Why study European Union Studies at Leiden University?
The specialisation in European Union Studies examines the European Union through the perspectives of history, economics, political science, and law. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, you will learn to better understand the core concerns of the European Union, an increasingly complex and fascinating political and socio-economic landscape. In addition, you will study the context in which the European Union operates and its relations with other parts of the world through a critical lens.
Our courses combine academic excellence with insights into the practical aspects of European policy making, through frequent encounters with practitioners during guest lectures and through experiences of our academic staff, many of which work closely with the public and policymaking communities.
The programme also organizes a three-day study trip to Brussels, during which we visit EU institutions, embassies, civil society organizations, and lobby groups for first-hand insights into the way the EU works.
At the end of October the students of MA International Relations: European Union Studies once again made the journey to Brussels for three days of behind-the-scenes insights into EU politics and policy-making. From the intricacies of European defence cooperation to the future of digital trade, students discovered what really happens in Europe's capital – and what it takes to build a career there. Read more.
EU Seminar series
Alongside the regular study programme, students of the European Union Studies also attend EU seminars with practitioners from various backgrounds. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the current challenges the European Union is facing and to become familiar with the day-to-day work of European institutions. Recent speakers have included Roberta Metsola, former President of the European Parliament, and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, formerly the Secretary General of NATO (2004-09) and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002-03). Learn more about the EU seminar series.
What are your career prospects?
This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in different sectors. Recent alumni have built successful professional careers as policy advisors, researchers, coordinators and advocates on EU matters in both government and private sectors.
We regularly invite our alumni to give talks at EU seminars, and offer our students and graduates many opportunities to network with one another during events such as the EUS study trip to Brussels, on-campus alumni events, and the annual Alumni in Brussels events.
Are you interested in international relations? Do you want to understand and influence the inner workings of the European Union? Then the specialisation in European Union Studies at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.
Leiden University’s new Europe Hub is an interdisciplinary platform that showcases the university’s research and teaching expertise and capacities on the challenges that Europe faces, both at home and abroad. It draws upon scholars employed in various faculties - in particular the Faculty of Humanities (FGW), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW), and the Leiden Law School (FdR). Through the Europe Hub our students are invited to participate in EU-related events organized across the four faculties, enjoy broader networking opportunities, and participate in the annual contest for the Leiden University Europe Hub Thesis prize. Learn more about Leiden University's Europe Hub.
Do a second MA at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe: School of Advanced International Studies
A special agreement allows students with a Leiden MA degree in International Relations to earn a second degree at the European Campus of Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Bologna, Italy. Successful applicants can enroll straight in the second year of the research focused Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and will be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year MA. The programme is research-oriented and allows students to personalise their curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs aligned with their career interests.
Benefit from studying at a Europaeum University
Leiden University is part of the Europaeum network and students on the European Union Studies specialisation also benefit from studying alongside students on the 2 year Europaeum MA European Politics and Society degree programme, resulting in a more diverse classroom and social experiences. All students on the European Union Studies specialisation and the MA EPS programme are eligible to apply for attendance at the regular spring, summer and winter schools run by the Europaeum.
Why Leiden University
Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in which to reach their potential.
Europe Hub
Leiden University’s new Europe Hub is an interdisciplinary platform that showcases the university’s research and teaching expertise and capacities on the challenges that Europe faces, both at home and abroad. It draws upon scholars employed in various faculties - in particular the Faculty of Humanities (FGW), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW), and the Leiden Law School (FdR). Learn more about Leiden University's Europe Hub.
A top-ranked university
Leiden University's Humanities department consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanties departments worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals.
An ideal location for the study of international relations
Leiden University offers you one of the best locations from which to explore and study the world, as well as launch your career. Our location close to The Hague, the legal capital of the world, brings you within easy reach of some of Europe and the Netherland's most important political and international organisations.
Access to the Humanities Hub labs
As a Humanities master’s student you will have access to the Humanities Hub which comprises labs with digital facilities for both students and researchers. The labs include an AI Lab, Media lab, film studio and podcast studio and give you the opportunity to develop your digital and media skills within the field of the humanities. Check the Humanities Hub page for a full list of all the labs and facilities.
Humanities Hub Leiden
A centre of scholarly expertise
At Leiden University, we are among the leading centres in Europe for the study of international relations, with the largest concentration of scholarly expertise anywhere in the Netherlands. Many of our staff members enrich their research and teaching with additional insights garnered from their experience working in government, NGOs and other international organisations.
