No, Leiden University has a unique two-city setup. The historic main campus is in the beautiful, classic student city of Leiden, which houses most of the faculties. Additionally, the university has a modern, purpose-built campus in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, which is home to the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, offering programs directly linked to international law, politics, and security.

Leiden University offers a wide range of both Dutch-taught and English-taught programs. At the Bachelor's level, there are numerous English-taught programs, and at the Master's level, the majority of programs are offered in English. You must check the specific language requirements for your chosen program, but for international students, there are ample opportunities to study entirely in English.

The deadlines vary depending on the program and your nationality. For most Bachelor's programs, the deadline for non-EU/EEA students is April 1st for the following September start, and for EU/EEA students, it is May 1st. For Master's programs, deadlines can range from March to June. However, some programs, especially those with a Numerus Fixus (selection procedure), have much earlier deadlines, like January 15th. Always check the specific program page on the official website.

You can prove your proficiency by submitting a recent test certificate from an accepted authority. The most common tests and required scores are IELTS (academic) with a minimum of 6.5 overall, or TOEFL iBT with a minimum of 90. Some programs may require higher scores, such as a 7.0 for IELTS. Exemptions are granted for students who have completed their secondary or higher education in English in certain countries.

After you submit your application in the online system (uSis), you will receive a confirmation email. The admissions office and the faculty will then review your application for completeness and check if you meet the entry requirements. This process can take several weeks. You may be contacted for additional information. Once a decision is made, you will be notified via email. If accepted, you will receive further instructions on how to confirm your enrollment.

Both Leiden and The Hague are generally very safe cities with low crime rates. The Netherlands is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. As with any urban area, it is always important to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings at night and securing your bicycle. The university works closely with municipal authorities to ensure student safety in popular student neighborhoods.

The university has a 24/7 Security Service that patrols buildings and can be contacted for any emergency or safety concern. Most university buildings require a student card for access after hours. There is also a Safe Study Environment Policy, and students can request a safe walk home at night from security personnel. Emergency procedures and contact numbers are clearly communicated to all students.

In a life-threatening emergency, you should always call the European emergency number 112 immediately for police, ambulance, or fire services. For non-emergency security concerns on campus (e.g., a theft, feeling unsafe walking home), you should contact the university's 24/7 Security Service, whose number is provided to all students upon enrollment.

Yes, there is some flexibility. Students can often choose elective courses (keuzevak) from other programs or faculties, subject to approval from their study advisor and if there is space available. Additionally, the university offers honours programmes and minors that allow students to delve deeper into a specialty or explore an entirely different field of interest alongside their core degree.

The balance depends on the program, but a typical workload at Leiden University involves a significant amount of independent study, including reading, research, and preparing assignments. This is complemented by interactive seminars, tutorials, and project work where group collaboration is common. The educational model emphasizes developing critical self-study skills alongside the ability to work effectively in teams.

Absolutely. Many programs, especially in the Sciences, Archaeology, and Governance, incorporate practical components. This can include laboratory work, field schools, internships, and data collection for thesis projects. Master's students are often integrated into the research groups of their professors, working on real-world projects and contributing to the university's pioneering research environment.

The primary scholarship for excellent non-EEA students is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS). Other notable options include the Holland Scholarship and specific program-related scholarships. For students from particular regions, there are scholarships like the LUSTRA+ for students from Central and Eastern Europe. It is crucial to check the university's dedicated scholarship website for the most current options and eligibility criteria.

The application for most university scholarships is integrated into the application for the study program itself. You typically need to indicate your desire to be considered for a scholarship when you apply for your degree in the online application portal and often must upload a specific motivation letter. Deadlines are strict and are usually earlier than the standard application deadline, often around February 1st for September start.

While the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) offers a tuition fee waiver of up to 100%, it does not cover living expenses. There are no university-wide full-ride scholarships that cover both tuition and full living costs. For full financial support, students are encouraged to look for external funding bodies, such as their home government, the Dutch government (e.g., NL Scholarship), or other international organizations.

Housing is not automatically guaranteed for all students. However, the university's Housing Office offers a service primarily for international students who are new to the Netherlands. This service provides a limited number of rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. It is highly recommended to apply for this service as soon as it opens after admission, as the housing market in Leiden and The Hague is very competitive.

The average cost of living for a student in the Netherlands is estimated to be between €1,000 and €1,400 per month. This includes rent for a room (€400-€700), food (€250-€300), books, public transportation, and personal expenses. Life in The Hague can be slightly more expensive than in Leiden. It is important to budget carefully.

Leiden is a classic, compact university city with a rich history and a strong student-town atmosphere. The Hague is a bustling international city, home to many embassies, international organizations, and the Dutch government. Living in The Hague offers more metropolitan opportunities and a direct link to the professional world of international affairs, while Leiden offers a more traditional and intimate student experience.

The Orientation Year Visa (or Zoekjaar in Dutch) is a residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA graduates from Dutch universities to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation to search for a job or start a business. This visa offers greater flexibility in terms of the type of work you can do and the income requirements are lower during this period.

To qualify, you must have successfully completed a full-time accredited Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program at Leiden University. The Educational Immigration Service of the university can guide you through the application process, which you must submit to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) within three years of your graduation.

Yes, if you find a job that meets the requirements for a highly skilled migrant visa during your orientation year, your employer can sponsor you for a longer-term residence permit. The salary threshold for highly skilled migrants is lower for those under the orientation year scheme, making the transition into the Dutch job market significantly easier for graduates.