Asian Studies (research) (MA)

Master

Discover the world at Leiden University


The research master's in Asian Studies gives you access to Leiden University's leading expertise in the countries of Asia, from their politics and literature to their languages.

Why study Asian Studies (research) at Leiden University?

You will be able to focus your studies on a country or region, such as China, Japan, Korea, South Asia or Southeast Asia, or on a discipline, such as politics, religion, art and material culture, or languages and literature, with the option to work with a primary language. A comparative, area studies approach to learning encourages a broader, contextual understanding of the issues at hand. The programme not only encourages intra-Asian comparisons, but cooperates closely with the MA Middle Eastern Studies (research) programme. This cooperation is formalised, for example, through a common introductory course on Area Studies.

The courses in the first year of the programme develop your academic skills to an advanced level. In the second year, you will do research on a topic related to Asia and, where appropriate and possible, in a specific place in Asia. You may also combine this research with attending courses at another top university, here or abroad. 

Learn more about the study programme

What are your career prospects?

The master in Asian Studies (research) prepares you for a wide range of careers in which knowledge of Asia and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in academia and in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Find out more about your career prospects

Is Asian Studies (research) the programme for you?

Designed for high-achieving students, Leiden University’s research MA Asia Studies offers access to unique resources and expertise. Asian Studies at Leiden University has a reputation for excellence that is unmatched in Europe. You can choose subjects from a curriculum that spans the entire Asian region, both in geography and time. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master’s Programme? 

Check the admission requirements

Why Leiden University

Leiden University offers ambitious students the latest knowledge and the freedom to develop their own area of expertise.

World-class education

Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the 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.

Unique courses and small classes

At Leiden University, you will be able to choose subjects from an expansive curriculum, including specialised subjects not available elsewhere. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars. Small classes give students valuable time interacting with instructors.

Tailor your degree to your specific interests

The programme offers you ample opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your career goals. An expansive curriculum allows you to explore a wider variety of issues. You will be able to combine courses from two different master's programmes, to choose your own research project, travel abroad for fieldwork, and swap an elective for an internship.

A head-start to your career

Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. Our graduates enjoy successful careers thanks to their broad and global mind-sets, their specialised and in-depth knowledge, and their strong critical thinking skills. We challenge you to think harder, analyse more deeply, and devise new, creative solutions. Our graduates are equipped to solve the challenges facing society now and in the future.

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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About the programme

The two-year research master in Asian Studies equips you with advanced and in-depth knowledge of a region and discipline within the field of Asian Studies.

For a detailed programme, 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.

Throughout the programme, you will, together with students of the MA Middle Eastern Studies (research), participate in two core courses. These include:

  • Critical Area Studies: Placing Your Research – which covers theories and issues central to the field of area studies and examines key writings on the challenges of studying and writing about “other” cultures and societies.
  • Methodology in the Social Sciences and Humanities -  which critically explores the multitude of methodologies in the Social Sciences and Humanities.

In addition to the core courses you will choose core elective and elective courses specific to either Asian Studies or Middle Eastern Studies. You can also combine courses from each of these two master's programmes, from other (Research) MA programmes and/or courses from national Research Schools.

Second year

You are expected to spend the third semester of the programme doing research, either in the Netherlands or abroad. Blended and virtual research-based options are also available. 

After you have finished your research project, you work on your MA Thesis. The process of writing is supported by a “Thesis Seminar” which is offered bi-weekly. During this seminar, you discuss relevant issues with your peers and present your research and writings to them and to the convenor of the seminar. Once you have finished your thesis and have received a passing grade, you will defend your thesis publicly.

Jonathan Silk

Professor of Buddhist Studies

Jonathan Silk

“Leiden University has incredible strengths – it is possible, for instance, to study Buddhism across the whole of Asia. The library of our Kern Institute, the national centre of expertise for South Asia and the Himalayan region, is famous around the world for its excellent resources on South Asia and Tibet.”

Reading Buddhist texts

"I teach introductory courses on Buddhism, and advanced thematic seminars on various topics. And of course, I always love to read Buddhist texts with students in their original languages as well as in translation. The study of Buddhism should be a dynamic synthesis of factual knowledge and critical perspectives, and the Leiden master’s programme offers students just this approach."

Admission and application

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the entry requirements

Extra-curricular

Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.

Community building

Throughout the year activities are organised by both the Asian Studies department and the study associations. Teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars and tutorials, in which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. Small classes allow for plenty of contact between you and your lecturers and fellow students, ensuring you get the most from this educational opportunity.

Uhlenbeck scholarship programme

For research master’s students, the Faculty of Humanities has set up the Uhlenbeck scholarship programme. If you would like to spend a period of time abroad for field work, research or a study exchange, you can apply for a (supplementary) scholarship.

Leiden Leadership Programme

Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential.

