The two-year interdisciplinary research master’s in Latin American Studies addresses cutting-edge debates on the social and cultural issues in present-day Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Why study Latin American Studies (research) at Leiden University?
The Latin American Studies Research Master is your opportunity to explore the social, cultural, and historical narratives shaping present-day Latin America. Taught by international researchers, this interdisciplinary programme centers around the theme Latin American Modernities: Resistance, Revival and Change. Explore the different forms of modernity in Latin America within one of three areas: culture and identity, state-society relations, and literature, arts and media. A comparative, area studies approach to research provides a broader, global context to current issues in Latin America.
Research in Latin America
After the first year you will spend 8 to 12 weeks in a country of your in Latin America for fieldwork. During this research trip you will gather materials for your thesis.
The MA in in Latin American Studies (research) prepares students for a wide range of careers in which knowledge of Latin America and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in academia and in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Latin American Studies (research) the programme for you?
This programme attracts talented students and staff from around the world. Small classes ensure you get the most from in-class discussions and direct contact with your international peers and lecturers. An important focus of this programme is developing your ability to conduct high-quality scientific research, including field research in a Latin American country. A substantial part of the programme is taught in Spanish or Portuguese, developing your proficiency in one of these languages.
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
At Leiden, you can gain an in-depth understanding of Brazil, the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world and home to a fascinating culture and emerging global player on the world stage. Our MA and Research MA students can choose to do fieldwork in Brazil.
The beautiful city of Salvador is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, home to Brazil’s largest Afro-Brazilian population. Brazil’s multicultural landscape, its history and complex social make-up is an important part of what we study at Leiden.
Machu Picchu translates to 'old peak' in Quechua. Quechua was spoken by the Incas. Nowadays, it is the second most common language in Peru, a multilingual nation. In Leiden, you can study how indigenous populations are depicted in written materials, what the impact of multilingual education policies is, as well as the linguistic outcomes of language contact.
An important parallel Belize has with other regions in Central America is the use of Spanish alongside Kriol, as English-based creoles are also spoken in coastal provinces of Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. In Leiden, we examine the multiple manifestations of language contact in these communities.
The majestic Teotihuacan pyramids in central Mexico are the reminder of the great civilisations that flourished prior to the arrival of the European colonisers in the 15th century. The social, cultural, linguistic legacies of these civilisations in contemporary Latin America are some of the topics we study in Leiden.
Why Leiden University
Leiden University offers ambitious students the latest knowledge and the freedom to develop their own area of expertise.
A top-ranked university
Leiden University's Humanities department consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanities 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.
A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world
When it comes to languages and cultures, Leiden University is the university. The global expertise present places our university at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.
International network
At Leiden University we have a dedicated team of international researchers in the field of Latin American Studies. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars at Leiden or by scholars from our international network of universities and research institutes in the Latin American region. Small classes give students valuable time interacting with their lecturers and the necessary support to reach their full potential.
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
An excellent start to your career
Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. Our two-year research master programmes are designed to develop your potential as a researcher and a critical thinker. You also have the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience by conducting research abroad, or taking part in an internship at an organisation.
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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This programme focuses on the ideas and practices of resistance and change in Latin America and the Caribbean. You will be able to specialise in one of three areas: Culture and identity; State-society relations; and Literature, arts and media.
Programme structure
During your first year you take two core courses covering the latest theoretical debates on the subject of modernity. You also study a relevant methodology course and submit a research proposal for your MA thesis.
Three opportunities are available for you to study a thematic elective in your chosen area of specialisation. The thematic electives combined with the core courses will help you to define your own research interest within the profile and expertise of the programme.
During your second year, you will focus on a period of fieldwork of 8 – 12 weeks. This usually involves travel to Latin America to conduct research in a country of your choice. This might involve data collection/interviews etc., which is gathering first-hand information, or socio-semiotics, which involves conducting discourse and image analysis. Depending in the nature of your thesis, this component can be carried out in Leiden (remotely/digital fieldwork/close textual analysis etc.), always in consultation with your supervisor.
Following this step, you will complete your thesis based on the data/materials collected. A writing workshop will provide support in how to present your findings in different academic writing formats (for example: PhD research project; article publication; funding proposal).
