The Data Science master's specialisation equips you with state-of-the-art knowledge on the foundations and algorithmic aspects of data mining, machine learning, and statistical data analysis.
What does this master’s programme entail?
Data science is an interdisciplinary discipline at the border of computer science and statistical science, aiming at discovering knowledge from typically large sets of data. To achieve this goal, data scientists use methods from data mining, machine learning, and statistical data analysis, all of which rely on computer science foundations. This specialisation provides you thorough knowledge and understanding of the computational aspects of data analysis, including mining of massive datasets, deep learning, network analysis, and text analytics.
Why study Data Science: Computer Science at Leiden University?
Within the Data Science master's specialisation you focus on the computational and statistical aspects of data science as well as on its applications.
The strength of the programme is the individual possibility for each student of studying other future-oriented topics in Advanced Computing Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Foundations of Computing.
The specialisation is a unique collaboration between Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science and the Mathematical Institute, in collaboration with the Leiden Centre of Data Science.
You can benefit from a research environment and collaborations with other scientific disciplines, companies and organizations.
Data Science: Computer Science: the right master’s programme for you?
If you are interested in the computational aspects of data science and its applications, the master’s specialisation in Data Science is the right choice. The programme guarantees a thorough training in data science, with ample flexibility to design your own study path by choosing from a wide variety of specialised computer science and statistical science courses.
Our programmes are known for our scientifically based education and for our open atmosphere.
Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Sciences (LIACS)
The master’s in Computer Science is offered by the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science. The Institute has a strong tradition in combining a theoretical, experimental and applied approach to the field of expertise. This reflects in the research profile of the institute and the education programme it offers. LIACS is a partner in the Lorentz Center, an international research centre for astronomy, computer science, mathematics, physics and bio-sciences. The centre has extensive international contacts and excellent connections with other Dutch university research groups, as well as with Dutch industry.
Broad scope
Due to our broad research scope, we have knowledge about all computer science areas, such as data science, machine learning and computer vision. As a student in one of our bachelors or masters, you will be educated by our researchers. That means that you will learn to look at research questions from a scientific point of view.
Applicable science
Furthermore, in Leiden, computer science is interwoven with all other academic fields. So studying at LIACS will enable you to make a bridge between computer science and mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, economics, linguistics, law, history, psychology, medicine, archeology, governmental sciences or even gaming. This will make your time at LIACS very dynamic and applicable.
Faculty of Science
The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance.
Study at a world-class university
Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.
The two-year Data Science: Computer Science programme consists of 120 European Credit Transfer System (EC) points and includes courses and electives as well as a Master's Thesis Research Project.
Programme overview
The curriculum of the Data Science: Computer Science specialisation consists of:
The Data Science: Computer Science programme is a research-oriented master programme and requires you to have the appropriate knowledge and skills before you start. The most important prior knowledge and skills can be summarised as follows:
Good knowledge of algorithms, data structures
Basic knowledge of complexity and computing theory
Good programming skills in Python
Good knowledge of statistics and probability theory
Basic understanding of artificial intelligence and data mining / machine learning
Good academic reading and writing skills; proficient in LaTeX
Excellent command of English, both in writing and speaking
Independent and critical research attitude
If you doubt whether you meet these expectations and consider applying, contact our study advisor. Read the formal Admission requirements for additional information.
The programme is designed to train you as independent researcher, while equipping you with the necessary skills to advance your career.
Programme outline
The programme of Data Science is a full-time 2-year master’s programme. The first year consists of a selection of courses from a core programme in Computer Science (42 EC) and three mandatory specialisation courses (21 EC) from Statistical Science.
In the second year you follow two mandatory specialisation courses (9 EC) from Statistical Science and one specialisation course (6 EC). In the second year, you will also work on innovative research and applications within the context of the Master Thesis (42 EC). The Master Class is mandatory for all master students.
Are you interested in taking up an extra challenge during your master’s programme? Have you thought about developing your personal leadership style?
Honours education for master's students
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 (15 EC)
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 Challenges (max. 10 EC)
Broaden your horizons with a Master Honours Challenge at Leiden University. In a small-scale, interdisciplinary course, you will tackle a complex issue for society or an organisation.
Discover your path. Try out new topics, fields, and skills and discover what suits you.
Gain interdisciplinary experience. Work with other disciplines on complex issues.
Broaden your skillset. Pitch for stakeholders, make a podcast, documentary, or exhibit or create your own business.
Build a network. Work with motivated students and teachers, as well as real-life partner organisations.
Study abroad
Because of the tailor made construction of the programme students get the opportunity to study abroad. There is the option to follow elective courses abroad or you can conduct your research project at a university or in industry abroad.
Career prospects
With an MSc in Computer Science you are well prepared for broad array of career prospects in research or industry. The master’s degree is an excellent stepping stone for pursuing a PhD degree.
With a Leiden degree in Computer Science you will have cultivated an analytical mind and a problem-solving attitude. Based on these qualities, you enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities, in research as well in commercial or industrial environments.
