Leiden University
Founded in 1575, Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's leading centres for law, humanities, and social sciences, with a second campus in The Hague putting students steps from the International Court of Justice.
#119
QS World Rank 2027
1575
Founded, Oldest in the Netherlands
34,000+
Students, 120+ Nationalities
18%
International Students
Why Leiden
Why Indian students choose Leiden
The Netherlands' Oldest University
Founded in 1575 by William of Orange, Leiden carries over four centuries of academic tradition and sixteen Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty.
Europe's Reference Point for Law and Humanities
A top-20 world university for Law and Arts & Humanities, with a strong reputation across social sciences and area studies.
A Campus in The Hague
Leiden's Hague campus places international law, governance, and international relations students in the world's legal and diplomatic capital.
Dutch Post-Study Search Year Visa
Graduates can apply for a one-year "zoekjaar" (orientation year) residence permit to look for qualified work in the Netherlands without needing a separate work permit.
The EU vs Non-EU Fee Reality
EU/EEA students pay a low statutory fee of around €2,694 a year, while non-EU students pay an institutional fee ranging from about €13,800 a year for Law and Humanities up to €29,200-€30,200 a year for Medicine, with most master's programmes between €15,500 and €22,500 a year.
Merit Scholarships with Real Value
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) awards fixed partial tuition waivers of €10,000 to €19,000 a year to a select group of non-EEA students.
Popular Programs
Top courses for Indian students
BSc Psychology
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
LLM International Law
Faculty of Law
MSc Computer Science
Faculty of Science
MSc International Relations
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Investment
Fees at a glance
Indicative annual tuition fees for the 2027 intake.
| Program | Annual Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science | €17,200 /yr | 2 years |
| General Master's Range | €15,500 - €22,500 /yr | 1-2 years |
Fees are indicative for the 2027 intake and vary by program and specialisation. Confirm exact figures with your BNPS counsellor or the official university fee calculator.
Before You Apply
What you'll need
Every program has specific requirements, but most applications from India follow this checklist. Your BNPS counsellor will confirm exactly what applies to your chosen course.
Academic transcripts from your qualifying degree (minimum grade varies by program)
IELTS 6.0-6.5+ overall or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score (for English-taught programs)
Statement of Purpose / motivation letter
Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
Proof of funds for tuition and living costs (for national/Schengen visa purposes)
Funding Your Degree
Scholarships worth knowing about
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
€10,000 - €19,000 /yr (fixed tiers)
NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)
€5,000 one-time award
Ready to Begin?
Your seat at Leidenstarts with one conversation.
BNPS international has guided students to Leidenfor years — from shortlisting the right program to visa approval. Let's talk about your profile.
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