Leiden University: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
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Leiden University, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, is a prestigious institution known for its outstanding academic programs and global recognition. As of 2025, Leiden continues to offer various courses ranging from humanities to sciences, law, and medicine. With an acceptance rate of around 63%, it maintains a competitive yet accessible admission process. In this blog, we will explore the various facets of Leiden University, including admission criteria, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and housing options, helping prospective international students understand what they can expect when choosing Leiden as their academic home.
Highlights
Feature | Details |
Year of Establishment | 1575 |
Campus Size | 2.5 km² |
QS World University Ranking | #141st globally |
Campus Locations | Leiden, The Hague, Netherlands |
Placement Rate | 76% of graduates find employment within two months of graduation, and 100% are employed within six months |
Top Recruiters | Rabobank, Deloitte, EY, Amsterdam UMC, and the European Commission |
Popular Courses for International Students | Humanities: African Studies, Dutch Studies, English Language and Culture, Heritage and Society, Linguistics Social Sciences: Governance and Global Affairs, Social and Behavioral Sciences Science: Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Cell Biology, Chemistry Law: Law, Governance and Leadership Medicine: Medicine and Health Sciences |
English Language Exam Required | IELTS (6.5-7.0), TOEFL (90+), Cambridge English |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 63% |
Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | €2,601 – €20,000 |
Website | www.leiden.edu |
Leiden University: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees 2025
Leiden University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the Netherlands, offers a broad range of academic programs for international students. As of 2025, the university continues to maintain its reputation for high-quality education, with diverse courses in various fields such as business, law, science, and arts. Depending on the program, the tuition fees at Leiden University for international students vary, ranging from INR 2 L to INR 19 L (approximately AUD 4,000 to AUD 36,000). English language proficiency is typically assessed through standard exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Leiden University eligibility criteria for popular courses:
Course | 1st Year Tuition Fees (INR) | 1st Year Tuition Fees (AUD) | Duration | Eligibility |
MS | INR 16 L – 19 L | AUD 30,000 – 36,000 | 1 year – 2 years | IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
MBA/PGDM | INR 17 L – 19 L | AUD 32,000 – 36,000 | 1 year – 2 years | IELTS: 6.5 – 7, PTE |
M.A. | INR 7 L – 19 L | AUD 13,000 – 36,000 | 1 year – 2 years | IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5, PTE, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
LL.M. | INR 13 L – 19 L | AUD 24,000 – 36,000 | 1 year | IELTS: 6.5 – 7, PTE, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
B.A. | INR 2 L – 14 L | AUD 4,000 – 25,000 | 3 years | IELTS: 6 – 7, PTE, TOEFL: 90 – 100 |
M.Sc. | INR 17 L – 19 L | AUD 32,000 – 36,000 | 1 year – 2 years | IELTS: 6.5 – 7, PTE |
B.E. / B.Tech | INR 11 L – 16 L | AUD 20,000 – 30,000 | 3 years | IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE |
B.Arch | INR 11 L | AUD 20,000 | 3 years | IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE |
B.Sc. | INR 12 L | AUD 22,000 | 3 years | IELTS, TOEFL |
Leiden University Rankings 2025
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It is recognized not only for its overall performance but also for its specialized strengths in subjects like Arts and Humanities, Biology, Biochemistry, and Clinical Medicine. Here’s a detailed look at Leiden University’s rankings and how they compare across different ranking bodies for academic year 2025:
Ranking Body | Global Rank (2025) | Subject Rankings (2025) |
Times Higher Education (THE) | 77th globally (2024) | Arts and Humanities: Ranked 39th (US News) |
CWUR | 80th globally (2024) | Biology and Biochemistry: Ranked 76th (US News) |
US News Best Global Universities | 74th globally | Cell Biology: Ranked 93rd (US News) |
ShanghaiRanking | 101-150th range | Chemistry: Ranked 447th (US News) |
Global Sustainability Ranking | 17th globally (2025) | Clinical Medicine: Ranked 79th (US News) |
CWTS Leiden University Ranking | – | Computer Science: Ranked 227th (US News) |
World Reputation Rankings (2023) | 81–90th range | Education and Educational Research: Ranked 81st (US News) |
THE World Reputation Ranking (2022) | 81–90th range | |
QS World University Rankings | 141st globally (2025) | |
THE World University Rankings (2025) | 73rd globally |
Leiden University Acceptance Rate 2025
Leiden University, a globally recognized institution in the Netherlands, has an acceptance rate of approximately 63% for the 2025 academic year. While this places the university in a moderately competitive category, certain programs may be more selective, especially for international students. Admission to Leiden University requires meeting academic and language proficiency standards, along with program-specific prerequisites. International students, in particular, need to ensure they meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements, which include an IELTS score of 6.5 or its equivalent. Below are the key details of acceptance rate at Leiden University 2025:
Feature | Details |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 63% for 2025 (Moderately competitive) |
English Language Requirement | IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) |
Previous Education | At least two years of university education |
Relevance of Academic Background | The applicant’s background must be relevant to the course |
Program-Specific Prerequisites | Some courses require specific knowledge in related fields |
