In addition to compulsory elements, most degree programmes also have elective credits. These are credits you can earn in a variety of ways, for example by taking elective courses, studying abroad or doing a minor.

The university council and faculty councils are democratically elected co-participation bodies that represent both students and staff of the university and its faculties. Co-participation also takes place at departmental level through programme committees.

Does the Leiden Leadership Programme appeal to you? You can find more about the selection procedure below. The applications for 2026-2027 run from 1 September till 30 September 2026.

Once you complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree you will be awarded your diploma during a celebratory graduation ceremony. Some study programmes also have ceremonies for the awarding of first-year (propedeuse) diplomas or other important achievements. The awarding of your diploma is always arranged…

During your studies, you may encounter all kinds of challenges. Here you can find an overview of various resources to help you.

Your path to study success: a good start, study skills and personal development.

Course and exam enrolment

Preparations

To arrange upon your return

internship, research project, fieldwork, summer school, conference, excursion, field trip, thesis

How can you apply for the Pre-PhD Programme, and what are the selection criteria?

Is one study programme not challenging enough, or are you having trouble choosing between two programmes? If so, a double study programme might be the solution.

Lecture, China Seminar

Arts and leisure, Arts and leisure

Arts and leisure, Personal development, Language, Arts and leisure

Arts and leisure, Arts and leisure

Arts and leisure, Arts and leisure

Thinking of studying abroad, or are you just starting your international journey here at Leiden University? We've got you covered! Join us for a week of pure inspiration, amazing chats with your peers, and all the info you need to make your dreams a reality here in the Netherlands or abroad. And enjoy…

Conference

How can we slow the progression of atherosclerosis? Researcher Amanda Foks believes the answer may be switching off ageing immune cells. This could lead to an entirely new treatment for heart attacks and strokes. She has been awarded an Established Investigator Dekker Grant by the Dutch Heart Founda…

The role of the Board of Examiners is to ensure that study programmes adhere to their Course and Examination Regulations. The Board of Examiners oversees all tests and examinations within the institute and determines whether students have acquired the knowledge and skills required for the awarding of…

2025 was a year full of impact and milestones for FGGA: From a record number of graduates and new programmes to international collaborations, prestigious awards and research that pushes boundaries and provides insight into current challenges.

Organisation

The Moria deal has been marked as a controversial issue in the formation process for a new Dutch government – a development that fits with the government’s hesitancy in implementing what is already a meagre asylum policy, writes master’s student Nina Fokkink in an article in Dutch newspaper NRC.

Bachelor, Master

Facility, Security

Facility

Security

Barbara Gravendeel has been appointed as the new scientific director of Hortus botanicus Leiden. Additionally, she has been named Professor of Plants and Society. Gravendeel succeeds Paul Keßler, who held the position for nineteen years. Currently, she works as a group leader at Naturalis Biodiversity…

After months of renovating, refreshing, and rearranging, the educational environment in the Basement will be back in use starting 28 October 2024.

Palestinian national Abu Zubaydah was captured by the CIA in March 2002 and has remained in detention ever since, without any form of trial. Leiden professor Helen Duffy is doing all she can to secure his release or a fair trial. Her hopes now lie on international pressure and the UN Working Group on…

De onderzoeksteams zijn opgezet, samenwerkingen zijn gestart, projecten afgetrapt, de eerste startsubsidies zijn binnen en de websites zijn in de lucht. Het stimuleringsprogramma Citizenship, Migration and Global Transformations, dat bestaat uit de twee pijlers Social Citizenship and Migration en Global…

How did Scottish speakers sound hundreds of years ago? University lecturer Mo Gordon thinks the answer to that question can be found in church archives. 'It can be a boost to your identity to know the history of your language.'

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

As an international student, there are a number of matters you should take care of prior to leaving the Netherlands at the end of your studies.

A study association is a good way to combine study-related activities with pleasure. Every faculty has one or more study association.

To arrange upon your return

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

Study abroad: where and when?

Preparations

Leiden University College (LUC), an institute of Leiden University in The Hague – the international city of peace, justice, and security – offers the English-taught Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges since 2010. Inspired by the American university college model, LUC combines…

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

The role of the Board of Examiners is to ensure that study programmes adhere to their Course and Examination Regulations. The Board of Examiners oversees all tests and examinations within the institute and determines whether students have acquired the knowledge and skills required for the awarding of…

Good time management means making the optimum use of your time. You can achieve this by setting priorities, planning realistically and sticking to your plans.

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

The Port of Scheveningen invites student researchers to work on the diverse spatial engagements. How can the uses and interpretations of ‘space’ by different stakeholders create a foundation for the development of sustainable development in line with the UN SDGs?

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.

Do you want to get involved in the university community whilst working on your personal development? Co-participation is the perfect way to do it.