Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a Statement of registration (enrolment)?
- Log into uSis using your student number.
- Click on the 'Communication' tile.
- If you do not see the message you are looking for, click on the little x in top-right corner of your screen.
- Click on ‘Your registration is final’ to download your Statement of registration.
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.
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
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:
- Cancel your application in Studielink
- Reapply for your preferred start date in Studielink.
- You will then be instructed to create and submit a new application in Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis).
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. The re-application procedure is not the same as the initial application procedure. Please follow the instructions below:
- Log into uSis, download your admission decision and save it on your computer.
- Cancel your current application for enrolment in Studielink.
- After the 1 October: Go to Studielink and apply for your new start date.
- Log into uSis and follow the steps required to submit a new application.
- When you get to the step ‘Admission’, click on Uploads > Other documents > Previous decision and upload your admission decision.
- Submit your application
Exceptions:
- If you wish to change your choice of study programme or specialisation, you must submit a complete new application and 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 and submit all your application documents once again, including an updated CV and copies of any recently obtained diplomas.
When and how must I submit digital or 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:
- When you must submit digital or certified copies
- Which items are required
- The method of submission you must use
- Upload digital copies of all items/information stated in your conditions using the ‘Upload your documents’ button on the decision screen.
- Check if there are additional submission instructions for the document(s) stated in your conditions. If you must send certified copies by post, carefully check the criteria for the documents, who must issue them and how they must be sent.
Questions?
If you are still unsure when and how to submit certified copies, 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
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 both your living expenses and tuition fee by uploading the following in the visa/residence permit portal (uSis):
Sufficient funds for living expenses
- Transfer sufficient funds for living expenses to Leiden University then upload proof of the transfer, OR
- A bank statement in your name showing sufficient funds, OR
- A scholarship letter.
Sufficient funds for tuition fee
- If you will pay your own tuition fee: a bank statement in your name showing sufficient funds.
- If a scholarship provider will pay your tuition fee: a scholarship letter.
- If a third party will pay your tuition fee:
- A written statement issued by your sponsor, confirming they will pay your tuition fee, preferably using this template.
- A bank statement in the sponsor’s name that meets all the criteria listed in the Visa and residence permit instructions manual.
- A written statement issued by your sponsor, confirming they will pay your tuition fee, preferably using this template.
Strict criteria for bank statements and scholarship letter
The Dutch immigration department sets very strict criteria for bank statements and scholarship letter. If your statement or letter does not meet all criteria, we will ask you to submit a new one or transfer the funds instead. This will significantly delay your request
For full details of financial requirements for visa/residence permit applications, read the Visa and residence permit instructions manual
What conditions do I have to meet in order to be able to do part of my study programme abroad?
You must have successfully completed at least the first year of your study programme and be currently enrolled at Leiden University. You also need to obtain the approval of your programme's board of examiners, so make sure to contact your study adviser or international exchange coordinator in good time.
In addition, you must meet the criteria of your chosen university abroad. Usually this means you must have an average grade of at least 7, and take an English language test (IELTS or TOEFL).
In the case of an exchange programme, you will have to be selected for the exchange by the coordinator of the exchange programme.
Who should I contact with questions about ICT facilities, e.g. ULCN, Brightspace, uMail?
Many solutions for ICT problems can be found on our website and in our manuals. Often you can solve a problem easily yourself by checking the information available online.
ICT Helpdesks
- The major computer halls and various faculties have their own ICT helpdesks, which are open during office hours. These can be found on the ICT Support webpage.
- You can also contact the Helpdesk ISSC (ICT Shared Service Centre), either via email or phone: helpdesk@issc.leidenuniv.nl / +31 (0)71 527 8888.
With what kind of issues can I turn to the student psychologists?
During your first 30-minute consultation, you will together look into the best course of action. This might be follow-up sessions or a course, workshop or group focused on the issues you are experiencing. See the list of upcoming courses.
More information
Does Leiden University offer a (partial) tuition fee waiver?
Leiden University administers several scholarships which include (partial) tuition fee waivers, such as the LExS scholarship. For exact details about the scholarship coverage, refer to the information on the scholarship in question on our Scholarships page.