Get into Leiden University

Home >Universities > Leiden University Netherlands’ Oldest University Get into Leiden University Founded 1575. Leading law, humanities, and science programs. Expert coaching strategies for Dutch elite. Start Your Free Assessment By the Numbers Leiden at a Glance Location Leiden & The Hague Netherlands Founded 1575 450+ years history Student Population 29K+ Major research university Top…

Author Photo

By Adam Girsault

Updated on April 4, 2026

Home >Universities > Leiden University
Netherlands’ Oldest University

Get into Leiden University

Founded 1575. Leading law, humanities, and science programs. Expert coaching strategies for Dutch elite.

Start Your Free Assessment

Leiden at a Glance

Location
Leiden & The Hague
Netherlands
Founded
1575
450+ years history
Student Population
29K+
Major research university
Top Programs
Law, Humanities
World-leading
The Hague Campus
International Law
EU & International
Alumni Nobel Prizes
16
Research excellence

Why Leiden?

Historic Excellence

Netherlands’ oldest university with 450+ years tradition. Strong academic reputation and research output.

Law Leadership

World-leading law faculty. The Hague campus specializes in international law and EU law.

Research Power

Major research institution with 16 Nobel laureates. Strong faculty and research opportunities.

Dual Locations

Leiden’s charming historic campus plus The Hague location near EU institutions and diplomatic community.

Popular Programmes

Law (LLM)

Master

International law, EU law, public law. The Hague campus for international focus.

Arts & Humanities

Bachelor
Master

History, literature, philosophy, languages. Strong European humanities tradition.

Sciences

Bachelor
Master

Physics, chemistry, biology. Research-oriented with strong labs.

Social Sciences

Bachelor
Master

Governance, international relations, policy studies.

Archaeology

Master

Leiden’s renowned specialty. Fieldwork and museum access.

International Relations

Master

The Hague-based program focused on diplomacy and global affairs.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Strong credentials:

  • High school: 85%+ average
  • Bachelor: GPA 3.2+ for master’s
  • Strong program-specific prep

English Proficiency

For international:

  • IELTS: 6.5-7.0
  • TOEFL: 90-100
  • Most programs English-taught

Additional Tests

Program-dependent:

  • GMAT/GRE for master’s
  • Writing samples
  • Some interviews

Application Deadlines

Key dates:

  • Bachelor: Jan 15
  • Master’s: Dec-Jun
  • Rolling admission

Application Platform

Submission channels:

  • Leiden portal
  • Common App for some
  • Direct application

Other Materials

Supplementary:

  • Motivation letter
  • References
  • CV/writing samples

How YourDreamSchool Helps

1

Assessment

Evaluate fit for Leiden programs.

2

Strategy

Develop targeted application approach.

3

Execution

Master essays and test preparation.

4

Admission

Receive offer and enrollment guidance.

Success Stories

Student Photo

Henrik’s Law Path

Built strong international law background and demonstrated EU interests.

Result: Admitted to LLM International Law.

Student Photo

Isabella’s Archaeology Career

Demonstrated passion for Mediterranean archaeology and research interests.

Result: Accepted to Archaeology Master’s.

Related Assessments

IELTS Preparation

Master English proficiency for Leiden.

Learn More

GMAT Coaching

Prepare for graduate admissions tests.

Learn More

Essay Mastery

Write compelling motivation letters.

Learn More

Ready to Apply?

Take our free assessment.

Start Free Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leiden prestigious? +

Yes, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities with 16 Nobel laureates.

What is Leiden known for? +

Law (especially international law), humanities, research, and archaeology are particular strengths.

What is The Hague campus? +

Leiden’s international law and diplomacy campus near EU institutions and diplomatic community.

What are career prospects? +

Excellent, especially in law, academia, international organizations, and research.

What is student life like? +

Leiden is a charming university town with vibrant student culture and academic tradition.

Start Your Leiden Journey

Expert coaching for the Netherlands’ historic leader

Get Started Today

Interview d‘Arnault: diplômé d’un Bachelor d’Histoire moderne à l’Université d’Oxford

Admission to the Bachelor Program Schools Studying in the UK

Orientation post-bac: comment bien choisir son cursus universitaire à l’étranger ou en France ?

Admission to the Bachelor Program Schools

Orientation post-bac : et si vous partiez étudier à l’étranger ?

Admission to the Bachelor Program Schools