An individual approach to learning
At Leiden University we have a dedicated team of researchers in the field of International Relations. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars at Leiden. Small classes ensure every student has valuable time interacting with lecturers, each of whom is personally invested in you and developing your potential.
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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The specialisation in European Union Studies offers students an opportunity to study the processes of European integration from a multi-disciplinary perspective and combines academic excellence with practical insights into the processes of policymaking in Europe.
Course overview
The European Union Studies study programme includes four core courses specific to our specialization (History, Institutions, Law, and Economics of the European Union), two electives, the EU Seminar, a thesis preparation course, and the final Master's thesis.
For a detailed overview of the programme, check the Prospectus.
Please note that the guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Internship
You also have the opportunity to do an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad during your studies. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
Dutch Ministry of Defense
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world
Media outlets such as EenVandaag
Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Netherlands Institute for International Relations ‘Clingendael’
The International Centre for Counterterrorism
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
Please note that you will need to find your own internship and have to follow an internship procedure for approval. Pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
EU seminar series
Alongside the regular study programme, students of the specialisation in European Union Studies also attend EU seminars with practitioners from various backgrounds. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the current challenges the European Union is facing and to become familiar with the day-to-day work of European institutions. Learn more about the EU seminar series.
Pamela Mulder
Graduated in MA European Union Studies
"I work as a European subsidy advisor for the province of South Holland. It’s a big field and the work is diverse: from a farm at Texel that works with salty strawberries to a university that works on artificial lungs. People often do not realise how much influence the European Union has on the provincial level. You can have a lot of influence on what’s happening around you."
Broaden your horizon of job opportunities "When I was studying, everybody was focused on working in Brussels for the European institutions, but there are so many job opportunities on a regional or local level, where you are still working with EU related issues. I would advise students to look into those jobs as well."
Is European Union Studies the programme for you?
Check the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme.
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Community building
Throughout the year activities, such as seminar series and excursions, are organised by the programme and the study association to encourage community building.
EU and International Relations seminar series
During the year the programme organises general MA International Relations seminars as well as EU Seminars in which guest speakers will be either leading academics discussing their research or politicians or professionals from NGO’s, government or from other national level or international organisations sharing their experiences.
EUS Study Trip
The European Union Studies track of MA International Relations organizes a yearly study trip to Brussels. Students have a chance to learn more about the EU institutions, meet lobbyists and interest group representatives working around those institutions, speak to the members of national representations in Brussels, experience Brussels nightlife and network with our alumni who already work there.
Leiden Leadership Programme
If you’re interested in developing your leadership potential, the Leiden Leadership Programme offers training sessions, seminars, and a Personal Leadership Roadmap to help you grow.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
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Dr Maxine David is a Lecturer in European Studies at Leiden University. She is a Foreign Policy analyst, specialising in Russian and EU foreign policy. She has co-edited and contributed to a number of special issues and edited collections on EU-Russia relations. Maxine also researches and has published on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. View her full profile here.
Dr. Matthew Broad
Matthew Broad is a Lecturer in the History of International Relations at Leiden. His research focuses on twentieth century international relations encompassing European integration, diplomacy and Anglo-Nordic relations. View his full profile here.
Dr. Dennie Oude Nijhuis
Dennie Oude Nijhuis is a University Lecturer at the institute for History. Oude Nijhuis specializes in the comparative political economy of labor markets and welfare states and the political economy of European integration. View his full profile here.
Mr.dr. Anne-Isabelle Richard
Anne-Isabelle Richard’s research interests are European and world history from a transnational and transimperial perspective. She focuses on political, economic, cultural and intellectual links between ideas of European, imperial, regional and global construction and belonging from the late nineteenth century onward. View her full profile here.
Dr. Vera Scepanovic
Vera Scepanovic is a Lecturer in International Relations and European Studies at Leiden University. Her research focuses on the institutional implications of dependent development, and the role of the European Union as a development agent, both in its member states and in third countries. View her full profile here.
Dr. Daniël Schade
Daniel Schade is a Lecturer in European Studies and International Relations at Leiden University. His research focuses on the European Union and its external relations regime, in particular. View his full profile here.
Dr. Brian Shaev
Brian Shaev is a University Lecturer at the institute for History. His research on European political history offers new perspectives on the early European Communities that later became the European Union. View his full profile here.
Prof.dr. Sarah Wolff
Sarah Wolff is Professor in International Studies and Global Politics at Leiden University. Her research concentrates on EU-UK foreign and security cooperation, EU migration and asylum policies, EU-Middle East and North Africa, as well as EU’s policies on gender and religion abroad. View her full profile here.