Leiden University Scholarships 2025
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships designed to support international students from both Indonesia and other regions. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of studying abroad and offer excellent opportunities for high-achieving students to pursue their education at one of the top-ranked universities in the world. The university collaborates with multiple scholarship providers, including both Dutch and international organizations, to offer financial aid for a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Below is an overview of the different scholarships available at Leiden University:
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Details |
LPDP Scholarships | Indonesian Master’s and PhD students, LPDP awardees | Collaboration with Leiden University for Master’s and PhD degrees. Applicants must follow regular procedures and mention their LPDP award status. |
Ministry of Religious Affairs (KEMENAG) | Scholars from Islamic universities and Islamic Institutes of Higher Education | Available for Indonesian PhD students in partnership with Leiden University. |
RISTEKDIKTI Scholarships | Indonesian students applying for Master’s or PhD programs | Scholarships for Indonesian students through Leiden’s cooperation with RISTEKDIKTI. Details will be available soon. |
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) | Non-EEA (non-European Economic Area) students applying for Master’s programs, excluding Humanities and some Law and MSc programs. | Tuition fee waivers based on academic excellence. Scholarships range from €10,000 to €19,000 depending on the program and funds available. |
Leiden Science Indonesia Scholarship | Indonesian students with a relevant Bachelor’s degree from partner universities | Offered by the Faculty of Science for Indonesian students pursuing Master’s programs in related fields. |
Erasmus International Credit Mobility | Students participating in the Erasmus+ Programme, Medical or half minor semester students at LUMC | Scholarships for a semester at Leiden University Medical Center, including a ten-week half minor. |
Grantfinder | All prospective international students in the Netherlands | Scholarship search engine to help students find scholarships that match their needs. |
Erasmus+ Programme | Students participating in Erasmus+ exchanges within EU and Partner countries | Facilitates student and doctoral candidate exchanges between Erasmus+ Programme countries and partner countries. |
Leiden University Accommodation 2025
Leiden University offers a range of accommodation options to meet the diverse needs of its international student body. With its two main campuses located in the historic city of Leiden and The Hague, the university ensures that students have access to a variety of housing options that provide both convenience and comfort. You can go for both shared and private accommodation, with varying facilities and price ranges. Both options offer fully furnished living spaces equipped with essential amenities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Leiden University accommodation options, their costs, and available facilities:
Accommodation Type | Facilities | Cost (Approximate) | Location |
On-Campus Accommodation | Fully furnished rooms, shared kitchens, communal study areas, laundry facilities | €350 – €600 per month | Close to Leiden University campuses |
Off-Campus Accommodation | Private or shared apartments, internet access, kitchen, private/shared bathrooms, living areas | €400 – €1,200 per month | Leiden or The Hague outskirts |
Shared Accommodation | Shared rooms or apartments, shared kitchens, living areas, internet access | €250 – €400 per month | Near university campuses or within the city |
Private Accommodation | Private rooms, kitchen, bathroom, utilities included | €500 – €700 per month | City center or residential areas |
Conclusion
Leiden University offers an enriching academic experience with a vast selection of programs, competitive tuition fees, and various scholarships to help ease the financial burden on students. Its excellent ranking and strong placement rate underscore the university’s commitment to providing quality education and professional opportunities for its graduates. With diverse accommodation options and a global reputation for research and teaching, Leiden University remains an ideal destination for students looking to pursue higher education in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Leiden University?
Leiden University has an acceptance rate of approximately 63%, making it moderately competitive. However, the competitiveness can vary depending on the program, with some courses being more selective.
What are the popular courses at Leiden University for international students?
Leiden University offers a diverse range of popular programs for international students, including courses in Humanities (e.g., African Studies, Dutch Studies), Social Sciences (e.g., Governance and Global Affairs), Sciences (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry), and Law (e.g., Governance and Leadership)
What is the annual tuition fee for international students at Leiden University?
The annual tuition fees for international students at Leiden University range from €2,601 to €20,000, depending on the course and program.
What is the placement rate at Leiden University?
Leiden University has a placement rate of 76% of graduates finding employment within two months of graduation. 100% of graduates are employed within six months.
What are some of the top recruiters for Leiden University graduates?
Top recruiters for Leiden University graduates include Rabobank, Deloitte, EY, Amsterdam UMC, and the European Commission.
What is the global ranking of Leiden University?
As of 2025, Leiden University is ranked 141st globally by QS World University Rankings and 73rd by the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. The university is also highly ranked in specific subjects such as Arts and Humanities, Biology, and Clinical Medicine.