Course overview
For a detailed programme and an overview of the courses offered on the Latin American Studies Research Master's programme, please check the Prospectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Edmund Amann
Professor of Brazilian studies
“Brazil is one of the world's most important, fascinating, vibrant and - in some ways - frustrating countries. During the Research MA students have the opportunity to undertake coursework and conduct research around multiple facets of Brazil's economy, society, culture and politics. Students working with me on their theses have the opportunity to investigate such topics as the contemporary Brazilian economy, the business environment, the political system and Brazil's role in the regional and international order."
"There is also the opportunity to take courses to which I contribute covering such issues as Brazil's relationship with the Lusophone world, the recent political and economic crisis in the country, and Brazil's development since the Estado Novo (a critical milestone in the country's history dating from the 1930s). For those wanting to gain in-depth insight concerning Latin America's largest country, the RES MA offers plentiful options.”
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Research seminars
Throughout the year activities are organised to encourage community building. Each semester the programme organises three Latin American Studies research seminars where students, lecturers, PhD-students and researchers from outside Leiden University give lectures. In addition, to celebrate the beginning and the end of the academic year the programme organises an opening and closing lecture.
An individual approach to learning
The teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars and tutorials, in which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. The small class sizes give you a high degree of contact with both your lecturers and fellow students.
Throughout your studies, you will also regularly meet with your mentor to discuss your progress in the modules of the first semester and to explore potential research topics. During your research fieldwork in Latin America you will keep in touch with your supervisor by email at least once every two weeks to inform about the developments.
Uhlenbeck scholarship programme
For research master’s students, the Faculty of Humanities has set up the Uhlenbeck scholarship programme. If you would like to spend a period of time abroad for field work, research or a study exchange, you can apply for a (supplementary) scholarship.
Leiden Leadership Programme
Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential.
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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Edmund Amann is Professor of Brazilian Studies at Leiden University. His research centres on regulation, innovation and foreign direct investment in a developing country context. Much of his work focuses on the experiences of Latin America, especially Brazil. View his full profile here.
Dr. S.L.A. Brandellero
Sara Brandellero is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. Her fields of interest includes Brazilian Literature, Film and Culture, Lusophone Cultures, Night Studies, Migration and Diaspora, Gender Space, Place and Landscape, Interculturality, Postcoloniality. View her full profile here.
Dr. G. Inzaurralde
Gabriel Inzaurralde is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. Gabriel Inzaurralde investigates the relevant connections between Latin American fiction (literature and film), aesthetics and politics. The main objective is to reach a redefinition of these relationships. View his full profile here.
Prof. dr. P. Silva
Patricio Silva is a professor of Modern Latin American History at the Institute for History. His fields of interest include contemporary Latin American history, modern Latin American political and economic development, modernization and social change, democratization and technocracy, public policies and citizenship, civil-military relations, and neoliberalism in Latin America. View his full profile here.
Dr. S. Valdivia Rivera
Soledad Valdivia Rivera is a university lecturer at the Institute for History. Her fields of interest include actual political reforms and social changes in Bolivia, Social movements and the plurinational State and the expansion and revisioning of democracy in Latin America. View her full profile here.
The MA in in Latin American Studies (research) prepares students for a wide range of careers in which knowledge of Latin America and advanced conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills are essential. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in academia and in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Intake advisor at a governmental agency aimed at promoting integration and assimilation of immigrants
Standards and certification officer at an NGO promoting fair trade
HR business partner at a multinational company producing consumer goods
Project officer for children's rights at an NGO
Social researcher at a Dutch city council
Coordinator at an NGO focussing on education
Communications expert at an NGO focussing on food safety and food security
Senior consular officer at an embassy in the Netherlands
Student services officer at a university in the United Kingdom
PhD candidate at a university in Chile
PhD candidate at Leiden University
Lisa Thunnissen
Graduated in MA Latin American Studies (Research)
“During my degree course I specialised in literature, and as well as the Research Master’s degree in Latin American Studies in Leiden I also completed a Master’s degree in Translation in Utrecht. I’ve been working as a Spanish-to-Dutch literary translator since then. Last year I translated my first novel and contributed to a collection of translations of Cuban stories.”
Editor, teacher and policy officer
“I’m also an editor for PLUK, a magazine for literary translators who are starting out, and I work as a teacher at Leiden University where I teach a course on translation, from Spanish to Dutch and vice versa. At the moment I also have a job with the Dutch Foundation for Literature as a policy officer for the inland department, where we process project grant applications from translators.”
