Application & Admission

Apply Online (online application system)

International applicants can apply online. This link will take you to the online application system.

You are an “ international applicant” if you have a non-Dutch nationality OR if you are seeking admission on the basis of a diploma that was obtained abroad.
Other students are kindly refered to the Toelatingsinformatie 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

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 and housing

Although in some cases other deadlines may apply, in general the 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 strat dates).

2. International Students who live in the Netherlands

Students who are already living in the Netherlands and who do not need a visa or housing can usually 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.

3. Leiden University students who want to do a “doorstroommaster”

Students who have a bachelor’s degree from Leiden University and who intend to continue in the related “doorstroom” master’s programme do not have to apply for admission for the “doorstroommaster”. They will automatically receive a registration form in June. Students are requested to return the registration form before September 1 for start in September or before February 1 for start in February.

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 International 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).

Enrolment at the University

The final step to take before you can start your studies, is to finalise your official enrolment as a student at Leiden University.
Attending an “information session” after arrival is an essential step for all degree-seeking students because you need proof of registration at the town hall in order to be able to finalise your enrolment. The appointment at town hall for this is made for you by the International Office during the information session. If you need a residence permit, this is also taken care of during your information session. You will be informed after admission how you can sign up for a session.

for information on the steps from application to enrolment see: to arrange