Security Challenges in a Globalizing World (4 ECTS)

In this course, students get acquainted with the underlying social, economic, political and cultural changes of late-modernity that influence perceptions of (in)security and critically discuss the concept of ontological security. This course addresses transformations in society that produce ontological insecurity, like globalisation and hybrid threats. Further, the course will look into the renewed search for ontological security, as manifested in populism, identity politics, re-territorialisation, nationalism and nostalgia.

Security: Actors, Institutions and Constellations (5 ECTS)

The provision of security has increased in complexity over time. The public provision of security is divided amongst several public entities, the pure public provision of security is deemed an illusion, and citizens demand a role in this framework as well. The very concepts of internal and external security become fluid as well, not in the least because of the growing importance of cyber security. Lastly, this multi-actor approach plays in a multilevel setting. In this course, students discuss the different theories on how security can be provided in the most effective way, and what repercussions this has for the organisational structure of security actors.

Security and the Rule of Law (5 ECTS)

Democracies today continue to wrestle with shifting and rapidly evolving threats stemming from conflicts, state coercion, and a variety of security concerns. Differently from other political systems, societies upholding the rule of law require policy and legal responses to respect balances and protect civil, social and human rights. Hence, how can states ensure safety while respecting a democratic legal framework? What kind of powers and responsibilities characterise democratic security governance? The aim of this course is to bring together different theoretical and methodological approaches in order to address these questions. Specifically, the seminars are designed around seven dilemmas related to security and the rule of law addressing both national and international politics.

Elective (5 ECTS)

In Block 4, students are required to pick one elective of 5 ECTS. Find the overview of the electives offered in 2023-2024 here. 

Portfolio (1 ECTS)

You will acquire substantive knowledge and (research) skills throughout the CSM-programme, especially in the specialisation courses where assignments are tailored towards testing specific research skills: literature review, data collection, analysis of complex situations and phenomena, and critical review of standing research.

In your portfolio, you include assignments produced during the specialisation courses and common courses, showing the (research) skills and competencies acquired.
The portfolio also functions as a showcase for future employers: you can not only show to employers skills obtained, but also the research papers they produced. The portfolio therefore is also part of the labour market preparation in the CSM-programme. 
Additionally, the portfolio has to be accompanied by a reflection paper and problem analysis assignment. In the specialisation courses and common courses you have to produce short interim reflection papers, that serve as the basis for the final reflection paper.
In the final reflection paper, you reflect on your learning pathway in terms of (research skills) and general insight in Crisis and Security Management as developed during the programme. That way, you show your competency of self-directed learning and the ability to critically reflect on their competencies and achievement as a (future) reflective, academically trained security professional.

A defense meeting in which the portfolio, reflection paper and problem analysis assignment will be presented and discussed, is part of this course and function as the formal final step in order to graduate.

Holders of one of the following degrees may be admitted to the programme:

1. Direct admission:
   When you have a bachelor’s degree in Security Studies, Public Administration or Political Science from Leiden University, you can be directly admitted. You can register through Studielink without needing to complete an application in Leiden University’s application system (Usis).
2. Eligible for direct admission:
   When you have a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science or International Relations from a recognised research university other than Leiden University you are eligible for direct admission. Register through Studielink and complete your application in Leiden University’s application system (uSis).
3. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university provided the student meets  requirements across two pillars. First, at least 30 ECTS obtained from courses in the fields of governance, crisis or security related knowledge. Second, at least 20 ECTS related to empirical research skills in social sciences or similar empirical research skills. Register through Studielink and complete your application in Leiden University’s application system (uSis).
4. When you have a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management Studies (SSMS) at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and have fulfilled the following academic criteria.
   Please note: you will have to apply through Studielink and the subsequent uSis application portal. Further, you still must meet the English language proficiency requirement mentioned in the paragraph ‘Language Requirements’ below.

If you meet the conditions under 1, you only need to apply through Studielink. If you do not meet the conditions under 1, you will need to apply through Studielink and through the online application system (uSis). You will be assessed on an individual base on proficiency in the English language and the requirements mentioned in 'Elaboration'.

As this study programme is taught in English and all study activities must be undertaken in English, it is essential that you have a good level of proficiency in written and spoken English.

Holders of a bachelor's degree from a research university with a maximum of 5 ECTS of deficiencies, can eliminate their deficiencies in the curriculum by showing relevant knowledge with their extracurricular courses as shown on the below table:

The above elaboration on the requirements give an indication whether you will be admitted or not. At the same time, there are no assurances given. The first step by the Board of Admission is to examine the degree obtained. If this degree significantly differs in content from the master programme (e.g.: a degree in biology, physics, mathematics, industrial engineering, language studies), it will not be possible to bridge these deficiencies by online courses. 

