rankings, Leiden University world ranking is #73 in 2025. Also, as per U.S. News & World Report, this university ranks at #56 in 2025 globally.

Leiden University Admission 2026

  • 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
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Does Leiden University have an application fee?
A: 

The application fee at Leiden University is EURO 100 (INR 9K) for international students. The students can apply through 'studielink'. Some documents are given below:

transcripts
English language score
LOR
Other program documents

Q:   How can I apply for Leiden University?
A: 

Applying to the Leiden University is very simple. Indian students who wish to study at Leiden can follow the steps below to submit their applications.

  • Choose a programme from Leiden University courses
  • Check the admission requirements for the course
  • Check the deadlines
  • Collect the required documents as per the course 
  • Start the application and upload the documents
  • Pay application fee to submit it
  • Pay the initial tuition fees to confirm the seat
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.

Q:   Do I need to know Dutch to study at Leiden University?
A: 

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 scores are accepted at this university and the minimum scores required vary as per the courses.

Leiden University
Leiden University Scholarships

2No. of scholarships available
9.1 LTotal scholarship amount
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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
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

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

Leiden University Popular Courses

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

₹22.32 LGet Fee Details

₹23.03 LGet Fee Details

₹21.7 LGet Fee Details

₹20.06 LGet Fee Details

₹22.32 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
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Leiden University Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
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:   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

Leiden University Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(90 courses)
INR 18 L - 23 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 & Above
M.A.(125 courses)
INR 3 L - 22 LGet Fee Details
Duration11 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 - 100
M.Sc.(7 courses)
INR 20 L - 22 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE
MBA/PGDM(7 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 12 L - 19 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE
LL.M.(15 courses)
INR 15 L - 23 LGet Fee Details
Duration11 months-1 year
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, PTE
B.A.(20 courses)
INR 3 L - 17 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 - 7, PTE, TOEFL: 90 - 100
B.Arch(1 course)
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.Sc.(4 courses)
INR 14 L - 19 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
LL.B.(1 course)
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   What are the requirements for Leiden University for Indian students?
A: 

Indian students who want to study at Leiden University must meet below mentioned requirements-

Leiden University UG Requirement-

  • Diploma that is at least equal to Dutch pre-university Diploma.
  • Meet English language requirement.
  • Students have to meet program specific requirements.

Leiden University PG Requirement-

  • Students must have BA or BSc degree to be get into any of Leiden University’s PG program
  • Meet English language requirement
  • Students have to meet program specific requirements
Q:   What are the requirements for Computer Science at Leiden University?
A: 

There is no specific requirements for admission in Leiden University MS in CS program. But, the international applicants are required to have a UG degree and meet the English language requirements to get admission to the university. 

Along with all the admission requirements given, a good GPA is also required. 

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







Leiden University Notable Alumni

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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?

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Compare Leiden University with other similar colleges

MS
M.A.
M.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
LL.M.
B.A.
B.Arch
B.Sc.
LL.B.
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 18.22 L - 23.03 L#70 THE, 2026
INR 17.91 L - 25.91 L#103 QS, 2026
INR 15.59 L - 37.37 L -/-
INR 13.14 L - 37.62 L#176 THE, 2026
INR 9.21 L - 32.76 L#82 THE, 2026
INR 2.66 L - 23.03 L#154 THE, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Leiden University
Studying in Netherlands

Key Facts About Netherlands

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in Netherlands
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34+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.5K
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
16 Hours Per Week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
1 Year
Country stats
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Amsterdam
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
18.35M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
1%
letterA Key Fact Icon
Dutch
Weather
January
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Nijmegen05
Maastricht16
Amsterdam16
Utrecht05
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Leiden University Campus

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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

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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.

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. 
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Comments

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Leiden University

Student Forum

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

Answered 4 months 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 6 months ago

Leiden University expects minimum GPA of 3.2 on 4 point scale from international students. Along with GPA score, students must take care of various factors while deciding to enter the university. They must have completed 2 years of university studies and have relevant experience in course they are a

...Read more

N

Nishtha Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 months ago

The Leiden University application fee is EUR 100 for UG and PG students. Students must pay the application fee after filling the application. International students must fulfill the eligibility criteria by holding a Diploma equivalent Dutch pre-university diploma. They must submit mandatory document

...Read more

J

Jasleen Shukla

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 months ago

Indian students must fulfill the basic criteria and submit all the important documents such as LORs, academic transcripts, CV,  motivation letter and the English test scores. Indian students who want to study at Leiden University must fulfill the requirements mentioned below:

UG requirements:

  • Diploma

...Read more

T

Taru Bhandari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 months ago

According to unofficial source, Leiden University acceptance rate is 30%. Low percentage shows that the university is bit competitive but follows simple approach during admission. The university prioritises following factors which includes- strong academic record, relevant work experience, motivatio

...Read more

E

Esha Tiwari

Contributor-Level 9

About the author

author image
Kanishk Aggarwal

Study Abroad Expert

Kanishk Aggarwal is a content writer at Shiksha.com, creating content for universities abroad. Having pursued an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from GD Goenka University, Gurugram, he has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding stud...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

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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)

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