Things to arrange
Leiden University will help international students with their visa, residence permit and enrolment at the University. Shortly after you have been admited to Leiden University you will receive detailed information taking you step-by-step through the whole procedure from admission to enrolment.
Please take a few minutes to read through the information here to find out what you can do from your side to smooth the process.
Before departure
Make sure your application is complete and on time
See Application and Admission for an explanation of the (online) application and admission process for international applicants.
Visa and residence permit
If you need a visa and or a residence permit to study in the Netherlands, the International Office can assist you with both. Provided that you are admitted and meet the requirements set by Immigration, the International Office will apply for your visa on your behalf. We will also assist you with applying for your residence permit directly after arrival. If you need a visa, this will be part of your application for admission to Leiden University.
Although the application of a residence permit takes place after arrival, it is good to be aware of the documents you need to bring with you to the Netherlands for this application. Please also note that if you need a visa for study, you cannot apply for a residence permit if you came to the Netherlands without the proper visa.
To find out if you need a visa and or residence permit, and what documents are required, please see our visa information .
Housing
In order for us to meet your housing request to the best of our ability, it is important that you meet the deadlines for housing applications and always confirm room reservations. The application for student housing starts with the Application for Admission form for a master’s degree programme.
For details see Housing
Finances and scholarships
If you need a visa and/or residence permit, you will have to demonstrate that you have enough money for your study period in Leiden. If the costs are covered, fully or partially, by a scholarship, we will need a scholarship award letter to be able to apply for your visa.
(information to be added).
We would like to draw your attention to our scholarship section if you are still looking for available scholarships.
Payment of tuition and application fees
International students who are not from one of the EU/EEA countries or from Switzerland, should pay the full tuition fees before arrival or enter into an instalment agreement with the International Office. This also applies to students who have been admitted to one of the Master of Laws: Advanced Studies programmes or to the MA in International Relations and Diplomacy.
more information
Sign up for an registration appointment (previously known as “information session”)
Attending a registration appointment is an essential step for all degree-seeking students. At this appointment we will take care of all student registration and (if applicable) residence permit formalities. We will also assist you in arranging your registration at a Dutch town hall, which is an important step before student registration can be completed. Once you have accepted your offer of admission you will receive an email with information concerning how to sign up for a registration appointment.
Sign up for the introduction programme
For international students who would like to have as smooth a start as possible, Leiden University organises a range of different introduction activities.
Take a look at this year’s programme (February 2010).
After arrival
Information to be added.
