Universiteit Leiden
Leiden, Netherlands • Founded 1575 • QS 2027 #119 =
Updated May 2026 · Source: universiteitleiden.nl
Overview
Established in 1575, the Universiteit Leiden (Leiden University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Leiden (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South Holland.
This institution also has a branch campus in Den Haag. Officially recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands), Universiteit Leiden (LEI) is a very large-sized coeducational Dutch higher education institution.
Universiteit Leiden (LEI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 449-year-old Dutch higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
LEI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Universiteit Leiden are listed below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Universiteit Leiden's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Universiteit Leiden are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- Faculty of Archaeology
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Medicine/Leiden University Medical Center
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Leiden Law School
Degrees
Postgraduate, 1-2 yrs. International Programmes. MA, MSc, Advanced LL.M, Mphil
Bachelor's 60 programs
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Classical Languages
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Dutch
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- English
- Film
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Hispanic American Studies
- History
- Indic Languages
- Indonesian
- Islamic Theology
- Italian
- Japanese
- Jewish Studies
- Korean
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Mediterranean Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Nursing
- Pedagogy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Law
- Religion
- Russian
- Slavic Languages
- Social Sciences
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
- Spanish
- Teacher Trainers Education
- Theology
- Tibetan
- Women's Studies
Master's 61 programs
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Classical Languages
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Dutch
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- English
- Film
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Hispanic American Studies
- History
- Indic Languages
- Indonesian
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Islamic Theology
- Italian
- Japanese
- Jewish Studies
- Korean
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Mediterranean Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Nursing
- Pedagogy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Law
- Religion
- Russian
- Slavic Languages
- Social Sciences
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
- Spanish
- Teacher Trainers Education
- Theology
- Tibetan
- Women's Studies
Doctoral 7 programs
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland.
Archaeology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
Humanities (Faculty) 34 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Art History
- Chinese
- Classical Languages
- Dutch
- English
- Film
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Hispanic American Studies
- History
- Indic Languages
- Indonesian
- Islamic Theology
- Italian
- Japanese
- Jewish Studies
- Korean
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mediterranean Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Russian
- Slavic Languages
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
- Spanish
- Theology
- Tibetan
Law (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Medicine (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Nursing
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
Social and Behavioural Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Behavioural Sciences
- Education
- Pedagogy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Women's Studies
Education (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Sciences
- Teacher Trainers Education
Public Administration (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Administration
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Universiteit Leiden are listed by degree level.
238 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Netherlands
Bachelor's Degree 25 programmes
Showing 10 of 25.
Master's Degree 213 programmes
Showing 10 of 213.
Scholarships in Netherlands
the Netherlands-wide scholarships, relevant to students considering Universiteit Leiden or other institutions there.
How to apply to Universiteit Leiden
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Universiteit Leiden, in five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Universiteit Leiden's 238 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Universiteit Leiden typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Universiteit Leiden processes applications through www.universiteitleiden.nl. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +31 (71) 527 8011. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universiteit Leiden
Frequently asked questions about Universiteit Leiden.
When did Universiteit Leiden open?
Universiteit Leiden traces its founding to 1575 (approximately 451 years ago).
Where can I find Universiteit Leiden?
The institution is located in Leiden, Netherlands.
Is Universiteit Leiden a public or private institution?
Universiteit Leiden operates as a public institution.
How many students does Universiteit Leiden have?
The institution has a student body of 30,000-34,999.
Where does Universiteit Leiden stand in university rankings?
Universiteit Leiden is ranked QS 2027 #119 =.
What programmes are available at Universiteit Leiden?
Universiteit Leiden delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How is Universiteit Leiden organised academically?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
Is Universiteit Leiden officially recognised?
Yes, Universiteit Leiden is recognised by Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland.
Where can I learn more about Universiteit Leiden?
You can find Universiteit Leiden online at www.universiteitleiden.nl.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Members of European University Association (EUA), alongside Universiteit Leiden.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Universiteit Leiden.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Other institutions in the Netherlands teaching Humanities & Cultural Studies are listed below for comparison with Universiteit Leiden.
Universities Compared with Universiteit Leiden
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Universiteit Leiden.
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