You can apply if you:

• are a refugee or asylum seeker who isn’t yet able to register for our regular programmes;
• do not yet have a Dutch residence permit;
• have followed university-level education;
• have a good command of academic English (approx. CEFR C1 level).

As an IncLUsion student, you can follow two undergraduate courses per semester, free of charge. These one-semester, English-taught courses offer a great chance to explore topics that interest you, expand your skills and your social network.

You’ll receive a certificate to recognise your work. However, the courses don’t count towards a degree programme (no study credits are awarded).

Applications open twice a year, in May and October. See How to apply. 

Once applications close, the IncLUsion team will decide who can take part based on your abilities and where you live.

If you meet all criteria, you will either be admitted directly or invited for an interview. The interview helps us check whether your academic background and English are strong enough for you to follow the courses successfully. Once you are admitted, you will be invited to choose which of the available courses you would like to take.

Absolutely! Studying is more than just attending classes. At IncLUsion we work with a buddy system. You’ll be paired with a Leiden University student: your personal guide who will help answer your questions and accompany you to social activities.

We also host weekly Language Cafés, where you can practice Dutch in a relaxed, informal setting with our board members and language buddies (Dutch students from Leiden University).

Finally, we organise many social activities and events such as group dinners, Dutch games and sports activities. We do this to build community and to help our students expand their social circles.  

We sometimes offer (partial) reimbursement of travel costs. Because funds are limited, we cannot support everyone. You can request reimbursement in your application form. Decisions depend on factors such as the number of applicants, distance and total cost.

You can apply for the semester starting September 2026 via this application form.

*Once the maximum number of applications has been reached, the form will close. 

Places are limited and we make our selection based solely on the information in your application form. Please make sure you give complete and accurate information about your previous education, motivation for applying, and whether you need help with travel costs. If anything is missing or incorrect, you may miss out on this opportunity. After sending your application, you cannot add any information. Check everything carefully before sending it to us.

Note: decisions on admission are final and cannot be contested.

Did you know that a number of other Dutch universities offer similar programmes to IncLUsion? If you live closer to these universities, they might be a more practical option for you.

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht Univerity
• Radboud University Nijmegen
• Utrecht University
• Wageningen University and Research