The master’s in African Studies at Leiden University is an advanced area studies qualification that combines world-class scholarship with practice-based learning.
Why study African Studies at Leiden University?
This multidisciplinary programme offers you the opportunity to learn about Africa from a wide range of perspectives: historical, literary, cultural, socio-economical and political. At Leiden, relevance and real-world issues are at the fore, which means that you get to critically analyse current events as they unfold and from a broad, comparative and global perspective. Multi-modal research methods and mixed methods will also be introduced to you. You also get to study the subject areas that interest you most, by choosing electives, project topics, and the focal area of your thesis. During your studies you will gain access to the African Studies Centre Leiden’s extensive international network and high-profile events that will connect you to the leading researchers in the field.
This Master’s programme in African Studies offers outstanding preparation for high-level positions in the international job market. Your degree prepares you for roles in cultural organisations, education, policy-making, tourism, development, publishing, public relations, and journalism.
Are you interested inAfrican culture and do you want to dive into the history, literature, socio-economical and political state of this continent?Then this might be the programme for you. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in which to reach their full potential.
A top-ranked university
Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 humanities faculties worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, learning incorporates the latest research and resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts, periodicals, and photos.
Benefit from our unique resources and expertise
You will have access to the Africa Studies Centre (ASC) and its research library. The ASC is a unique multidisciplinary academic institute in the Netherlands focused on the study of Africa. You will also be guided and supervised by ASC and Leiden University staff with various area and disciplinary expertise, including history, literature and film studies, anthropology, economy, geography and politics.
Leading Expertise
At Leiden University we have a dedicated team of international researchers in the field of African Studies. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars at Leiden or by scholars from our international network of universities and research institutes. Small classes give students valuable time interacting with their lecturers and the necessary support to reach their full potential.
An outstanding start to your career
Our graduates are known for their broad and global mindset, their relevant skills and experience, and their strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They are equipped to handle and solve the challenges facing society now and in the future. Your qualification will open new doors and pave the way to new opportunities.
Diversity and inclusion
We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.
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Within the time frame of one year, you will take six months of courses, do a ten-week research internship, and write your MA thesis. Learn the newest insights from established researchers.
Programme structure
Semester 1 The first semester is devoted to group teaching and serves to both broaden and deepen your knowledge of Africa as well as to prepare you for the research-internship.
Semester 2 At the beginning of the second semester you will go to Africa or an Africa related setting elsewhere for a field assignment. The field assignment includes a period of internship linked to the research topic of your MA thesis. From April onwards, when you have returned from your field trip, you will start writing your MA thesis which is based on your own original research, whilst also following the course Communicating Research.
For more information about the programme structure, see the Prospectus.Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Research internship in Africa
Your research internship in Africa will equip you with a host of new skills that are valued by prospective employers, from communication skills to experience of field research. You will also receive funding for your internship from the Sustainable Humanities Internship Fund.
In preparation for your internship in Africa, you have the opportunity to study a specific language (like Swahili or French) that will help you communicate more easily with the people in the country you visit.
Mirjam de Bruijn
Professor of Contemporary History and Anthropology of Africa
"We have a very large number of researchers available at Leiden University who work in various disciplines – from humanities to medicine – related to Africa. This means that we have an enormous wealth of expertise available and we are always able to successfully match our students with a researcher who shares their specific interest."
65 languages
"As Leiden University teaches around 65 languages, our students have the opportunity to study a specific language that will help them communicate with the people in their chosen country."
Current world issues
"A lot of the issues we study in African Studies are essential to understanding current world issues. One of the fields I am interested in, for example, is security and radicalisation. To understand the current debates in Europe about migration and radicalisation you need a good understanding of the developments in Africa."
Internship in Africa
"Students do an internship in Africa as part of the programme. They arrange their internships in Africa themselves. This requires them to use their own initiative and communications skills to get in touch with organisations. However, we do offer students some guidance in this process. I sometimes use contacts within my network to help students and guide them in the right direction. At the start of the programme we also match students with the right lecturer depending on their specific interests."
Job market after African Studies
"Where our students end up working after graduation depends a lot on their personal area of interest. We have alumni working in journalism, but also as policy officers for the EU government. I also know of some alumni who are working in Africa at NGOs. One of our alumni is now working in Mali for the Dutch Ministry of Defence, for example."
