Make a study plan to be sure that a study abroad fits into your programme in Leiden. Before you apply, consider which compulsory / specialization courses you still need to complete. When should you be present in Leiden? When do semesters start and end here and abroad? When are the exams scheduled?

Going abroad in the second semester
If you want to go abroad in the second semester of your third year, please be aware that exams of block 2 of your third year could take place mid or end of January, while most semesters abroad already start at the beginning of January. This means you might have to adapt your study plan. It is your own responsibility to arrange this. It is not possible to take your exams in Leiden online. Also note that you need to have permission from your study advisor to switch your Bachelor project to the first semester. You need to ask permission before May 15. After this date it becomes very difficult to switch your Bachelor project.

You can use this form to draft a study plan. Make an appointment with your study adviser or the international coordinator for Psychology if you are unsure whether a study abroad fits your programme.

Search for destinations and choose a maximum of 5 universities that you would like to study at and list them in order of preference. As competition is high we advise you to select a minimum of three universities. The more choices you give, the higher the chances of being placed on one of them. However, only put destinations on your list that you actually want to go to. Find your exchange destination via the world map!

Motivation letter

Write a cover letter in which you explain why you would like to study at the top-three universities on your list and what is the added value in terms of your academic career and/or personal development. There is no format for this letter; you are free to write it in any way you choose. Are you applying for the first semester, but could you possibly go abroad in the second semester? Please indicate this in your letter. If you cannot get into a university of your choice in the first semester, your study abroad coordinator can in some cases offer you a place in the second semester.

Transcript of records: only for university studies elsewhere

In your online application, we ask your permission to view your grades in uSis. You therefore do not need to upload a transcript, unless you have also studied at a university other than Leiden. If this is the case, then upload your transcript including your GPA from that institute. Transcripts without GPA on it will not be considered.

Studyplan

Upload your studyplan in the study abroad portal.

Submit your application in the uSis study abroad portal as follows: 

• Log into uSis > click on the Study Abroad tile > select ‘‘I want to study at a partner university via an exchange agreement’. 
• Enter the requested data and upload the required documents. 
• Select your (max. 5) exchange destinations in order of preference.   
• Submit your application.

If you meet the requirements and your application is complete and within the deadline, you will participate in the placement process. If the number of applications for a destination exceeds the number of available places, a draw will take place. Bachelor students will have priority over Master students. We try to place everyone on their first choice as much as possible. If that fails, we will look at your second choice, and so on. Within two weeks after the deadline, the results will be announced via uSis. You will receive an e-mail notification of this. If you are offered a place, you will be invited to view the details of the offer in the study abroad portal in uSis. Please read all the information and conditions of the offer carefully. 

If you have been offered a place, you must accept or decline it within 7 days in the uSis study abroad portal If you do not accept the offer on time, it will be withdrawn. When accepting your place, you must agree to the Regulations on Studying Abroad. Be prepared and read these in advance. If you have any questions about the regulations, contact your international exchange coordinator.

Once you accept the offered place, Leiden University will nominate you to your host institution. You will then receive instructions on how and when to submit your application to your host institution, either from your international exchange coordinator or directly from the host itself. You can find it at the bottom of a destination's tab in the world map.