Leiden University has been shaping minds and making a difference since 1575, which means almost 450 years of a rich tradition combined with constant innovation.
Here’s a quick look at what makes Leiden University special:
- It’s the first and oldest university in the Netherlands, established by William of Orange.
- Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.
- Its two campuses are located in the lively cities of Leiden and The Hague.
- A founding member of the League of European Research Universities.
Over the years, Leiden has built a solid reputation. Many famous people have walked its halls, including members of the Dutch royal family like King Willem Alexander, Princess Beatrix, and His Royal Highness Constantijn van Oranje-Nassau. Other prominent alumni include NATO’s former Secretary General, Professor Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and the current Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Even Winston Churchill received an honorary degree from Leiden!
Leiden University has always stood for freedom, with its motto “Praesidium Libertatis,” which means “bastion of freedom.” This goes back to the founding days when Leiden became a university as a symbol of the city’s resistance to Spanish invaders.
Today, Leiden embodies inclusivity and diversity. It has seven faculties, covering arts, sciences, and social sciences, with students coming from over 120 countries. It’s described as a “place of refuge,” where any question can be asked and answered in complete freedom.
The city of Leiden itself has grown around the university over the centuries, making it a vibrant student city. Leiden also has a campus in The Hague, home to Leiden University College (the university’s international bachelor’s honours college), the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, and various programs from other faculties.
Research Excellence
Leiden is proud to have 16 Nobel Prize winners and 23 Spinoza Prize winners, the highest honours in Dutch science. Albert Einstein once worked here as a visiting professor. The university is deeply connected with the Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s most successful science parks. Its global rankings in science are a result of the university’s unwavering commitment to academic freedom.
Leiden aims to maintain its spot as a leading research university in Europe. The university excels in several fields, including natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, social sciences, international law, astronomy, and non-Western languages. Its programs are internationally recognized, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for further studies or careers worldwide.
Leiden’s research is focused on five main areas, many of which are interdisciplinary:
- Life Sciences
- Law, Politics, and Administration
- Languages, Cultures, and Societies
- Health and Wellbeing
- Fundamentals of Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Teaching Approach
Leiden University places a strong emphasis on individual learning and small group work. Its classrooms are designed to allow for personalized instruction and close faculty-student interaction. You’ll not only attend lectures but also engage in your own research on topics that matter to today’s world, with guidance from top international professors. The university provides a great opportunity for global networking, as students from around the world come together to share their perspectives. Leiden values freedom of opinion, where every view, faith, and belief is respected.
Academic Programs
Leiden University offers a broad range of programs, including 16 English-taught and 40 Dutch-taught bachelor’s degrees, 78 English-taught master’s programs (with nearly 200 specializations), diverse PhD tracks, and various interdisciplinary minors. The university’s Honours Academy offers exclusive programs such as the Honours College, the Leiden Leadership Programme, and Leiden University College The Hague for exceptional students.
Rankings
- World University Rankings 2025: 73rd
- Arts and Humanities: 21st
- Medical and Health: 62nd
- Law: 21st
- Physical Sciences: 75th
- Psychology: 59th
- Social Sciences: 45th
Key Student Stats
- Gender ratio: 60% Female : 40% Male
- International students: 22%
- Students per staff: 18.4
- Total students: 34,614
Subjects Taught
Leiden University offers a diverse range of subjects across various disciplines:
- Arts and Humanities: Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Performing Arts, History, Philosophy, Languages, Literature
- Law: Various Law programs
- Life Sciences: Biological Sciences, Medicine
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics
- Psychology: Various Psychology programs
- Social Sciences: Communication, Politics, Sociology
Leiden University offers in-depth, comprehensive education with global recognition and a rich tradition of academic excellence.