Within the time frame of one year, you will take six months of courses, do a ten-week research-internship, and write your MA thesis.
Educational methods
The principal modes of learning during your master's are:
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Self-study
Internship in Africa
Assessment methods
We assess your progress through:
Exams
Peer feedback and assessment
Essays and reports
Oral presentations
MA thesis
Small classes
Teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars and tutorials, during which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. Small class sizes ensure you enjoy a high level of direct contact with both your lecturers and fellow students.
Latest Research
All courses are taught by academics who are active researchers. Course content is constantly updated to reflect contemporary academic debates and the very latest insights, many from the studies conducted by lecturers on the programme. Our lecturers also play an active role in every individual's education, acting as mentors and community builders.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
African Studies Centre activities
As an African Studies master’s student you will be able to join the regular seminars, conferences and projects on Africa organised by the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL). These activities, as well as the centre’s extensive research library, will provide you with a strong international orientation and context for your MA research.
L.S.A. Mugusa
L.S.A (Leiden Study Association) Mugusa is the study association for the BA, MA, and ResMA African Studies, as well for any other student in The Netherlands who is interested in the study of Africa. It is the only English speaking study association for Africa on mainland Europe, which makes it a unique community of students from all over Europe, as well as Africa.
Activities
Mugusa organises a yearly introduction weekend for all new members. Furthermore, the association organises monthly activities like lectures, educational visits, film nights, debates, workshops, parties, study trips, and more, related to the African continent and its diaspora.
Join L.S.A Mugusa!
If you want to join Mugusa, please follow this link for more information. We are excited to welcome you into the community!
For general information, please visit our website or Instagram, or send us an email.
Master Honours Education
Are you a curious and motivated master’s student? The Honours Academy of Leiden University offers various kinds of extracurricular education, ranging from long-running programmes to short-term courses.
Leiden Leadership Programme
Are you interested in a leadership challenge? Join the Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP). This one-year programme will equip you with the leadership knowledge, insights and skills you need to increase your societal impact. You further your personal development through trainings, seminars and a practical assignment within an organisation, in which you learn to cooperate intensively with other professionals. With the LLP, you earn 15 EC in addition to your regular master's degree.
Master Honours Classes & Challenges
Would you like to further develop your academic skills and societal awareness? Join one of our Master Honours Classes & Challenges. In a small-scale, interdisciplinary course, you will tackle a complex issue for society or for a specific partner organisation. You will learn about the latest scientific insights concerning the topic and cooperate in a practical setting, together with students from many different backgrounds. There are Master Honours Classes on offer for 5 or 10 EC.
Meet our staff
Dr. A. Akinyoade
Akinyinka’s research activities are on population health and development, with special attention on fertility dynamics and family planning in West Africa; migration (human trafficking and forced labour in Nigeria); decentralization (public service delivery in education and health sectors of Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania and Indonesia). View his profile here.
Dr. Lidewyde Berckmoes
As associate professor and senior researcher at the African Studies Centre Leiden, Lidewyde Berckmoes employs life-course and intergenerational perspectives to increase understanding of cyclical dynamics of conflict and peace in the Great Lakes Region, particularly Burundi and Rwanda. View her profile here.
Prof. dr. Mirjam de Bruijn
The research Mirjam develops in interdisciplinary research programmes evolves around different themes and focuses on African situations. She combines history, anthropology, communication science. Themes are security, mobility, youth/gender, crisis, nomadism, conflict (Duress), political agency. See her full profile here.
Dr. André Leliveld
André is a development economist. He has done a number of research projects on informal insurance, social protection and community-based (health) insurance schemes in Africa, particularly in Togo, Uganda and Swaziland. His current research project in this field is a study of the effects of community-based health insurance in Togo on the economic well-being and health status of participants. View his profile here.
Dr. mr. Karin Nijenhuis
Karin guides students, ranging from Bachelor to PhD level, through interactive teaching, coaching and employability skills training. She is a board member of the Master/Research Master African Studies programme (MAAS/ResMAAS), chair of the Master African Studies, and BKO coordinator (University Teaching Qualification). See her full profile here.
