Study at Leiden University College The Hague
Leiden University College, Leiden University’s international honours college in The Hague
Leiden University College The Hague
Leiden University College The Hague (LUC) is the international honours college of Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands (founded 1575). Located in The Hague — the country’s international city of peace, justice and government — LUC offers a three-year, English-taught Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences built around the world’s “Global Challenges”.
Its setting shapes its identity: surrounded by international courts, NGOs and ministries, LUC has a strong focus on global affairs, sustainability and justice, and a highly international student body living together on campus.
Official website: universiteitleiden.nl/luc
The programme
LUC offers a BA/BSc (Honours) in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges, organised around three tracks — Peace & Justice, Sustainability, and Diversity (with related majors such as international justice, world politics, governance, earth/environment and global public health).
Teaching is in small, seminar-style classes, with an interdisciplinary approach that combines social sciences, sciences and humanities, and many students undertake internships with the international organisations based in and around The Hague.
How do I apply?
What the application includes
LUC has its own selective admissions procedure. A complete application generally includes academic transcripts and predicted grades, a motivation letter, references, proof of English, and often an interview. A strong, broad academic record and clear interest in global issues help.
Selection criteria
LUC seeks motivated, internationally-minded students who want to engage with global challenges. The motivation letter and interview carry real weight: admissions tutors look for curiosity, commitment and the ability to thrive in an intensive, residential honours college.
Tuition fees and living costs
As selective honours programmes, Dutch university colleges charge higher tuition than standard Dutch bachelor’s degrees, and non-EU/EEA students pay more than EU students; many programmes are residential, so factor in on-campus accommodation. The Netherlands remains more affordable than the UK or US overall. Confirm current tuition, the EU vs non-EU rate and living costs on the official website before applying.
Why students choose Leiden University College
Students choose LUC for its Global Challenges focus, its location at the heart of international law and diplomacy, and the prestige of Leiden University. It is ideal for students aiming at careers in international relations, law, policy, sustainability or global development, with internship access that few other colleges can match.
Campus, location and student life
LUC is residential, with students living together in The Hague, a green, coastal city that hosts international courts, embassies and NGOs and sits beside the seaside district of Scheveningen. The Hague is safe, international and well connected — Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Brussels are all close — and English is widely spoken across the city.
When should I start preparing?
Dutch university colleges select on more than grades, so start 12 to 18 months ahead. That gives time to sit an English test if needed, write a strong motivation letter, gather references and prepare for an interview. Early preparation also lets you build the well-rounded profile these colleges look for — exactly the support Your Dream School provides.
Ready to apply to Leiden University College?
Whether you are just starting to explore your options or already preparing your application, our admissions coaches can help you stand out. Get in touch with Your Dream School for a first conversation about your project.
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