Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take before a decision on my application is issued?
It generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks from the date on which you are informed that your application is complete until you receive a decision. If additional information is required during the application process it may take a little longer. Please make sure your application is complete and is submitted as early as possible.
Once a decision on your application has been made, you will receive a formal statement from the faculty by email.
More information
I have questions or problems concerning my student account (ULCN). What should I do?
When will I get a confirmation that I have paid my tuition fees?
If you are registered in Studielink you can follow your status using the progress indicators in Studielink. This indicator will only change in Studielink once the bank authorisation has been processed by the student administration department or once your payment has been received (if you transferred it directly).
If you are awaiting binding study advice (BSA), your payment status will remain on hold – even if you have already paid. We can only approve your payment once you receive positive BSA and can progress to the second year of your Bachelor’s programme.
I am an international student and have requested housing via uSis. When will I hear more?
On approx. 15 June (for studies starting in September) or 30 November (for studies starting in February) you will receive an email letting you know whether:
- you applied in time and will soon be given access to the housing reservation portal, OR
- too many students applied before you so you will be put on a housing waiting list in case any other students withdraw, or you can choose to request a refund of your housing fee,
For students who applied in time, Leiden University will soon after begin sending activation emails for the housing reservation portal. After you have activated your account, you can log-in and reserve one of the rooms or apartments set aside for Leiden University's international students.
What counts as proof of sufficient funds for my visa/residence permit request?
When we apply for your visa and/or residence permit, we will ask you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your living expenses and (if applicable) your tuition fee.
You can demonstrate sufficient funds by way of bank transfer, or by providing a bank statement or scholarship letter that meets the strict requirements of the immigration department (IND).
You can find detailed information on how to demonstrate sufficient funds, and how much is sufficient, on the Proof of funds page .
When and how must I submit digital and certified copies of my academic records to the university?
When applying
When you apply for admission to Leiden University, you only need to upload digital copies of your academic records in the online application portal (uSis). Certified copies are not yet required.
Upon admission
Upon admission you will be notified of the following via uSis:
- Your conditions of admission.
- Whether you must submit certified copies of your academic records (for verification purposes).
- How to submit certified copies if required.
- The deadline for submission.
Important
- Only submit items via the method specified in your decision statement. Items submitted via other methods cannot be accepted.
- There is no need to send items via multiple methods unless this is specifically requested.
- Problems submitting items on time or in the correct way? See the Meet your conditions page for possible solutions.
I cannot submit the items required to meet my admission conditions on time or in the correct way. What should I do?
Documents to meet conditions issued late?
Will the documents required to meet your admission conditions be issued after the stipulated deadline, e.g. your final diploma? Find out what to do on the Documents issued after deadline page.
Cannot submit items in correct way?
Have you been asked to submit certified documents or information via a specific method so that Leiden University can verify your academic records? But are you unable to use the method specified on your decision statement? Find out if you can use a different verification method.
Further information
Visit the Meeting your admissions conditions page.
The tuition fees (or the tuition fee instalment) have not been withdrawn from my account. What should I do?
If we have been unable to debit your tuition fee (instalment) from your bank account, we will send you an email within two weeks. This mail will request that you transfer the payment to us yourself. If you know the amount you need to pay, you don't need to await this email. You can transfer the payment right away. Please make sure to state your student number in the bank transfer. Also, check with your bank whether there are any problems that could prevent future debit attempts. If necessary, you can contact our financial department via e-mail at fa@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Be aware that your student registration may be cancelled if you do not pay your tuition fee on time. Late tuition fee payments can also have consequences for future student registration or graduation requests.
A third party will be paying my tuition fees. How should I arrange this?
If someone else is paying your tuition fees by means of a digital direct debit authorisation, that person must have a bank account number from a SEPA country. More information can be found on the methods of payment page.
If the third party does not have a bank account in a SEPA country or does not wish to pay by direct debit, the entire tuition fee can be transferred. However, this cannot be done in instalments, so the entire amount must be paid in one go. This must always be done quoting your student number. More information can be found on methods of payment page.
What is the selection procedure for programmes with limited places (numerus fixus)?
Because of their popularity, some bachelor’s programmes are oversubscribed. For these programmes, a limit has been set for the number of students that can be allocated a place. This is known as a 'numerus fixus'. This means that even if you are admitted to the programme, you are not guaranteed a place. You must also be allocated a place on the programme via a selection procedure.
Take careful note of the application deadlines for numerus fixus programmes as these are generally earlier than those for other types of study programme.
For further explanation see Admission requirements - Programmes with limited places.