Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the first university in the Netherlands and a broad, internationally oriented research university. Across seven faculties in two cities, Leiden and The Hague, more than 33,000 students from 120 nationalities learn to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Are you curious, critical and involved in the world around you? At Leiden University you can make a valuable contribution to tackling the national and international challenges facing modern society. Together with academics and fellow students from all over the world, you will actively address these challenges. We keep an open mind, do not shy away from difficult discussions and allow one another the space to disagree. We expect the same active, open-minded and critical attitude from you.

Bastion of freedom. William of Orange founded the university in 1575, it is said in recognition of the city's courageous resistance against the Spanish siege. Our motto, Praesidium Libertatis (bastion of freedom), still guides us: we place great value on freedom of thought, inquiry and speech. Sixteen Nobel Prize winners have been connected to Leiden.

Teaching with personal attention. Our teaching is characterised by individual attention for students, contact with diverse cultures and innovative teaching methods. Our modest community size in the historical cities of Leiden and The Hague creates a personal and committed atmosphere. Together, we map out a learning path that suits you and your ambitions, and you are encouraged to conduct research with eminent and enthusiastic scholars. Teaching and research are closely interwoven.

Research that matters. Our research and teaching inspire one another, and this cross-pollination shapes our contribution to society. We train our students to become analytical thinkers and critical world citizens who can apply their knowledge to make the world a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just place.

Two cities, one university. Leiden is a real student city: a historic and lively centre with university buildings, student associations, cafés and housing within cycling distance. The Hague, the city of peace and justice, is the political heart of the Netherlands and home to embassies, multinationals and international courts. Teaching and research at Campus The Hague focus on international law, peace and security, global affairs, governance and urban issues. The cities themselves are the campus.

Programmes. Leiden offers 51 bachelor's programmes and 83 master's programmes, many of them taught in English, across Archaeology, Governance and Global Affairs, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social and Behavioural Sciences. Explore our bachelor's programmes (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/bachelors?utm_source=THE&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=Enhanced+Profile&utm_content=description_bachelors) and master's programmes (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/masters?utm_source=THE&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=Enhanced+Profile&utm_content=description_masters), or read about admission and application (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/admission-and-application?utm_source=THE&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=Enhanced+Profile&utm_content=description_admission).

Support and career. Every faculty has its own career services, open to students and to alumni for up to one year after graduation. Career counsellors help with internships, job applications and planning your next step, in the Netherlands or abroad. Leiden's lecturers and professors bring an extensive network of international organisations, companies and research institutes.

More than our rank. Leiden University often appears high in international rankings, but we encourage you to look beyond them and explore who we are: a university that values academic freedom, open debate and an engaged community. Find out why students choose Leiden (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/masters/why-leiden-university?utm_source=THE&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=Enhanced+Profile&utm_content=description_why_leiden).

Leiden University welcomes anyone who wants to achieve their full potential. The knowledge and skills you develop here will benefit you for the rest of your life, whatever career path you choose.