• Bachelor degree in international studies:
  watch out for deficiencies in research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow electives that are methodological in nature, and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in criminology:
  students generally meet entry criteria across the two main pillars, except when the degree is closely aligned with a law degree, in which case they should watch out for deficiencies in the empirical research skills in social sciences pillar.
• Bachelor degree in history:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect, and brush up on research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in law:
  watch out for deficiencies in crisis and security related topics (a course on criminal law is as such not sufficient), and especially research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, ​​​​​​​and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in psychology:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect. Follow relevant electives, and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Master degrees in the above fields:
  a Master degree should strengthen your knowledge on at least empirical research. Make sure to submit writing samples.
• Bachelor or Master degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO):
  though these programmes might touch upon one or even both pillars in the curriculum, they do so from a perspective of applied sciences. Hence applicants lack theoretical background needed to start the Master’s programme. It will almost be impossible to adhere to the requirements.

Minor

Finally, a minor programme can be a great way to increase knowledge on the two pillars. Currently, the Institute of Security and Global Affairs offers five minor programmes, but other minor programmes may also prove valuable:

• Security, Safety and Justice: the different courses touch upon each of the two pillars.
• Intelligence Studies: the different courses touch upon each of the two pillars.
• Global Affairs: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.
• Violence Studies: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.
• Cybersecurity and Cybercrime: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.

It is not mandatory, but to aid in your assessment, we highly recommend to include a placement letter in English, in which you explain how you meet the admission requirements. This serves to help the Board of Admissions gain further insight in your experiences (work and/or education) that might contribute to establish admissibility to the programme. Make sure to use this template.

You can download the template, fill it in, and add it to your application. List relevant academic courses or other relevant academic experiences (such as internships, summer courses, thesis or extra-curricular research), including if applicable the amount of ECTS or credits assigned to them.
For everything you list, it is recommended you hand in supporting documents, such as course descriptions, syllabi or writing samples. You can upload supporting documents via the application portal in uSis (ideally, integrate the supporting documents into one pdf).

Holders of one of the following degrees may be admitted to the programme:

1. Direct admission:
   When you have a bachelor’s degree in Security Studies, Public Administration or Political Science from Leiden University, you can be directly admitted. You can register through Studielink without needing to complete an application in Leiden University’s application system (Usis).
2. Eligible for direct admission:
   When you have a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science or International Relations from a recognised research university other than Leiden University you are eligible for direct admission. Register through Studielink and complete your application in Leiden University’s application system (uSis).
3. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university provided the student meets requirements across two pillars. First, at least 30 ECTS obtained from courses in the fields of governance, crisis or security related knowledge. Second, at least 20 ECTS related to empirical research skills in social sciences or similar empirical research skills. Register through Studielink and complete your application in Leiden University’s application system (uSis).
4. When you have a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management Studies (SSMS) at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and have fulfilled the following academic criteria.
   Please note: you will have to apply through Studielink and the subsequent uSis application portal. Further, you still must meet the English language proficiency requirement mentioned in the paragraph ‘Language Requirements’ below.

If you meet the conditions under 1, you only need to apply through Studielink. If you do not meet the conditions under 1, you will need to apply through Studielink and through the online application system (uSis). You will be assessed on an individual base on proficiency in the English language and the requirements mentioned in 'Elaboration'.

Language requirements

IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge:

• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL (internet-based) 90
• CPE or CAE 180

The test result may not be older than two years at the time of enrolment for the programme.

Exemption:

You are eligible for exemption from submitting results of an English proficiency test, if you meet one of the following requirements:

• An International Baccalaureate diploma from a programme taught in English (or an IB diploma with English A);
• A diploma of secondary or higher education completed in Australia, Canada (with the exception of the French-language programmes in Canada), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa;
• A diploma of an English-taught university degree programme completed at a Dutch research university;
• A pre-university education (VWO) diploma;
• A bachelors' or masters' diploma from a Dutch university of applied sciences of an English taught programme if all instruction and examinations were held in English.

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

English tests accepted

Results may not be more than two years old! 

• IELTS: academic modules only 
• TOEFL: internet based
  - We do not accept TOEFL My Best ™ scores (multiple test scores combined). The sufficient score must be obtained in one individual test. Also not accepted are institutional tests such as ITP.
  - We are able to accept the TOEFL Special Home Edition™  for admission to the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
• Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced, depending on admission criteria

Please note: You do not have to submit proof of proficiency if you have completed your education in Australia, Canada (with the exception of the French-language programmes in Canada), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa; or when you hold an International Baccalaureate, or for Dutch students, if you have completed VWO level English or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch Research University.

Holders of a bachelor's degree from a research university with a maximum of 5 ECTS of deficiencies, can eliminate their deficiencies in the curriculum by showing relevant knowledge with their extracurricular courses as shown on the below table:

The above elaboration on the requirements give an indication whether you will be admitted or not. At the same time, there are no assurances given. The first step by the Board of Admission is to examine the degree obtained. If this degree significantly differs in content from the master programme (e.g.: a degree in biology, physics, mathematics, industrial engineering, language studies), it will not be possible to bridge these deficiencies by online courses. 