Dr. Andreas Hofmann
Andreas Hofmann is a Lecturer in European Union Studies at Leiden University. His primary research interest is the role of courts in political processes and judicial procedures as a mode of solving political conflicts. View his full profile here.
Dr. M. Skalamera
Morena Skalamera is Assistant Professor of Russian and International Studies. She teaches courses in international political economy, with a regional focus on Russia and Eurasia. View her full profile here.
Because of our comprehensive curriculum and combination of academic excellence and practical orientation, the career opportunities after completing the International Relations specialisation in European Union Studies are broad. Our graduates have landed jobs in various sectors of the job market, such as research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, NGOs and academia.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Senior policy advisor at the European Union
Senior policy advisor for national governments
Senior policy advisor for multinationals or NGOs
Embassy staff
Consultant
Development worker
Academic researcher
PhD candidate
Policy advisor for central and local governmen
Policy advisor for businesses
Policy advisor for NGOs
Journalist
Alumnus Miguel Chambel now works at the European Parliament
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“After graduating European Union Studies I started with a graduate-traineeship in Brussels with the Benelux Union. European Union Studies is a really good start if you want to work in Brussels. Everyone here is expected to have a high level of EU knowledge, something that you will be taught in Leiden."
My training in EU law at Leiden was very helpful “My first job was doing research on the implications of two pieces of EU-legislation on cross border healthcare in Europe, and specifically within the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. My training in EU law at Leiden was actually very helpful because I knew instantly where to look for information, official documents and probably even more important, how to read all these documents without getting lost. “
Advising on risks and opportunities that arise from EU-decisions “After that I got a job with Harwood Levitt Consulting, a Brussels based public affairs and political risk strategy consultancy. Here I work for and with clients in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, advising them on risks and opportunities that arise from EU-decisions, as well as their messaging and other communications with EU-institutions, trade associations etc. “
A high level of EU knowledge “It helped me to have knowledge on EU law and EU institutions, because I deal with this in my work every day. All the other courses are perhaps less relevant for my current job, but especially important if you get in touch with others in Brussels and talk about what’s going on, you need to have a broad knowledge of what is happening. That is why networking, reading the news papers and getting the latest rumours is a must in the Brussels bubble.”
Pamela Mulder
Graduated in MA European Union Studies
"I work as a European subsidy advisor for the province of South Holland. It’s a big field and the work is diverse: from a farm at Texel that works with salty strawberries to a university that works on artificial lungs. People often do not realise how much influence the European Union has on the provincial level. You can have a lot of influence on what’s happening around you."
Broaden your horizon of job opportunities "When I was studying, everybody was focused on working in Brussels for the European institutions, but there are so many job opportunities on a regional or local level, where you are still working with EU related issues. I would advise students to look into those jobs as well."
Miguel Chambel
Graduated in European Union Studies
"The European Union Studies track is a great way to not only develop your knowledge, but also to learn how to analyse, reflect and debate on a variety of issues. I tried to be engaged in as many things as possible. I volunteered with human rights organizations like Amnesty International, I was a research assistant, and I took courses from other master programmes. I think all of those things showed that I am invested and interested, which helped when I applied for jobs."
Contributing to change on important issues "I work in the European Parliament as the secretary-general of the LGBTI Intergroup, which is a cross-party group that promotes LGBTI issues. I applied for this job, because I wanted to advance important issues and to contribute to bigger projects than just my own career. A project that I feel proud of is a resolution, that was mostly drafted by myself and that called on legal action against Hungary for their anti-LGBTI law. It was proposed as the main text of the parliament and adopted a few weeks later by a broad majority. I look back on that as a moment of pride for myself, because things were coming full circle."
International environment "I look back on my studies with fond memories. Since you meet so many people from various countries, you are exposed to different realities. This still helps me today, because I'm working in an international environment."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA European Union Studies 2020 through 2024.
50 %Government and semi-government
9 %Consultancy
6 %Research
6 %Financial institutions
3 %Healthcare and wellbeing
3 %Media and journalism
3 %Arts and culture
3 %Industrial
3 %Education
3 %Business services
12 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Knowledge and skills
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
A unique strength on the job market
The Master's programme in International Relations at Leiden University equips you with a range of transferable skills and knowledge that will help you stand out in your future career. Your specialised knowledge is complemented by a broad and contextual understanding as well as critical-thinking skills that can be applied to complex conceptual problems. Other skills you may encounter in the various International Relations courses are:
Intercultural skills
Collaboration
Research
Problem-solving skills
Creative thinking
Internships
You have the opportunity to do an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
Dutch Ministry of Defense
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world
Media outlets such as EenVandaag
Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Netherlands Institute for International Relations ‘Clingendael’
The International Centre for Counterterrorism
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
Please note that you will need to find your own internship, follow an internship procedure for approval, and that pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
Humanities Career Service
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Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University Humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. The Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV. Check our video and hear from our alumni how they have benefited from our services!