Meet our staff

Prof.dr. P.C. Bisschop

Peter Bisschop is Professor of Sanskrit and Ancient Cultures of South Asia at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies. The main focus of his research concerns the historical development and spread of early Hindu religious traditions, in particular Śaivism, based, first of all, on the philological study of Sanskrit texts. View his full profile here.

Prof.dr. K.J. Cwiertka

Kasia Cwiertka is a professor of Modern Japan Studies at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies. Her research interests are Material Culture and Consumption, History and Anthropology of Food, Anthropology of Colonialism and War, Globalisation. View her full profile here.

Prof.dr. J.A. Silk

Jonathan Silk is Professor of Buddhist Studies at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies. He specializes in Buddhism in its Asian contexts, primarily from a historical point of view. He has a special interest in Buddhist scriptures. View his full profile here.

Prof.dr. I.B. Smits

Ivo Smits is a professor of Arts and Cultures of Japan at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS). His research focuses on early medieval classical texts in both classical Japanese and classical Chinese. View his full profile here.

Prof. dr. R.P.E. Sybesma

Rint Sybesma is a professor of Chinese Linguistics at the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies. His main research area is the syntax of the Sinitic and non-Sinitic languages of China. View his full profile here.

Meet more staff here

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University.

Where do our graduates work?

The master in Asian Studies (research) prepares you for a wide range of careers in which knowledge of Asia and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in academia and in the public, private and non-profit sectors. 

Experience and knowledge of Asia combined with advanced analytical skills are also in demand in careers in publishing, international trade, public relations, education, development aid, or in government, international organisations and NGOs. Leiden University Asian Studies graduates often find employment in Asia itself.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

Alice Simionato

Graduated in Asian Studies (research)

Alice Simionato

"I decided to apply for the Research Master in Asian Studies because I wanted to develop my research interests related to Chinese philosophy and, while doing so, learn about the tools and methodologies that a researcher should acquire. During my studies in Leiden, I was able to build my own curriculum by choosing courses related to my field of interest and, at the same time, I learned about the fundamental issues and methods of Area Studies.”

“I am currently a PhD student in Philosophy (School of Humanities) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where I was awarded a four years scholarship. My research project focuses on the relations between European rationalism and Neo-Confucianism, two traditions that have been compared in both Europe and China during different historical periods. Because of the skills and knowledge I have aquired during the Research Master in Leiden I started my PhD with confidence and I am now able to work independently. "

Aurelie van 't Slot

Graduated in Asian Studies (research master)

Aurelie van 't Slot

"After participating in the Netherlands-Asia Honours Summer School, I soon realised that we need to acknowledge the significance of Asia as a force of global change in order to nourish the global function of our institutions. In order to break free from my rather Eurocentric understanding of the humanities, I applied for the research master programme in Asian Studies."

Critical attitude and inquisitive mind-set

"During the programme, I learned to develop a critical attitude and inquisitive mind-set. Although most research master students have the ambition to pursue an academic career, I believe that the advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills gained during the programme are extremely valuable in any given professional setting."

Significant impact

"I currently work as a policy advisor at the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This is a governmental organisation that is tasked with providing an expert and objective assessment of the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders. I feel that the experiences gained through the programme, such as presenting at international conferences and publishing some of my research papers not only contributed to my academic track record, but also had significant impact on my personal development."

In which sectors do students find jobs?

The graphs below are based on alumni data from the Research Master Asian Studies 2016-2020.

Career preparation

Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.

The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically, are key goals of this programme. The Asian Studies (research) programme will introduce you to the concepts and academic approaches current in Asian Studies, including disciplines such as: linguistics, history and social siences.

You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing source material. Your thesis work will give you the opportunity to apply these methods in your own research.

Do you consider to put your knowledge into practice during your studies? Determine whether an internship could be an option for you. Start orientating your possibilities by visiting an internship information session. This way you can receive information about the internship procedure and listen to tips of former interns.

Notice that you will search for an internship yourself to find a place of your interest. Do you need some help with this or the application process? Do not hesitate to contact the Career Service. When you have found an internship, inform us. Then, the internship coordinator advises you how to proceed and provides your internship plan with feedback so it can be submitted for approval to the board of examiners.

Admission and Application

Find out how to apply for Asian Studies (research) at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.

Step-by step guide

This guide clearly explains the steps you need to take to apply, and the subsequent admission process.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for Asian Studies (research) at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.

Diploma requirements

The following diploma requirements apply for this programme:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree
  • You should have knowledge of the fundamentals of Asian Studies and/or area studies, literary studies, linguistics, history and/or social sciences, that ideally, but not necessarily, includes knowledge and understanding of the regional languages.

In addition, you must also meet the following qualitative admission requirements:

  • Good grades comparable with an average mark of at least 7.5 (Dutch grading system) for your entire bachelor’s programme and a grade for the bachelor’s thesis of an 8 or higher.
  • Affinity with and suitability for scholarly research and the ability to clearly report on research in the specific field of the programme and the ability to clearly report on research, and
  • Demonstrable motivation to study and suitability for the particular Research MA programme/specialisation.  

