Our institutes abroad are instrumental for Leiden’s internationalisation activities.

These institutes are hubs for the universities, connecting researchers and students with the local academic partners and society. In doing so, they offer unique support to the organisation’s wish to be impactful worldwide and are key actors in science diplomacy.

Leiden University students and staff can visit 7 institutes abroad, where they can write their thesis, follow a minor, work together with academics in the host country and conduct or disseminate research.

Leiden University is a member of Dutch Scientific Institutes Abroad (NWIB, website in Dutch). This umbrella organisation is a collective of 6 broad universities in the Netherlands. The institutes in the NWIB offer a unique opportunity for students and staff to collaborate at key locations in Europe and North Africa.

KITLV Jakarta

The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) is an KNAW institute in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the oldest institute abroad of Leiden University. It has a large collection of books, magazines, photos and archives that is part of the university library. It also has a unique position as research and education hub, offering minors for students and a vibrant network of Indonesian contacts for researchers. Traditionally focussed on languages, anthropology, social sciences and history, KITLV is broadening its scope. As LDE HUB, the institute is instrumental in connecting the consortium to local parties and facilitating participation in large Indonesian research projects.

Netherlands Institute Morocco (NIMAR)

NIMAR is located in Rabat and is an expertise centre for Morocco studies. The institute provides a safe location for the study of the language, culture, religion and society of Morocco, the Arabic world and West Africa. It also acts as a location for training aimed at professionals in the Arabic world and Africa.

Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo (NVIC)

The NVIC an institute of the umbrella organization NWIB but led by Leiden University. It aims specifically at supporting and conducting research in Egypt. The institute mainly supports students and staff in the fields of Egyptology, Islamic studies, Arabic and Middle East Studies.

Netherlands Institute in Turkey (NIT)

NIT is a research centre dedicated to the study of the (historical) cultures and societies of Anatolia and Turkey. It conducts historical and archaeological research and aims to stimulate and facilitate academic studies in Turkey, by scholars as well as students, from the Netherlands and other countries.

Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (KNIR)

KNIR is the oldest NWIB institute, serving as a bridge for the Dutch and Italian academic community since 1904. The institute is a place for students and researchers to connect, follow courses, use the library or the material culture club. The KNIR focusses mainly on Rome and the Vatican as the political, religious and cultural centre of Italy and the Mediterranean.

Netherlands Interuniversity Institute for Art History (NIKI)

The Dutch University Institute for Art History (NIKI) is the NWIB institute in Florence. It promotes and facilitates research and education for students, researchers and lecturers from the participating Dutch universities and other universities. In cooperation with international university and museum partners, the NIKI develops interdisciplinary activities.

Netherlands Institute at Athens (NIA)

The NIA is the NWIB institute in Athens, facilitating researchers and students to conduct archaeological research in Greece. It functions as a connector of Dutch and Greek academic communities and holds a research portfolio of its own, while opening doors for colleagues and support staff to become part of their large network.

Netherlands Institute in St. Petersburg (NIP)

This institute is currently not open for support requests or exchanges in Russia but does offer services for slavists in the Netherlands.