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Ask Alumni: Leiden University Mentor Network
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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One of the many ways the MA International Relations prepares you for your future career is the Student-Alumni Career Networking Event. Practical advice, a panel discussion, and an informal networking reception are key ingredients for this successful event. Read more about the Student-Alumni Networking Event in 2023 or watch the video for an impression of the Networking event in 2022!
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Find out how to apply for European Union Studies at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This specialisation is part of the MA in International Relations. If you would like to apply to this programme please first select the research MA International Relations (CROHO code: 60734) in Studielink and then select European Union Studies.
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 European Union Studies at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Limited capacity
This programme has a limited capacity. A maximum of 80 places is available (60 in September, 20 in February) on this programme. The Admissions Board ranks the requests for admission on the fulfilment of the requirements below.
Diploma requirements
General diploma requirements
The following diploma requirements apply for this programme:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university that matches the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or applicants can demonstrate they meet the requirements for such a degree, including general academic skills;
the bachelor’s degree should be in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or economics and;
Preference will be given to candidates with a familiarity with contemporary European studies.
If you do not meet the above requirements
If you do not match the above requirements or you have a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch hbo bachelor’s degree, in the field of economics, history, political science (and international relations), law or European Studies you can apply for admission to European Union Studies but are not directly admissible and may be referred to the Pre-master's programme.
Students of the European Studies Programme of the Haagse Hogeschool who have an average grade of 8 in the first three years of the programme can be admitted to the MA upon completing a shortened pre-master programme of 20EC, including a pre-master thesis.
Qualitative admission requirements
You must also meet the following qualitative admission requirements:
Indicators of suitability for the MA programme such as practical experience (e.g. extensive internship experience that required policy input from the intern), successful completion of a BA honours programme, or substantial international work experience in an international field relevant to the programme International Relations, such as diplomacy, advocacy, organisation, or business, and
Demonstrable motivation to study and familiarity with the MA programme and the specific specialisation(s).
Additionally, you must meet one of the following qualitative admission requirements:
A good academic record as an indicator of academic excellence, demonstrated by an average grade of at least 6.5 (Dutch grading system), in the Bachelor programme.
Note: for the pre-master's programme the minimum required average grade remains a 7.0.
How to meet the qualitative admission requirements
The qualitative admission requirements will be implemented as follows:
Grade list
A good academic record must be shown by a transcript of records/grade list (including the grade of the Bachelor’s thesis and/or average grade).
CV including two referees
The other indicators of suitability for the programme, such as extracurricular activities and professional/practical experience, should be demonstrated by the required CV. , and/or certificates of extracurricular activities relevant to the MA programme. References are not required to be submitted as part of your application, but your CV should include the names of two referees (at least one from an academic staff member). The Board of Admissions may contact them to verify that you meet this requirement.
Motivation letter
Your motivation should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the MA programme specialisation and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate, specifically listing your taken courses relevant for this specialization, including the course objectives and key readings. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 4.0 (new 1-6 scale as of 21 January 2026) or 20 (old 0-30 scale) 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.
* New TOEFL grading scale 2026 In January 2026, TOEFL introduced a new grading scale. Test certificates issued in 2026 and 2027 will show overall scores in both the old grading scale (0-120) and the new grading scale (1-6). Component or band scores will only be shown in the new grading scale.
Leiden University’s 2026-2027 overall score requirements will continue to be based on the old grading scale. If you took your test on or after 21 January 2026, you must meet the overall score requirement shown on our website in the old grading scale (0-120), and the component score requirements shown on our website in the new grading scale (1-6).
*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 degree 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.
Maximum capacity
Detailed information maximum capacity
As mentioned above, European Studies has a limited capacity. The programme will make a selection on the grounds of the following criteria:
With regard to admission to the programme, the Admissions Board assesses the knowledge and skills of the applicants on the basis of the files they have submitted.
If necessary the Board can contact the applicant by mail or telephone at any time during the admission procedure in order to gain further information.
