Leiden University | University Info | 14 PhDs in English

Top reasons to study here

The motto of Leiden University is: Libertatis Praesidium or Bastion of Freedom. A number of basic principles guide the University’s actions.
Throughout its history the University has always stood for freedom of spirit, thought and speech, and for freedom of research and teaching.
Our academics are guided by the highest ambitions of quality and academic integrity. We aim to instil this same academic attitude in our students.

PhD Programmes

Natural Sciences & Mathematics (7)

Social Sciences (3)

Medicine & Health (2)

Ph.D. Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ph.D. Medicine

Computer Science & IT (1)

Ph.D. Computer Science

Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (1)

Ph.D. Environmental Sciences

Humanities (1)

Ph.D. Humanities

About

History

Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands. William of Orange gave Leiden Academia Lugduno Batava in 1575, it is said in recognition of the city’s courageous resistance against the seige by the Spanish invaders.

Education

Our teaching is characterised by individual attention for students, contact with diverse cultures and innovative teaching methods. Personal supervision and the binding study advice contribute to our success. Our teaching and research are closely interwoven.

Research

Leiden University is an internationally oriented, comprehensive University. Our scientific research and teaching inspire one another, and this cross-pollination shapes our contribution to society. With our research, we work to gain a fundamental understanding of the world and the people around us.
In our teaching, we train our students to become analytical thinkers and critical world citizens who can apply this knowledge to make the world a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just place. Where possible, we endorse and apply the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Career

As an alumnus you can come to the Career Services for career guidance for up to one year after graduation. A session with one of the career counsellors is free of charge. For workshops you pay the student rate.

University Ranking

World University Rankings by Times Higher Education

2024

77

2023

77 -6

2022

71

World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.

Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University

2023

101

2022

101 -18

2021

83

ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.

QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities

2024

126 5

2023

131 -19

2022

112

QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report

2024

-

2023

74 8

2022

82

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.

More rankings and student reviews

Services

Housing services

With many kilometres of beaches, hundreds of sights, excellent restaurants and lively cafés, the Hague really is a cool city to live in. However, arranging accommodation can demand a lot of time and effort for Dutch and international students. For this reason, finding a place to stay is one of the first things that need to be arranged when you are planning to study at Leiden University. But how do you actually find a room in The Hague?
Are you an international student? Each semester, Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms for international students via a local housing agency. These rooms are intended for short-stay students only as the maximum rental contract duration is one year.

Library services

The UBL owns a vast collection of scientific information, both on paper and online. Furthermore, UBL provides access to special collections of international allure. Among these are medieval manuscripts, archives, old prints, maps, sketches, drawings and photographs, both from the Western world and the Middle East and Asia.

Student Life

Campus life

Leiden University chose The Hague because the city’s identity complements the University. As a city of peace, justice and security and as a metropolitan area, The Hague provides plenty of opportunity for research and teaching. It is also the political and administrative heart of the Netherlands and a home to many international organisations. The teaching and research at Campus The Hague is closely linked to the city’s profile and is grouped into four key themes:

International law, peace and security
Globalisation and international relations
Politics, public administration and public finance
Urban issues
Health and patient care

Student clubs

Becoming a member of a student association is the best way to quickly feel at home in The Hague. You’ll soon get to know people and you’ll make new friends for life.
The Hague’s student associations: As a student city, The Hague is growing in stature and is gaining more and more student associations. But don’t worry if you’re not sure which one you should join. During The HOP introduction week you can simply drop by them all, talk to existing members and visit their parties. Or, to get a better picture, you could check them out online first.

Leiden University Scholarships

PhD Master Bachelor

Below you will find scholarships for Leiden University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Top reasons to study here

PhD Programmes

About

History

Education

Research

Career

University Ranking

Services

Housing services

Library services

Student Life

Campus life

Student clubs

Leiden University Scholarships

Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands

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