Financial matters
What are the costs involved in studying abroad and how can you finance your stay? Avoid unexpected expenses by researching financial matters thoroughly in advance.
Budget
Make an overview of anticipated expenses and sources of income, to make sure you have sufficient funds for your studies abroad. Consider the following:
- Tuition fees
- Travel expenses (to/from your destination and during your stay)
- Rent
- Other living expenses (food & drink, clothing, etc.)
- Visas and residence permits
- Vaccinations, medication, health certificates
- Insurances
- Telephone costs etc.
- Student finance
- Scholarships
- Language tests
- Study costs (books etc.)
- Sports/recreation
Student finance
Under certain circumstances you may be eligible for Dutch student finance and travel subsidy during your stay abroad. You can submit an application via the DUO website (in Dutch).
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for study, research and internships abroad. If you have completed your studies but want to do an additional programme abroad, for example a master’s, there are also scholarship options.
Points to remember
- Before applying for a scholarship, check carefully that you meet all the criteria.
- You can apply for multiple scholarships. One scholarship alone is generally not enough to finance your whole stay.
- Some scholarships may only be requested once during your academic career. Keep this in mind if you want to go abroad during both your bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
- Apply on time: many scholarships have early deadlines!
Find a scholarship
On the scholarships page you can find all the scholarships managed by Leiden University. Use the filters to search for scholarships that are relevant for you.
Find a scholarshipWorldwide
Within Europe
European Funding Guide
Scholarshipportal EU
Canada
China
Germany
German Academic Exchange Studies (DAAD)
Italy
Japan
Study in Japan
Japan Study Support
Japan Student Service Organization
Taiwan
Study in Taiwan
Taiwan Embassy Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States
There are also sources of private funding available. These can be found in the ‘funds book’ at the Student Support Services desk.
Funding for students with a disability
If you will incur additional costs while studying abroad due to a disability, you can request additional funding.
- Are you going to a European country? Request additional funding from the Erasmus+ programme.
- Are you going to a country outside Europe? Request additional funding via Fenestra Disability Centre.
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.

Scholarships
Please read the general page about financial matters carefully and check the reports of returning science students in our 'Study & Internship Abroad - Faculty of Science' Blackboard course for tips.
If you are going abroad for a research project or internship, we strongly advise you to contact the Science International Office to make an appointment to see which specific grants they recommend to apply for in your case.
OV chipcard reimbursement
If you want to apply to receive a compensation for your OV chipcard at DUO, you need to fill out a form. For a signature on this form, send it to the Science International Office or drop by during the walk-in hours. Please bring a copy of approval of your Board of Examiners with you.