The Master’s programme in African Studies offers outstanding preparation for high-level positions in the international job market. Your degree prepares you for roles in cultural organisations, education, policy-making, tourism, development, publishing, public relations, and journalism.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Policy officer for agriculture and trade at an embassy in Ghana
Teacher of African languages
Journalist
Curator at a cultural institution
Manager of a translation and/or interpreting agency
Project Manager at an NGO in Africa
PhD candidate at the Centre of African Studies in Edinburgh
Team leader at a human rights organisation
Digital marketing manager at a translation agency
Eline Sleurink
Graduated in MA African Studies
"Upon graduating with my master’s, I was employed as a Research Assistant at the African Studies Centre. This was an excellent short-term opportunity (5 months) to expand on the knowledge I acquired during my Master’s and develop valuable research and proposal writing skills. Since then, I have been working at a social enterprise incubator in London, as a Business Development Manager for several east African ventures. My current responsibilities include fundraising, marketing and partnership building. In the future I hope to pursue either a research or practical career, depending on the opportunities which become available!"
Successfully securing my future project work
"The Master’s in African Studies has been extremely valuable in building up knowledge and expertise on matters relating to African development, allowing me to apply this to both my current position as well as successfully securing my future project work. I was also able to build up a network of key stakeholders within the industry (through attending conferences and seminars, amongst others) which has been extremely useful."
Passion and dedication
"I chose this Master’s as I was determined to become a specialist in the field and carve out a niche for myself. The quality of teaching from the professors is excellent on account of their passion for and dedication to the world of African Studies. Furthermore, this Master’s programme was highly appealing to me as it allowed a unique opportunity to combine classroom learning with a research and work experience placement in Africa."
Titus Sauerwein
Graduated in MA African Studies
"After having finished a Master in International Relations at the University of Amsterdam, I felt that I wanted to specialize myself in African development policies. The one-year curriculum of the MA African Studies brought together all the aspects of a challenging program that would enable me to specialize in this direction. The small and personal setup of the program, the incredibly diverse expertise of the academic staff and the possibility of doing an internship in Africa convinced me to apply for the master."
Personal style of teaching
"While the program was very challenging, the wide range of topics and the personal style of teaching inspired and encouraged me to identify my own specialisation within African Studies: natural resource governance. This interest brought me to Ivory Coast, where I did an internship and researched the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in the country."
Continue my research in Ivory Coast
"Looking back at my choice for the MA African Studies, I cannot think of a better decision, since the program has enabled me to start a PhD at the University of Surrey in October this year. Under the supervision of the global authority in artisanal and small-scale mining, I will continue my research in Ivory Coast, building on my already established network in the country."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA and Research MA African Studies 2016-2020.
29 %Research
29 %Government and semi-government
14 %Teaching
14 %Culture, sport and recreation
14 %Health and welfare
Career preparation
Find out how this programme prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The Master’s in African Studies programme at Leiden University aims to equip you with a range of key skills and knowledge. Whichever your area of specialisation, you will graduate with a global and comparative context to your knowledge and the critical-thinking skills to shed new light on established ideas.
Your research-internship at an organisation in Africa gives you a real-world arena in which to apply your new knowledge. Working and communicating in a professional environment and in a foreign culture is highly valued by (international) organisations. It is also a chance to test-drive a role or organisation you may be considering for your future career. Our students have taken research-internships at organisations in various countries in Africa, including in Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Admission and Application
Find out how to apply for African Studies at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This guide clearly explains the steps you need to take to apply, and the subsequent admission process.
To be eligible for African Studies at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
You are eligible to apply for the MA African Studies if you have a bachelor’s degree from a research university in the field of African Studies, Linguistics, History, Cultural Anthropology, Literature, Sociology, Political Sciences, Public Administration, International Studies, or other studies related to the Humanities or Social Sciences.
Students with a Bachelor in African Studies from Leiden University are directly eligible for admission and can apply in Studielink. There is no need to submit an application for admission using the online application portal.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a research university that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for a pre-master’s programme tailored to your individual background. After submitting your application in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or whether your deficiencies are considered too extensive and you can therefore not be admitted at all. It is not possible to directly apply for a pre-master’s programme.
The LDE Minor African Dynamics is considered a valid pre-master for the MA African Studies.
The language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the premaster.
Once you have completed the imposed pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the master’s programme. For more information about the individual pre-master’s programme, please contact the Coordinator of Studies.