• Bachelor degree in international studies:
  watch out for deficiencies in research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow electives that are methodological in nature, and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in criminology:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect. Make sure to follow electives that include this (e.g. on the organization or management of police forces), ​​​​​​​and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in history:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect, and brush up on research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, ​​​​​​​and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in law:
  watch out for deficiencies in crisis and security related topics (a course on criminal law is as such not sufficient), and especially research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, ​​​​​​​and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Bachelor degree in psychology:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect. Follow relevant electives, and complete the online courses if there is still a maximum 5ECTS deficiency.
• Master degrees in the above fields:
  a Master degree should strengthen your knowledge on at least empirical research. Make sure to submit writing samples.
• Bachelor or Master degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO):
  though these programmes might touch upon one or even both pillars in the curriculum, they do so from a perspective of applied sciences. Hence applicants lack theoretical background needed to start the Master’s programme. It will almost be impossible to adhere to the requirements.

Minor

Finally, a minor programme can be a great way to increase knowledge on the two pillars. Currently, the Institute of Security and Global Affairs offers five minor programmes, but other minor programmes may also prove valuable:

• Security, Safety and Justice: the different courses touch upon each of the two pillars.
• Intelligence Studies: the different courses touch upon each of the two pillars.
• Global Affairs: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.
• Violence Studies: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.
• Cybersecurity and Cybercrime: the different courses concentrate on crisis, security and governance topics.

(a) When you have a bachelor’s degree in Security Studies from Leiden University, you are always eligible for direct admission. You can register through Studielink

(b) When you have a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management Studies (The Hague University of Applied Sciences) and have fulfilled the following academic and administrative criteria, your application to the Msc programme ‘Crisis and Security Management’ of Leiden University will be accepted:

• a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management Studies (SSMS) from The Hague University of Applied Science;
• At least minimum GPA of 7.5 for all the following courses combined:
  * Year 2
  - Safety Risk Management
  - International Relations and Geopolitics
  - National Security Systems
  - Managing International Conflict
  
  * Year 3
  - Interorganisational Cooperation
  - Rethinking Safety and Security
  - Thesis Research Skills
  - Thesis Research Tutorial
   
• a minimum grade of 7.5 for each of the following elements in year 4
  - Written Thesis
  - Thesis Defence

Please note: you will have to apply through Studielink and the subsequent uSis application portal. Further, you still must meet the English language proficiency requirement mentioned in the paragraph ‘Language Requirements’ below.

(c) If you don't meet the conditions under a or b, you will need to apply through Studielink and through the online application system. You will be assessed on an individual base. The assessment will be based, amongst others, on:

• Demonstrable knowledge of relevant contemporary and emerging security and/or crisis related challenges, and relevant developments in a globalized world;
• Demonstrable knowledge of the interlinkages of actors, approaches, consequences and possible impacts of security and/or crisis related issues (governance perspective);
• Demonstrable ability to theoretically, conceptually and/or empirically develop a research project, and subsequently analyse it using relevant research skills, with a focus on social science research skills;
• Proficiency in the English language: see next paragraph for details.

IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge:

• IELTS 7.0 (A minimum score of IELTS 7.0 required for each of the four components);
• TOEFL (internet-based) 100. A minimum score of TOEFL 25 is required for each of the four components.
• CPE or CAE 185

Exemption:
You are eligible for exemption from submitting results of an English proficiency test, if you meet one of the following requirements:

• A diploma of secondary or higher education completed in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (with the exception of French-taught education in Canada);
• A diploma of an English-taught academic Bachelor programme completed at a Dutch research university;
• A Dutch pre-university education (VWO) diploma.

Detailed information English language proficiency

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

English tests accepted

Results may not be more than two years old! 

• IELTS: academic modules only 
• TOEFL: internet based
  - We do not accept TOEFL My Best ™ scores (multiple test scores combined). The sufficient score must be obtained in one individual test. Also not accepted are institutional tests such as ITP.
  - We are able to accept the TOEFL Special Home Edition™  for admission to the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
• Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced, depending on admission criteria

Please note: You do not have to submit proof of proficiency if you have completed your education in Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada), USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, or when you hold an International Baccalaureate, or for Dutch students, if you have completed VWO level English or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch Research University.

• Include a placement letter in English, in which you explain how you meet the admission requirements. Shortly refer to your personal and professional background and interests to explain how well you fit into the programme, and how it will help you to achieve your future goals. Make sure to use this template.
• Include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae. This also serves to help the Board of Admissions form an impression of you and gain further insight in your experiences (work and/or education) that might contribute to establish admissibility to the programme.

