Universiteit Leiden

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Student Affairs Front Office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a Statement of registration (enrolment)?

As soon as your student registration has been finalised, you will receive a confirmation from us by e-mail. You can then download your Statement of registration via uSis by following the steps below:
  1. Log into uSis using your student number. 
  2. Click on the 'Communication' tile.
  3. If you do not see the message you are looking for, click on the little x in top-right corner of your screen.
  4. Click on ‘Your registration is final’ to download your Statement of registration.
If you need a statement of registration with an official stamp, please contact the Student Affairs Front Office at (+31) 071 527 8011 or info@leidenuniv.nl, or visit our office in Leiden or The Hague. Do not forget to mention your student number and the institution that requires the document.

More information

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.

More information

Can I change the start date of my studies or defer my admission?

If you have applied but not yet been admitted
Yes, you can change your requested start date as follows:

  1. Cancel your application in Studielink
  2. Reapply for your preferred start date in Studielink.
  3. You will then be instructed to create and submit a new application in Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). 
If you have already been admitted
If you wish to defer the start of your studies, you must submit a new application for your preferred start date. Be aware that admission requirements can change. If this occurs, you are unfortunately not guaranteed admission for your new start date. Please follow the instructions below: 
  1. Log into uSis, download your admission decision and save it on your computer.
  2. Cancel your current application for enrolment in Studielink.
  3. After 1 October: Go to Studielink and apply for your new start date. 
  4. Log into uSis and follow the steps required to submit a new application. 
  5. When you get to the step 'Previous education', upload any qualifications obtained since your last application. 
  6. When you get to the step ‘Admission’, click on Uploads > Other documents > Previous decision, and upload your admission decision.
  7. Submit your application
In general, you do not have to pay the application fee again. See the exceptions here below: 

Exceptions:
  • If you wish to change your choice of study programme or specialisation, you must pay the application fee again.
  • If you have been admitted to an LLM Advanced Studies programme, you may only request re-admission once free of charge. If you re-apply a second or subsequent time, you must pay the application fee again.
Other important steps
  • Already applied for housing? You must notify the Housing Office of your deferral. This will not happen automatically! See the FAQ on Can I defer my housing request.
  • Already applied for a scholarship? Upon deferral, your scholarship request will be automatically cancelled. You must re-apply for your scholarship when applying for re-admission. 
  • Already applied for a visa/residence permit? Upon deferral, your visa/residence permit application will be automatically cancelled. Once you are re-admitted, you will receive information on how to re-apply for your visa/residence permit. Note that after deferring your application, you must wait at least 2 days before submitting a new visa/residence permit application via uSis.

More information

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 am not able to log in with my student account. What should I do?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to log in:

  • You haven’t yet received a user name and/or password. Request an account.
  • You have forgotten your user name and/or password. Request them again.
  • Your account has not yet been activated. Activate your account.
  • Your password has expired. Reset your password.
  • Your ULCN account is no longer active. You can only access uSis and Brightspace using your ULCN account up to 60 days after your student registration has been cancelled.

If you know your user name and password, keep the following points in mind:

  • You must log in with your user name, not your uMail address.
  • Use lower case letters to enter your user name, not capital letters (e.g. s1234567).
  • Make sure you haven’t accidentally put CAPS LOCK on.

If you still can’t log in, do the following:

  • Change the language on the log-in page, from Dutch to English or vice versa, and try again.
  • If you can log into one application but not another, the issue concerns the application and not your account. Contact the ISSC Helpdesk.
  • If none of the above-mentioned tips work contact the ISSC helpdesk.


More information

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.

More information

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 a degree programme, 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:  

  • Which additional (certified or digital) academic records you must submit.
  • The stipulated method of submission.
  • The deadline for submission.
Steps to take:
  1. Download your official decision statement (via uSis) and read it carefully. Take note of your admission conditions and the deadlines for meeting them. 
  2. On the uSis 'decision' screen: upload digital copies of all items stated in your conditions using the ‘Upload your documents’ button.
  3. Check if there are additional submission instructions stated on your decision statement. These might be e.g. submitting certified copies by post or arranging online verification. Follow the instructions carefully! For documents by post, check who must issue them and how they must be sent. 
Via specified method only
  • Only submit items via the method(s) 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 requested. For example, if you are instructed to arrange online verification only, you do not need to also send items by post.  
Specified method not possible?
Refer to the FAQ on After admission, what should I do if I am unable to submit certified copies via the specified method?

Questions?
If you are still unsure when and how to submit your academic records after admission, send a mail to the bachelor admission team: bacheloradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl, or master admission team: masteradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl.

Also see the following FAQs

Who should I contact with questions about IT facilities, e.g. ULCN, Brightspace, uMail?

Take a look on the IT facilties page on the student website.

Can't find the solution there? Ask your question in the Helpdesk Portal.

Can I pay my tuition fee in instalments?

Yes, that is possible if: 

  • you have a bank account in a SEPA country with an IBAN number, and choose to pay via digital direct debit in instalments via Studielink, or
  • you have a non-EU bank account and sign an instalment agreement with the university.
You can choose to pay either in one lump sum or five instalments. Instalments are debited every two months, commencing at the end of October (if you start your studies in September). There is a one-off administrative charge for payment in instalments.

 

More information

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,
Please patiently await this email as we are unable to provide details before this date.  

