How to apply

Entry requirements and admission procedure

Every programme or even specialisation has its own entry requirements and admission procedure. To see what procedure applies to that programme and in your specific case, please see the page of the programme you are interested in.

Apply Online (online application system)

Students applying for admission to a master’s degree programme at Leiden University can apply online.
Students who have a bachelor’s degree from Leiden University and intend to continue in the related master’s programme do not have to apply for admission but can register directly in Studielink.

More information for Dutch students.

Required documents

All the documents required are mentioned in the online application system.
The list can also be previewed on the Studying in Leiden website under Required application documents

Please note: for several programmes the required documents differ from those mentioned in the online application system. The correct list of necessary application documents can be found at the entry requirements or admission procedure information of that programme.”

If you are applying online you can upload all documents. Please note that documents only need to be sent by post if requested by the Admissions Office during the application process.

Application fee

Please note that we can only process your application after proof of payment of the application fee has been received.
For details an exemptions see: Tuition and application fees

Application deadlines

1. international students who need a visa, residence permit or housing

Although in some cases other deadlines may apply, the general application deadlines are:

  • 1 April for programmes starting in September
  • 15 October for programmes starting in January

Please see the programme description for the exact application deadline.

Late applications

While some departments will accept late applications (see the individual programme description if this is possible) please bear in mind that your file is one of many that have to be processed. If you apply after the deadlines enrolment may be deferred until the next possible start date, which usually means next semester (see individual programme descriptions for information on start dates).

2. Other International Students

Students who do not need a visa, residence permit or housing can generally observe a more generous deadline:

  • 15 June for programmes starting in September
  • 1 December for programmes starting in January/February

Since deadlines may vary per programme, please see the programme description for the exact application deadline.

Admission process

The specific academic entry requirements are provided with each programme. The minimum requirement for admission to any master’s programme are:

The purpose of the application is to determine whether your diploma(s) grant(s) you access to the programme of your choice. If this is the case you will receive a formal decision on admission and further instructions on how to finalise your student registration in Leiden.

Receipt of the Application

  • The Admissions Office will screen your application for completeness of the information provided and documents uploaded.
  • You will receive an acknowledgment of the receipt of the application.

Decision on Admission

  • Your application is reviewed by the Admissions Office in consultation with the Faculty involved. The final decision on admissibility is made by the Faculty or Department.
  • A formal decision will be sent to you by the Faculty or Department. The decision will specify whether you are admitted, conditionally admitted, or not admitted.
  • If you are admitted you will receive an offer letter from the Admissions Office containing information on the steps you need to take to request your student housing, take care of immigration formalities (if applicable) and arrange student registration.

Further Information

Questions about Studielink or difficulties with registration, contact: Studielink student help desk
How to apply for admission with Leiden University Admissions Office: Apply online
Register as a student and obtain your student ID card: Pre-departure & arrival information

Find your master's at Leiden University