Applicants to the Crisis and Security Management MSc programme can show proficiency in the three pillars of Crisis and/or Security related topics, Governance and Empirical Research skills in Social Sciences via different ways.

The table below shows per pillar how applicants should show proficiency; Please note that the value of the columns differs. While you can show relevant knowledge either by your curriculum or your work experience (so these are functionally equal), the extracurricular column is meant to eliminate smaller deficiencies in the curriculum, and is not sufficient by itself.

The above elaboration on the three pillars give an indication whether you will be admitted or not. At the same time, there are no assurances given. The first step by the Board of Admission is to examine the degree obtained. If this degree significantly differs in content from the master programme (e.g.: a degree in biology, physics, mathematics, industrial engineering, language studies), it will not be possible to bridge these deficiencies by work experience or online courses. Here are some general guidelines for your convenience (again, non-exhaustive, and no assurances can be given that this will guarantee you admission):

• Bachelor degrees in public administration, political science, international relations: generally the three pillars are already present in the curriculum. Make sure that there is a strong relationship with crisis and security related topics.
• Bachelor degree in international studies:
  watch out for deficiencies in research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow electives that are methodological in nature, or complete the online courses.
• Bachelor degree in criminology:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect. Make sure to follow electives that include this (e.g. on the organization or management of police forces), or complete the online courses.
• Bachelor degree in history:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect, and brush up on research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, or complete the online courses.
• Bachelor degree in law:
  watch out for deficiencies in crisis and security related topics (a course on criminal law is as such not sufficient), and especially research skills. Make sure to submit writing samples, follow relevant electives, or complete the online courses.
• Bachelor degree in psychology:
  watch out for deficiencies in the governance aspect. Follow relevant electives, or complete the online courses.
• Master degrees in the above fields:
  a Master degree should strengthen your knowledge on at least empirical research. Make sure to submit writing samples.
• Bachelor or Master degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO):
  though these programmes might touch upon one, several, or even all of the three pillars in the curriculum, they do so from a perspective of applied sciences. Hence applicants lack theoretical background needed to start the Master’s programme. We strongly recommend to follow relevant additional courses at University level, or to complete all of the online courses suggested above (or similar ones). 
  Make sure to submit writing samples as well that demonstrate your abilities in research (methodology and research design).

Minor

Finally, a minor programme can be a great way to increase knowledge on the three pillars. Currently, the Institute of Security and Global Affairs offers three minor programmes, but other minor programmes may also prove valuable:
•    Security, Safety and Justice: the different courses touch on each of the three pillars.
•    Global Affairs: the different courses concentrate on crisis and security topics, and to some extent governance issues.
•    Intelligence Studies: the different courses concentrate mainly on crisis and security topics.

• 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.

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.

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.

It is not mandatory, but please include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae. This serves to help the Board of Admissions to form an impression of you and gain further insight in your experiences (work and/or education) that might contribute to establish admissibility to the programme. Please write your CV (curriculum vitae) in English and make sure it contains 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 an official list of subjects still to be completed.

It is not mandatory, but please include a placement letter in English, in which you explain how you meet the admission requirements. This serves to help the Board of Admissions gain further insight in your experiences (work and/or education) that might contribute to establish admissibility to the programme. Make sure to use this template.

You can download the template, fill it in, and add it to your application. List relevant academic courses or other relevant academic experiences (such as internships, summer courses, thesis or extra-curricular research), including if applicable the amount of ECTS or credits assigned to them.
For everything you list, it is recommended you hand in supporting documents, such as course descriptions, syllabi or writing samples. You can upload supporting documents via the application portal in uSis (ideally, integrate the supporting documents into one pdf).

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.

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.

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 tuition fee for this programme is €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee).
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,314 for the academic year 2023-2024 (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:

The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.

The tuition fee for this programme is €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee). 
The tuition fee for this programme is €19,300 for the academic year 2023-2024 (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.

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 €15,400 for the academic year 2023-2024 (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.​​​​​

If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.

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.

• 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.  

Thinking about doing a master's degree and wondering what Leiden University has to offer? Visit us on campus during the Master's Open Day on 14 February 2025. Discover which of our master's programmes taught in Leiden or The Hague suits you best. We're ready for your future!

Student for a Day

If you want to know whether your preferred master's is a good fit with your needs, try checking it out first-hand by actually spending a day at Leiden University.

What is Student for a Day?

It’s your opportunity to ask all you want to know about the programme from a current master’s student, attend an online lecture and get first-hand experience of what it’s like to specialise in the master’s of your choice.

Read more about a student for a day

Personal guided tours by a student ambassador

If you can't join one of the information activities, or you are visiting The Netherlands and you are interested in visiting the Campus and in more information about this programme? Please contact your student ambassador for a personal guided tour.