For students with a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences in the field of humanities and/or social sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch hbo bachelor’s degree, the Board of Admissions may impose a pre-master’s programme, tailored to the individual background of the prospective student, to be completed before admission to the MA programme.
Language requirements
The following requirements apply:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training or IELTS Indicator.
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situations only:
You took the test before 1 Sept 2022 (and it is not more than 2 years old), or 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.
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.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old.
You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
Application deadlines
Starting in September
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 1 April.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 May.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Other deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents.
Note: If you have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission, you will generally not be asked to submit additional documents.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Please upload a copy of the page(s) in your passport containing your personal details and photograph. If you are from the EU/EEA, you can submit a copy of your identity card instead. Please upload copies of both sides.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national already living in the Netherlands, upload copies of both sides of your Dutch residence permit.
Your CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain your basic personal data, as well as a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Additional requirements specific to African Studies
You are required to upload additional information: 1) about your acquired knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of the Master’s programme you are applying for and 2) about your acquired general academic skills. You can upload this format Questionnaire Master Application.
You can check the programme specific requirements regarding knowledge, understanding and skills on the Admission Requirements page.
The format includes the list of general academic skills which the candidate must possess in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme at the Faculty of Humanities.
The application procedure is broken down into three parts.
Part 1. Application in Studielink
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
1. Go toStudielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:
a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA African Studies, but who, according to the Board of Admissions, still have deficiencies in their educational background. Once you have completed the pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the Master’s programme.
Diploma requirements
students with a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences in the field of humanities and/or social sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch hbo bachelor’s degree
students with an academic bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch WO bachelor’s degree, who do not meet the admission requirement of holding a BA in the Humanities or Social Sciences as mentioned in the master’s diploma requirements.
English language requirements
The English language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the pre-master.
Application procedure pre-master programme
In order to apply for the pre-master programme, you must first apply for the master’s programme.
After submitting your application for the master programme in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or if you’re not eligible for either programme because the deficiencies are too extensive.
Students who have been offered a pre-master programme, will find the procedure for the registration into the pre-master programme stated on their admission statement.
Start date
This pre-master offers 1 intake: September. Depending on the individual student’s educational background, the Board can also decide whether a start in February would suit instead.
More information
This pre-master is tailor-made. The Board of Admissions will decide based on your educational background what the pre-master should look like. The pre-master consists of bachelor-level courses and may include an academic skills course and/or a final assignment comparable to a bachelor’s thesis.
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “African Dynamics”. The programme prospectus of the pre-master has a yearly update for the upcoming academic year in March.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,314 for the academic year 2023-2024 (statutory fee) and €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
The tuition fee for this programme is €19,300 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €15,400 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee. Some exceptions apply.
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2023-2024
2024-2025
€39,- per EC
€42,- per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
Prepare for your studies
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. You can find your digital student card in the Leiden University app three days after your student registration is finalised. Read more about your student card here.
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student Life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. It is being a part of a lively and diverse student community. Living in beautiful and historic Leiden. And enjoying the rich cultural life of Holland, where you are right in the heart of Europe.
Study association L.S.A Mugusa
L.S.A (Leiden Study Association) Mugusa is the study association for the BA, MA, and ResMA African Studies, as well for any other student in The Netherlands who is interested in the study of Africa. It is the only English speaking study association for Africa on mainland Europe, which makes it a unique community of students from all over Europe, as well as Africa.
Activities
Mugusa organises a yearly introduction weekend for all new members. Furthermore, the association organises monthly activities like lectures, educational visits, film nights, debates, workshops, parties, study trips, and more, related to the African continent and its diaspora.
Join L.S.A Mugusa!
If you want to join Mugusa, please follow this link for more information. We are excited to welcome you into the community!
For general information, please visit our website or Instagram, or send us an email.
International Student Associations
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
The next Master's Open Day will take place on 16 February 2024. You can also still watch the recordings of all the presentations from the last Online Open Days. The videos can be found on the Master Talks page.
Master Talks: Programme videos
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the Master's Online Open Days of 5-6 October and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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Questions about the application procedure, tuition fees and scholarships
Student Affairs Front Office
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website
Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday to Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday between 11.00 and 17.30.