The Admissions Board decides on the basis of this assessment:
A. which applicants meet the entry requirements of the specialisation – if appropriate on the condition that they have been awarded their bachelor’s degree in time – and can in principle be admitted;
B. which applicants cannot be admitted because they do not meet the requirements.
The Board ranks the suitability of the applicants in category A to the specialisation of the MA programme on the basis of the files they have submitted, having regard to the qualitative admission requirements as specified above, and, if the Board has requested this, the further information provided by the applicant.
Students who have successfully completed the premaster programme European Union Studies, will be admitted to the Master Programme International Relations, specialisation European Union Studies.
All applicants must apply for admission before 1 April.
Starting in February
All applicants must apply for admission before 15 October.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Apply early!
We advise you to apply as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the more time there is for us to help you if your application file is not complete. 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
Housing 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.
Scholarship deadlines
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.
Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Language proficiency (if applicable)
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.
Copies of diplomas and transcripts
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.
Motivation Letter
Your motivation should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the MA programme specialisation and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate, specifically listing your courses taken including the course objectives and key readings. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
CV
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.
Contact details of referees
Your CV should include contact details of referees that are able to (partly) verify your accomplishments.
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.
Apply in Studielink
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)
Directly admitted?
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.
Submit your online application
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.
Pay the application fee (if applicable)
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.
Other things to arrange
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.
Your application will be assessed
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.
Receiving the decision
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.
Confirm attendance
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:
Meet all conditions
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
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.
Practical matters for international students
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA International Relations: European Union Studies but who, according to the Board of Admissions, still have deficiencies in their educational background. Once you have completed the pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the relevant specialization of the Master’s programme.
Diploma requirements
students in possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch HBO bachelor’s degree, in the field of economics, history, political science (and international relations), law or European Studies, with an average grade of at least 7.0 (Dutch grading system);
students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor’s degree in in the field of economics, history, political science (and international relations), law or European Studies (who do not meet the entry requirements). That is to say, if you did finalise a bachelor in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or economics but did not obtain at least 30 EC worth of courses relevant for the MA European Union Studies;
If you have obtained an academic Bachelor’s degree from a research university, in a different field but you do not meet the entry requirements mentioned above, you are advised to contact the study adviser.
Applicants with a Dutch university of applied sciences bachelor’s degree (HBO) or those with a comparable degree, can expect, if considered eligible, to be assigned the full 60 EC pre-master programme.
English language requirements
The English language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the pre-master.
Application procedure pre-master programme
In order to apply for the pre-master programme, you must first apply for the master’s programme.
After submitting your application for the master programme in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or if you’re not eligible for either programme because the deficiencies are too extensive.
Students who have been offered a pre-master programme, will find the procedure for the registration into the pre-master programme stated on their admission statement.
Start date
This pre-master offers 1 intake: September.
More information
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “International Relations European Union Studies pre-master”. The programme prospectus of the pre-master has a yearly update for the upcoming academic year in June.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,694 for the academic year 2026-2027 (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.
Other nationalities
The tuition fee for this programme is €22,300 for the academic year 2026-2027 (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.
Second Dutch master’s programme
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €17,200 for the academic year 2026-2027 (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.
Pre-master or conversion programmes
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2026-2027
€44,90 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
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.
Do you have questions about the admission and application process for the MA International Relations? Please check our FAQ to find your answer.
Admission
Can you offer any information on my eligibility for this program?
The study adviser cannot answer detailed questions about admissibility because this depends on the assessment of your previous education. This also means that we are unable to arrange individual meetings to discuss eligibility questions of prospective students. Please review the information offered on the admission requirements page and this FAQ carefully, and if you have any substantial questions left, feel free to reach out to the study adviser.
The Board of Admissions will base their decision on your application as a whole. Therefore, the definitive answer to your application can only come from them.
What if my bachelor’s is not related to International Relations?
You are eligible for admission to the master International Relations if you have obtained:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university that matches the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, including general academic skills; and
the bachelor’s degree should be in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or economics and
prior education must include components worth at least 30 EC that are comparable in level, content and course objectives to courses of a given specialisation:
For specialisations Culture and Politics, Global Conflict in the Modern Era, Global Order in Historical Perspective, and Global Political Economy
components worth at least 30 EC that are comparable in level, content and course objectives to the following courses of the bachelor’s programme International Studies at Leiden University:
World History (5 EC)
Introduction to International Studies (5 EC)
Cultural Interaction: Conflict and Cooperation (5 EC) or Communication across Cultures (5 EC)
Global Political Economy (5 EC)
International Relations (5 EC)
Politics of a specific area (i.e. Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia) (5 EC)
a completed minor in European Union Studies at Leiden University or components worth at least 30 credits in the field of contemporary European studies with comparable content and course objectives.
