You’ll need a BA or BSc degree (or equivalent) to be admitted to any of Leiden University’s master’s programmes.

English-language proficiency
For admission to most master’s programmes you must be proficient in English. The types of English test accepted are listed below. For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency. 

English tests accepted
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test. The following types of English test are accepted*: 

• IELTS: Academic modules only, on paper or on computer.
  • We do not accept new IELTS Academic Online.
  • We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
• TOEFL: internet based
  • We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best ™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™  or institutional tests such as ITP.
  • We do not accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
    you are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
• Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced, depending on admission criteria

* We are aware that TOEFL will have a new grading scale from 21 January 2026 onward. The old grading scale (0-120) will still be published on the score certificates during 2026 and 2027, and our requirements apply to these scores for 2026-2027. The component or band scores will however only be reported for the new grading scale. Leiden University is still looking into how to implement the new component scores and will update the webpage(s) as soon as possible. 

Proficiency in other languages
For some master’s programmes you must also be proficient in other languages. You can find the exact language requirements for your chosen master’s programme in the programme description.

The specific academic and professional entry requirements for each master’s programme are listed under each programme description.