Preparations
Check with your study programme
Don’t start applying until you have discussed your plans with your study programme and obtained any necessary permission. See your faculty or study programme tab for details.
Have your courses approved
Would you like the credits you earn abroad to count towards your studies in Leiden? If so, you must have your courses approved in advance. In most cases, you will need to request approval from your programme’s board of examiners. However, for some programmes you must instead contact your international exchange coordinator. Ask your study adviser what steps you need to take.
Mandatory number of credits
Do you have to earn a mandatory number of credits during your studies abroad? If so, check carefully on your host university’s website how many courses you will need to follow.
Start early
Have your courses approved well in advance. You can only be certain that your credits will be recognised if your courses have been approved before you start them. It can take some time to receive approval, so submit your request as possible. You can find instructions on our faculty or study programme tab.
Application
As a free mover you must arrange your own application to the university abroad. Leiden University is unable to assist you with your application. Check the application procedures and deadlines with your host university.
Register in Study Abroad portal
Once you have gained approval from your study programme for your studies abroad, you must register in the study abroad portal. This enables Leiden University to check that you have selected a safe destination, and to contact you in case of an emergency abroad. If you will receive study credits or university funding for your independent studies abroad, registration in the study abroad portal is obligatory.
See your faculty or study programme tab for instructions.
Visa
- Find out if you need a visa. Your host university will usually let you know. Alternatively, you can request information from your destination country’s embassy or consulate.
- You can only request a visa once you have been admitted by your host university.
- Wait until your visa has been approved before buying your flight ticket, or make sure your ticket can be cancelled or changed.
Accommodation
Ask your host university whether they offer assistance in finding accommodation. Remember to enter your contact details abroad in the study abroad portal as soon as you have them and keep them updated throughout your stay abroad. You will receive instructions by email shortly before departure.
Subletting
Via HousingAnywhere you can search for sublet accommodation, or sublet your own room whilst you are abroad. Always request advance permission from your landlord.
Language
- Find out about language requirements. For some universities you will need to take a language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Are you unsure if you speak a language well enough? The Academic Language Centre offers online tests to determine your level.
- A great way to improve your language skills is to travel to your destination early and follow a language course there. Alternatively, you can follow a language course at the Academic Language Centre.
Insurance
- Check with your health insurance provider whether you are fully covered for your period of study abroad, or whether top-up insurance is required. Be aware that some countries require you to take out local health insurance.
- Consider taking out travel and cancellation insurance to cover, for example, luggage, additional health costs, legal aid and liability. AON Student Insurance is a good example.
- Find out if your insurance company has an emergency phone number. If so, keep it somewhere handy.
Health and safety
Carefully read the health and safety information and take any necessary steps before departure.
International student?
If you are an international student, you must also do the following before departure.
- Contact the town hall where you are currently registered to ask if you need to cancel your registration.
- Ask the Visa Team whether your stay abroad will have consequences for your Dutch residence permit (if applicable).
- Ask your destination country’s embassy or consulate what visa procedures apply to you. Procedures for international students may not be the same as those for Dutch students.
International Discount Card
With an International Student Identity Card (ISIC card) you can get discount on a range of products and services in more than 130 countries, including flight tickets. Purchase your card from ISIC Netherlands.
Request permission
If you want to study abroad independently as a free mover, you must first obtain permission from your study programme and the FGGA International Office. Please start with contacting the FGGA International Office via international@fgga.leidenuniv.nl They can provide you with more information. The FGGA International Office will check if your host university is an accredited university, and if the level of education is similar to the level of your own study programme. After this initial check, the FGGA International Office will inform you about the next steps. Don’t start applying until you have permission.
Have your courses approved
In order to have the credits you earn abroad count towards your studies in Leiden, you must have your course approved in advance. In order to arrange this, you need to fill in a Learning Agreement.
One of the most important parts of the Learning Agreement is your study plan. You will receive your Learning Agreement from the FGGA International Office. You must submit your Learning Agreement to the FGGA International Office for a first review, and the FGGA International Office will submit it for approval by your study programme. You will receive a response from us within 15 working days after submission.
If you have any questions about the Learning Agreement or the course approval process, please contact the FGGA International Office directly via international@fgga.leidenuniv.nl