Keep in mind that we also have a limited capacity to our master’s programme. Therefore, there are also qualitative admission requirements, to be found on their respective admission requirement pages.
Students who don’t have the exact courses as described above but still have courses comparable to them, could add an addendum page to their motivation letter stating the 30 EC of relevant courses, together with the key readings and course objectives for each one.
If I don’t have the required 30 ECTS, can I still apply?
If you’ve still got time to pursue (comparable) courses in the field as described in the admission requirements during your bachelor’s degree, it’s certainly recommended to follow those courses.
However, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as indicated above, but are unable to demonstrate via your academic record that you meet the specific requirements set, you are required to submit a 1,250 word essay as part of the admission process:
In this essay you must demonstrate a clear affinity with and specific knowledge of International Relations in general and specifically in the field of the specialisation for which you apply.
Specifically, the essay must clearly answer an original research question, provide a reasonable and reasonably well organised argument that demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the essay topic, demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of historical and/or social science methods, critically engage with the additional reading specified on the Required documents page of the specialisation and contain no fundamental errors.
The Board of Admissions will then review your application and make an assessment of your suitability for the programme.
If you feel uncertain if you’ve got the right amount of (comparable) ECTS in the field, please do hand in the required essay.
Am I eligible as a HBO (University of Applied Sciences) student?
Applicants in possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch HBO bachelor’s degree, in the field of economics, history, political science (and international relations), law or European Studies can apply for admission to European Union Studiesbut are not directly admissible and may be referred to the pre-master programme.
Other specialisations of International Relations do not accept students with a (equivalent to the Dutch) HBO bachelor’s degree.
Is a pre-master available?
The MA International Relations offers a pre-master for one of the specialisations: European Union Studies
None of the other specialisations offer a pre-master programme.
The Board of Admissions will review your application and will mention on your application decision whether they would offer you a premaster programme.
If no pre-master programme is mentioned on your application decision, you are not offered a premaster programme.
Application
Can I apply for the programme if I don’t yet have the language test results and/or my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can apply for the programme already. If you are admitted in that case, it will be on the condition that you hand in your final documents such as language tests and/or bachelor’s degrees before the start of the programme in September or February.
Note: there are different earlier deadlines for final documents of students that require a student VISA as they have requirements for their visa application. Please enquire with the Student Affairs Front Office.
Can I get an exemption for the language test and/or application fee?
Please look carefully at the language test requirements for information of the exemption group. If you’re not part of that list, you will be expected to hand in a language test.
Yes, there are various scholarships available for students at Leiden University. These scholarships can help support your studies financially and are offered based on different criteria such as academic merit, nationality, and specific programme enrolment.
For detailed information on the scholarships that you may be eligible for, including application procedures and deadlines, please visit the Leiden University Scholarships page. This page provides comprehensive information about the scholarships offered.
Can I still apply if I missed the application deadline?
No, the application deadline is a hard deadline. Therefore, your application after that deadline can only be for a future intake.
I can’t find the programme in Studielink, how can I apply?
Check your language settings in Studielink. If you set it to English, you will be able to find it under MA International Relations. In Dutch, you will find us as MA Internationale Betrekkingen. After, you can choose the specialisation of your choice.
I have questions about uploading my documents, the application portal etc., where do I go?
I have questions about the study programme itself (i.e. study plan, personal circumstances while studying) where can I ask them?
Please do reach out to the study adviser. We would be happy to answer your questions.
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
Student website
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.
Introduction programme
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.
Digital student card
Three days after you receive a digital proof of enrolment, you will get access to your digital student card. You will receive the proof of enrolment by email, so make sure to check your inbox. You can find your digital student card in the Universiteit Leiden app. Read more about your student card here.
LU-Card
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.
The study association related to International Relations is Leiden ISSA.
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.
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.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
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 previous Master's Online Open Days 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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Please note: The study adviser cannot give any information about students’ chances of being admitted to the programme. The Board of Admissions will base their decision on your application as a whole.
Ask a student
Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the International Relations master's programme? Contact our Student Ambassador!
Student ambassador
Anton Meier Chat with Anton for answers to your questions!
Please note: Unfortunately we cannot answer detailed questions about admissibility because this depends on the assessment of your previous education.
Chat with a student
Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the International Relations master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!
