How to apply

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.

Paper application form

If you are experiencing difficulties using the online application system please refer to our FAQ section to request a paper application form. However please note that using a paper application form will cause a delay in the processing time.

Required documents

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

Please note: students who are applying for a teacher training programme or the ‘Europaeum – European History and Civilisation, Leiden-Oxford-Paris programme’ are required to submit application documents that differ from those mentioned in the online application system. The correct list of necessary application documents can be found under ‘Entry Requirements’ of the study 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, then you will receive a formal statement of admission and an enrolment package. You will need the statement to finalise your enrolment as a student.

Receipt of the Application

  • The Admissions Office will screen your application for completeness of the information provided and documents enclosed.
  • 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 statement regarding admission will be sent to you by the Admissions Office. The statement will specify whether you are admitted, conditionally admitted, or not admitted (You will need this statement to finalise formal enrolment as a student at Leiden University).
  • If you are admitted you will receive an enrolment package from the Admissions Office together with the statement of admission. (Please note that you will need to include the formal statement of admission (sent by the Admissions Office) with your registration form, which you will obtain after arrival. Details are given in the enrolment package).

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