Leiden University: What it's really like

Looking for a big university with an international reputation for research? Leiden University, in The Netherlands, could be for you!

Leiden at a glance:

Carolyn Barr, International Relations and Recruitment Officer at Leiden University, shares why you should consider applying to the university, and how to put a strong application together. 
 

What is Leiden University?

Leiden University was founded as a public research university in 1575, and is the oldest Higher Education institution in the Netherlands. Leiden is also one of the leading international research universities in Europe, priding itself on the wide range of academic courses available for undergraduates and postgraduates alike. 

The university boasts seven academic faculties and over fifty subject departments, which can be found across the two Leidein campuses: the college town of Leiden, and the bustling royal capital of the Netherlands, the Hague.

Why apply to Leiden University?

Leiden university has a large, vibrant student community. With over 31,000 students from all over the world, it’s likely you’ll find lots of people to meet and mix with. From sports teams to politics organisations, there’s a wide range of communities you can join based on your interests. 

Leiden is also known as ‘the doorstep of Europe’, with the Leiden campus being 30 minutes away from Amsterdam, and 15 minutes away from the local beach. Whether you’re keen to explore the city, or go on a beach getaway, Leiden provides you with plenty of options. 

The university has 16 English-taught bachelor programmes to choose from, as well as a selection of programmes taught in Dutch. The university stands out as a university seeking to make the world a better place through research and teaching, and collaborating with different partners, like NGOs, museums and charities, start-up companies, and other organisations. 

Who isn’t the right fit for Leiden?

The university values open-mindedness, independence and cross-cultural learning. With an emphasis on taking responsibility for shaping your course and experience, Leiden may not be for you if you’re looking for a University to provide more guidance in these areas. Leiden also emphasises the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

Leiden University is focused on developing academic strength of their students, and encouraging a sense of adventure with their university experience, and career beyond. 
 

Any application tips?

When writing your application, make sure you are very well-versed around the application and admissions process for each programme you are interested in. Leiden tends to have specific, different requirements for each programme, and this is often distinctive to US or UK universities. Make sure to note down the deadline for the course you are applying for, so you can start the process in good timing ahead of submission. 

The selection process is key to helping you make a competitive application. The selection process for each course shows you exactly what the selection committee is looking for in applicants. This will help you understand the key skills needed to make a good impression, as well as the key skills you will need, in order to do well at Leiden. You can find this on the university website, or reach out to a university staff member for more information. 

Want to explore more European universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.