Career
Your job perspectives with a master's degree in Computer Science are excellent and diverse. They range from software engineer to product manager, from researcher to IT-manager, and from engineering to financial applications, from business intelligence specialist to service manager or consultant. And the demand is constantly growing. With this education, 96.9% of all graduates have a full-time job, and they find a job within an average time of 1.3 months.
Career preparation
Leiden University offers you several services related to career orientation and job application skills.
Science Career Service
Are you looking for career advice? Get in touch with our science career counsellor. The Science Career Service supports students of the Science Faculty in their career orientation and making effective career decisions during their study. We offer services such as consultation hours, workshops, speed-dating events, individual appointments with the career counselor and advice on your CV or motivation letter.
Science Career Event
Whether you are actively looking forward to meeting interesting employers, or if you are still unsure about what your career path will look like, the Science Career Event gives you a chance to speak with a large number of employers. Every year the Science Career Event is organised by students of the Faculty of Science. During this event you can get your resume checked, participate in a workshop or speed date with a potential employer to discuss possibilities in the near future. The Science Career Event is the ideal day to orient yourself on career possibilities.
The Mentor Network
If you have questions about the job market, you can get in touch with Leiden alumni who are eager to offer their advice and support. On the Mentor Network platform, you can view the profiles of many alumni. Once you have found someone you would like to contact for advice, you can send them a request for assistance.
Master's application and admission
Find out how to apply for Data Science: Computer Science 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.
To be eligible for Data Science: Computer Science at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply if you have
a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Informatica) or Artificial Intelligence from any research university in the Netherlands.
OR
a bachelor’s degree in a Computer Science-related programme from a research university in the Netherlands, under the condition that you have accumulated at least 90 EC (or the equivalent thereof) in courses/projects in the domain of Computer Science.
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the BSc degrees in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence. If you need to meet the 90 EC requirement, you can use the list of courses and projects taught in the Leiden bachelor’s programme in Computer Science for reference.
If you have a bachelor’s degree that does not meet the requirements above, you may be eligible for an individual Pre-Master’s Programme. Deficiencies of up to 30 EC can be compensated through such a Pre-Master’s Programme. You will be admitted to the master’s programme upon completion of this Pre-Master’s Programme.
Read more about the Pre-Master's programme, if you think you may be eligible and consider pursuing one.
If you have a degree in Dutch higher vocational education (hbo) in a Computer Science or Bioinformatics-related field of science, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have
obtained the diploma within a maximum of five years and
an average final grade of at least 7.5.
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in Computer Science and whether you meet the additional requirements (including the language requirement).
Most students from a Dutch university of applied sciences are not directly admissible, but may be eligible for an individual Pre-Master’s Programme. Deficiencies of up to 30 EC can be compensated through such a Pre-Master’s Programme. You will be admitted to the master’s programme upon completion of this Pre-Master’s Programme.
Read more about the Pre-Master's programme, if you think you may be eligible and consider pursuing one.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence, or in a Computer Science-related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have accumulated at least 90 EC (or the equivalent thereof) in courses/projects in the domain of Computer Science.
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in Computer Science. If you need to meet the 90 EC requirement, you can use the list of courses and projects taught in the Leiden bachelor’s programme in Computer Science for reference.
If you do not meet the 90 EC requirement, it is not recommended to apply for this Master's 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, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
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 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.
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 and must be obtained in one single test.
*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 or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
Additional information
We expect students to bring a regular laptop running Windows (or running Linux for certain study programmes). MacOS may in most cases also suffice (with Parallels for Windows installed), but not all specialized applications may be supported, and less support may be available.
Laptop profile Faculty of Science:
• Windows 11 compatible – 64-bits (or Linux for some study programmes)
• Processor/CPU – modern, medium range
• Memory/RAM – 8 GB, if possible 16 GB
• Storage – 512 GB, if possible 1 TB
Laptop profile MSc Computer Science:
• Operating system: Linux and/or Windows (MacOS often suffices, but support may be limited)
• Modern medium range GPU (CUDA-capable if possible, but certainly not high end)
University computing servers will be used for demanding computations.
If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 1 April. The same deadline applies to students who already have a Dutch residence permit for study purposes and need to extend it.
If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 May.
If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 October.
If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 November.
Apply early!
If you do not have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission or you need to meet additional admission criteria, you’ll have to complete a two-part application procedure:
First register your application(s) in the national system Studielink.
A day later you will receive log-in details for Leiden University’s application system (uSis), where you can complete your application.
You must submit your application via Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above. So don’t delay; if you haven’t registered in Studielink and activated your uSis account in time to apply by the deadline, you’ll miss out!
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:
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 documents for this programme:
In this letter you are asked to explain in writing that you possess the same level of knowledge, understanding and skills as applicants who are holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence in the Netherlands and that you have accumulated at least 90 ECTS (or the equivalent thereof) in courses and projects belonging to the domain of Computer Science.
See courses and projects that are taught in the Leiden BSc degree programme in Computer Science for your reference. Based on this list you can check if you meet the admission requirement mentioned above.
