Leiden University
Leiden University
- About
- Overview
- Academic Details
- Area(s) of study
- Useful information
- How to apply
- Student Testimonial
Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is the oldest university in the Netherlands. One of Europe’s most important international research institutions, it includes among its alumni Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, US President John Adams, several members of the Dutch Royal Family and 12 Nobel Laureates.
Academic Highlights
Leiden is well known for its research in the fields of natural and life sciences, medicine, arts, social and behavioural sciences, international law, astronomy and non-Western languages. It was founded on the principal of freedom of thought and opinion.
Location
With no central campus, Leiden University is spread throughout Leiden, a small vibrant city with beautiful 16th and 17th century buildings and a network of canals. A second campus is located at the Hague.
Did you know?
Leiden University’s Centre for Botanical Research, the Hortus Botanicus, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and has been cultivating plants from all over the planet for more than four centuries.
Language of Instruction | Dutch, English (limited in some areas) | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | |||||
| Minimum Result Required | 2.75 GPA | |||||
| Previous round cut-off (WAM (%) or GPA) | 2.77 GPA | |||||
Additional Requirement | 2 years of study completed by the time of program commencement | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2026 | 9-10 places | |||||
Green | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia, Monash Malaysia | |||||
Agreement Scope | All Faculties except Law | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
For unit descriptions, visit Leiden University's e-Prospectus and use the filters.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
22.5 ECTS credits* | 30 ECTS credits |
ECTS - European Credit Transfer System
*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
45 ECTS credits | 60 ECTS credits |
Academic Calendar
Leiden's 'Fall' semester (Monash Semester 2): late August - late January
Leiden's 'Spring' semester (Monash Semester 1): early February - early July
See Leiden's Academic Calendar.
Ancient cultures | Chinese languages & culture studies | English as an international language | French language & culture studies |
German language & culture studies | History | Indonesian language & culture studies | Italian language & culture studies |
Japanese language & culture studies | Linguistics | Literary studies | Philosophy |
Politics and international relations | Religious studies | Spanish and Latin American languages & culture studies |
Note
- The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
- Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.
Accommodation
Read the Housing web pages, particularly those sections for international students.
Visas
As a general rule, if you are from outside EU/EAA countries and plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an entry visa (MVV - Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and/or a residence permit (VVR - Verblijfsvergunning). The residence permit is the document required for students to stay and study in the Netherlands legally. Both the entry visa and residence permit are issued by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). For more information on visas, please refer to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherland in Australia website.
Leiden University also provide some advice on visas, which can be found on their Visa and Residence Permit website.
Health and insurance
Non-Dutch students are required by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to have health insurance while living and studying in the Netherlands. When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. Read the Leiden information about insurance.
Orientation and extra-curricular
Leiden University organises a compulsory orientation program to help students settle into their new home. There is helpful information about preparing for your stay and also the useful New student information.
Language courses are available but are not covered by the exchange agreement and students would have to pay tuition fees for language courses. The Academic Language Centre offers a range of Dutch language courses.
Cost of living
The Hague on the Expatistan site (this is a website external to the University and intended to be indicative only).
Funding
For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.
Important notes
In order to study at Leiden University, you will need to have:
- completed 1.5 years of your bachelor degree at the time of starting your exchange; or
- completed one year of your masters degree at the time of starting your exchange
Monash students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for Leiden. Students looking to apply to Leiden University College (LUC) must have a GPA of 3.2
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
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