The qualitative admission requirements will be implemented as follows:

  • You are asked to provide a transcript of records and diploma of the relevant obtained academic degree.
  • Affinity with the field should be demonstrated by a “Research Proposal”. All applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal of approximately 2000 words, accompanied by an annotated bibliography of at least five (5) items, outlining the topic or field of research that the applicant wishes to pursue at Leiden University, and indicating the names of one or two faculty members from the Leiden Institute for Area Studies who might guide that research.
  • Your motivation and suitability for your chosen specialization should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the programme and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate for the research MA programme. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.

Language requirements

From September 2024:

In order to successfully participate in this programme, you must be proficient in English. The following requirements apply:

IELTS 7.0; where each separate component score must be at least 6.5.

Or TOEFL (internet based) 100; where each separate component score must be at least 22.

  • 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.

See also the English test score equivalency table of Leiden University.

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 completed an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university.

Note that for this research master programme you cannot be granted an exemption for the English proficiency test based on a Dutch pre-university (vwo) diploma.

According to Dutch law, Leiden University is required to reimburse students with a Dutch pre-university (VWO) diploma for any extra costs they make for meeting the English language requirements. You can be reimbursed for the costs of the English language test if you meet the following conditions:

- You have obtained a Dutch VWO-diploma; and
- You have successfully completed the English language test; and

- You are admitted unconditionally to the research master programme; and
- You are enrolled in the research master programme.

After admission to the programme, you will be informed on how to submit the request for reimbursement of the test costs.

For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.

Please note that Leiden University does not offer a pre-master's programme for Asian Studies (research).

>> Go to the next step: Check the application deadlines

Application deadlines

Starting in September

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.

>> Go to the next step: Collect the required documents

Required documents

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 Asian Studies (research)

Applicants are requested to include in their application a “Research Proposal” of approximately 2,000 words outlining the topic or field of research that interests them most and that they wish to pursue at Leiden University, combined with an annotated bibliography of at least five (5) works.

This programme requires two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from an academic member of staff.

Your motivation and suitability for your chosen specialization should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the programme and convincingly discusses what makes you a good candidate for the research MA programme. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.

  • Letters of recommendation must be written on letterhead paper, signed and (for verification purposes) they must bear the full contact details of the applicable referee.
  • Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies.

Option 1. Uploading the letter yourself
You can upload the letter(s) of recommendation in the online application portal (uSis).

Option 2. Sent by your referee
Your referee can send the letter directly to the university, as follows:

1. Your referee must clearly state your name and student number in the letter.
2. He or she should send the letter to us, either: 

  • digitally, by uploading the letter in our contact form
  • by posting it to:

Leiden University Admissions Office
“Gravensteen” Pieterskerkhof 6
2311 SR Leiden, the Netherlands

3. Complete this form and upload it in the online application system (uSis), instead of your letter of recommendation.

>> Go to the next step: Step 4: Start your application

Application procedure

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 to Studielink 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
  • if you are a Dutch resident, your DigiD

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:

  1. You are admitted
    You have met all conditions for admission.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.

>> Go to the next step. Step 5: Pay your tuition fees

Tuition fees

Your tuition fee depends on a number of factors, such as your nationality and your previous Dutch higher-education qualifications.

The tuition fees for the academic year 2023-2024 are:

The tuition fees for the academic year 2024-2025 are:

More information about tuition fees

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 in the DUO nationality chart.

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.

Consult the tuition fee flowchart for second master’s programmes to find out how much tuition fee you will have to pay.​​​​​

Less than 60 EC

If you are going to follow a pre-master's or conversion programme after completing a bachelor’s programme, and if the programme is less than 60 ECs, you will have to pay €42 per study credit (EC).

60 EC or more

For a pre-master of 60 ECs you will have to pay the statutory tuition fee. If the pre-master's or conversion programme is more than 60 ECs – and therefore longer than one year - or if you are going to follow courses that are not part of your conversion programme, you will have to pay the institutional tuition fee for the programme in question (see second study programme). These fees apply to students of all nationalities. 

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.

>> Go to the next step. Step 6: Prepare for your studies at Leiden University

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. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.

Welcome and orientation programme

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.

The study associations related to Asian Studies are:

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. 

For an overview of all of our student associations, please visit our Student assocations page.

Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme

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.

For more information about the Buddy Programme, please visit the Humanities Buddy Programme page.

Information activities

Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!

Two speakers at the open day
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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Watch the video on the original website or

Contact

If you have a question, there are various ways to get in touch with us.

This website and our Frequently Asked Questions are the quickest ways to find an answer to many of your questions.

Questions about the Programme

Coordinator of studies
Dr. Nicole van Os
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 2937
Email: stuco-resma-as-mes@hum.leidenuniv.nl

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.