Please note that if you would like to apply for a scholarship with this programme, you may need to upload additional documents with your application. Please inform yourself here.
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.
If you are keen on pursuing an MSc degree in Computer Science but you do not fully meet the admission requirements, a Pre-Master’s programme may be possible.
A Pre-Master’s Programme is meant to remedy deficiencies of a BSc degree that is closely related to Computer Science and/or Artificial Intelligence but is insufficient for admission. A Pre-Master’s programme consists of at most 30EC (and thus can remedy up to 30EC of deficiencies), is tailored to your background and the Computer Science specialisation that you would like to pursue, and is decided upon by the Board of Admissions. The Pre-Master's programme takes at least one and at most two semesters and consists of courses from our Bachelor programmes (BSc Computer Science and BSc Data Science & Artificial Intelligence). It is recommended to start a Pre-Master's programme in September.
If you would like to be considered for a Pre-Master's programme, please explicitly and clearly state this in your Placement Letter (see Required documents). In this letter you should also demonstrate that you have accumulated at least 60EC in courses and projects in Computer Science. Further, you should provide a draft study plan for your master's programme, and mention any potential gaps in prior knowledge and skills that you have identified yourself.
After applying to your master's programme, the Board of Admissions will decide if you meet the criteria for direct admission or a Pre-Master's programme. If necessary, the Board of Admissions will contact you to discuss a personalised Pre-Master's programme. To ensure sufficient time for this process, it is advised to apply at least one month before the submission deadline. Once the Board of Admissions has made its final decision, you will be notified. If you are admitted to a Pre-Master's programme, successfully completing it will make you directly admissible to the Master's Computer Science programme.
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 2024-2025 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,530 per year
Non-EU/EEA students €21,200 per year
Second Dutch master’s programme: €16,300 per year
The tuition fees for the academic year 2025-2026 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,601 per year
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee). The tuition fee for this programme is €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026 (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 €21,200 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee). The tuition fee for this programme is €21,800 for the academic year 2025-2026 (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.
Please note! If you will be studying at Leiden University via a cooperation agreement, the fees quoted in the agreement will apply.
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee). The tuition fee for this programme is €16,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (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.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
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)
2024-2025
2025-2026
€42,17 per EC
€43,35 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.
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.
Life in Leiden
Quaint, picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is an idyllic place to spend your university days. You will soon become familiar with the dozens of cafes, shops and bars that line the leafy canals, as well as its year-round line-up of cultural events. For visits 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.
Within the university’s student community, 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.
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 to meet other students.
In addition, there is also the EL CID week: the introduction week (in Dutch) for all students in Leiden.
New to the city and the university? Take part in the best introduction to the city, the university and your faculty: The OWL! Enjoy this week of fun, music, culture, sports, games and making new friends. It will be an unforgettable start of your studies!
Our Hortus botanicus is a place where science is conducted, but it is equally popular for studying or relaxing. Come visit it!
Leiden is a lively, compact and safe city which is appreciated by national and international students alike. Everything is in reach within a 15 minutes bicycle ride.
The city is located centrally between Netherland's biggest cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam, all easily reached by public transport.
Enjoy strolling through the narrow cobbled streets and become familiar with the dozens of cafes, shops and bars that line the leafy canals.
De Leidsche Flesch
De Leidsche Flesch is the study association of the studies Computer Science, Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics. The main goals of the De Leidsche Flesch are to contribute to the interaction between its members and the scientific community and to contribute to the interaction between its members themselves. They organize a wide range of activities, like (lunch) lectures, excursions and study trips. They also try to acquaint you with job opportunities for after completing your study.
Science Buddy Programme
The Science master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Science to help all international students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. Through the programme you will learn everything you need to know about the university, the student community, and the practical side of life in Leiden. Your buddy is your first connection in the Netherlands and can help you to find your way around. A few weeks before the start of your studies, you will get an invitation for the programme. After signing up, you will be matched to a student preferably from your own study programme.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Student with laptop
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!
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 and after the Master's Online Open Days you will also be able to watch a recording of the programme presentation on the platform.
Upcoming events
About our Master’s Open Day
Are you exploring your options for a master’s programme? You can learn a lot by visiting our (Online) Master’s Open Days. This event is your opportunity to learn everything you need to know about our master’s programmes and how they can help you reach your goals. Attend (student) presentations or talkshows by the different programmes, and ask lecturers, study advisers and current and former students all your questions. We are looking forward to meeting you! Read more about the Master's Open Days
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 Science 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 Science faculty
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Do you have any questions about the master’s programme Data Science? Please contact us.
General questions
For questions about the application and admission procedure, tuition fees and scholarships, please check our FAQ, or contact the Student Affairs Front Office: Online contact form
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 8011
Office hours: Monday to Friday between 11.00 am and 16.00 pm.
Do you have questions about studying at Leiden University?
Do you want to know more about one or more programmes or about our information activities? The StudyLine is a source of information for students and is staffed by students. You can contact them by mail or by phone on +31 (0)71 527 1111 on working days between 9.00 am and 17.00 pm.