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.


More information

Contact form

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a Statement of registration (enrolment)?

As soon as your student registration has been finalised, you will receive a confirmation from us by e-mail. You can then download your Statement of registration via uSis by following the steps below:
  1. Log into uSis using your student number. 
  2. Click on the 'Communication' tile.
  3. If you do not see the message you are looking for, click on the little x in top-right corner of your screen.
  4. Click on ‘Your registration is final’ to download your Statement of registration.
If you need a statement of registration with an official stamp, please contact the Student Affairs Front Office at (+31) 071 527 8011 or info@leidenuniv.nl, or visit our office in Leiden or The Hague. Do not forget to mention your student number and the institution that requires the document.

More information

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.

More information

Can I change the start date of my studies or defer my admission?

If you have applied but not yet been admitted
Yes, you can change your requested start date as follows:

  1. Cancel your application in Studielink
  2. Reapply for your preferred start date in Studielink.
  3. You will then be instructed to create and submit a new application in Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). 
If you have already been admitted
If you wish to defer the start of your studies, you must submit a new application for your preferred start date. Be aware that admission requirements can change. If this occurs, you are unfortunately not guaranteed admission for your new start date. Please follow the instructions below: 
  1. Log into uSis, download your admission decision and save it on your computer.
  2. Cancel your current application for enrolment in Studielink.
  3. After 1 October: Go to Studielink and apply for your new start date. 
  4. Log into uSis and follow the steps required to submit a new application. 
  5. When you get to the step 'Previous education', upload any qualifications obtained since your last application. 
  6. When you get to the step ‘Admission’, click on Uploads > Other documents > Previous decision, and upload your admission decision.
  7. Submit your application
In general, you do not have to pay the application fee again. See the exceptions here below: 

Exceptions:
  • If you wish to change your choice of study programme or specialisation, you must pay the application fee again.
  • If you have been admitted to an LLM Advanced Studies programme, you may only request re-admission once free of charge. If you re-apply a second or subsequent time, you must pay the application fee again.
Other important steps
  • Already applied for housing? You must notify the Housing Office of your deferral. This will not happen automatically! See the FAQ on Can I defer my housing request.
  • Already applied for a scholarship? Upon deferral, your scholarship request will be automatically cancelled. You must re-apply for your scholarship when applying for re-admission. 
  • Already applied for a visa/residence permit? Upon deferral, your visa/residence permit application will be automatically cancelled. Once you are re-admitted, you will receive information on how to re-apply for your visa/residence permit. Note that after deferring your application, you must wait at least 2 days before submitting a new visa/residence permit application via uSis.

More information

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 am not able to log in with my student account. What should I do?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to log in:

  • You haven’t yet received a user name and/or password. Request an account.
  • You have forgotten your user name and/or password. Request them again.
  • Your account has not yet been activated. Activate your account.
  • Your password has expired. Reset your password.
  • Your ULCN account is no longer active. You can only access uSis and Brightspace using your ULCN account up to 60 days after your student registration has been cancelled.

If you know your user name and password, keep the following points in mind:

  • You must log in with your user name, not your uMail address.
  • Use lower case letters to enter your user name, not capital letters (e.g. s1234567).
  • Make sure you haven’t accidentally put CAPS LOCK on.

If you still can’t log in, do the following:

  • Change the language on the log-in page, from Dutch to English or vice versa, and try again.
  • If you can log into one application but not another, the issue concerns the application and not your account. Contact the ISSC Helpdesk.
  • If none of the above-mentioned tips work contact the ISSC helpdesk.


More information

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.

More information

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 a degree programme, 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:  

  • Which additional (certified or digital) academic records you must submit.
  • The stipulated method of submission.
  • The deadline for submission.
Steps to take:
  1. Download your official decision statement (via uSis) and read it carefully. Take note of your admission conditions and the deadlines for meeting them. 
  2. On the uSis 'decision' screen: upload digital copies of all items stated in your conditions using the ‘Upload your documents’ button.
  3. Check if there are additional submission instructions stated on your decision statement. These might be e.g. submitting certified copies by post or arranging online verification. Follow the instructions carefully! For documents by post, check who must issue them and how they must be sent. 
Via specified method only
  • Only submit items via the method(s) 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 requested. For example, if you are instructed to arrange online verification only, you do not need to also send items by post.  
Specified method not possible?
Refer to the FAQ on After admission, what should I do if I am unable to submit certified copies via the specified method?

Questions?
If you are still unsure when and how to submit your academic records after admission, send a mail to the bachelor admission team: bacheloradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl, or master admission team: masteradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl.

Also see the following FAQs

Who should I contact with questions about IT facilities, e.g. ULCN, Brightspace, uMail?

Take a look on the IT facilties page on the student website.

Can't find the solution there? Ask your question in the Helpdesk Portal.

Can I pay my tuition fee in instalments?

Yes, that is possible if: 

  • you have a bank account in a SEPA country with an IBAN number, and choose to pay via digital direct debit in instalments via Studielink, or
  • you have a non-EU bank account and sign an instalment agreement with the university.
You can choose to pay either in one lump sum or five instalments. Instalments are debited every two months, commencing at the end of October (if you start your studies in September). There is a one-off administrative charge for payment in instalments.

 

More information

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,
Please patiently await this email as we are unable to provide details before this date.  

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.


More information
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