Knowledge of another culture
“Of course, in my translation work the most important thing is knowledge of Spanish (as well as a good command of Dutch!), but I’ve noticed that I also use my knowledge of literature and textual analysis - among other skills. Those skills aren’t only useful for the translation itself – when you translate a text, it’s important to see what kinds of strategies the author uses, so you can reproduce those in your translation – but also for critically reading other kinds of texts, such as policy documents or opinions about literary work. Knowledge of another culture – and literature – also gives you a more detached perspective on how we see, do and talk about things here in the Netherlands.”
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the Research Master in Latin American Studies 2016-2020.
75 %Government and semi-government organisations
25 %Research
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
With the skills and knowledge you have gained during the master Latin American Studies (research) at Leiden University you will be able to work in a range of professional and academic careers.
You will be able to acquire academic knowledge, understanding and skills, and learn to use scientific methods in the field of Latin American Studies in general, and in particular with regard to the chosen specialisation.
You will be able to think critically and to present your findings in written and spoken English and/or Spanish, and/or Portuguese.
You will be able to organise your work and meet tight deadlines.
You will be able to research, select, analyse, organise and present information.
You will gain comprehensive knowledge of the Latin American region.
You will gain knowledge of the most important contemporary central research questions and be able to place them in their linguistic, cultural and/or historical context, with a special focus on knowledge of current debates on Latin American Modernities.
You will be able to carry out independent research in Latin America.
You will develop intercultural skills.
For those who choose to accentuate fieldwork within the scope of the social studies: knowledge of its basic concepts, research methods and techniques and the developments in the specialisation; or: For those who choose to accentuate field work within the scope of Latin American cultural studies: knowledge of basic concepts, research methods and of text and discourse analysis.
In recent years students from the master Latin American Studies (research) have been doing internships or research projects at the following organisations:
Mexico: Colegio de Mexico (Mexico D.F.), Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara/ITESO, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Ecuador: FLACSO
Brazil: Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Fundação Getulio Vargas.Chile: Universidad Diego Portales, Universidad Central de Chile, Universidad de Chile, Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano.
Cuba: Casa de las Americas, Universidad de la Habana
Argentina: Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad de Cordoba
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 Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
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.
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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To be eligible for Latin American Studies (research) at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MA Latin American Studies (research) if you have:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree; and
You should have knowledge of the fundamentals of area studies, literary studies, history and/or social sciences, demonstrable from a bachelor’s thesis, (or equivalent written work if from a foreign institution), in which relevant literature and research are covered.
In addition, you must also meet the following qualitative admission requirements:
Good grades comparable with an average mark of at least 7.5 (Dutch grading system) for your entire bachelor’s programme and a grade for the bachelor’s thesis of an 8 or higher.
Affinity with and suitability for scholarly research in the specific field of the programme and the ability to clearly report on research.
Demonstrable motivation to study and suitability for the particular Research MA programme.
The qualitative admission requirements will be implemented as follows:
You are asked to provide a transcript of records and diploma of the relevant obtained academic degree.
Affinity with the field should be demonstrated by a “Research Proposal”. All applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal of approximately 1000 words, accompanied by an annotated bibliography of at least five (5) items, outlining the topic or field of research that the applicant wishes to pursue at Leiden University, and indicating the names of one or two faculty members who might guide that research.
Your motivation and suitability for your chosen specialization should be demonstrated by:
a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the programme and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate for the research MA programme. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
a CV which includes two referees from which the institutional affiliation and email address are described (at least one from an academic staff member). The Board of Admissions may contact them to verify that you meet the requirements.
Language requirements
The following requirements apply*:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.
*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
You must be sufficiently proficient in the language of instruction (to be assessed by the Board of Admissions):
Spanish and/or Portuguese:
Listening: CEFR B2
Reading: CEFR C1
Spoken interaction: CEFR B2
Spoken production: CEFR B2
Writing: CEFR B2
These are the levels of the BA Latin American Studies at Leiden University and other comparable academic degree programmes.
Candidates who have previous knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese (e.g. heritage speakers) will be assessed by the Board of Admissions.
Please note that Leiden University does not offer a pre-master's programme for Latin American Studies (research).
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 1 April.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 May.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Other deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents.
Note: If you have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission, you will generally not be asked to submit additional documents.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Additional requirements specific to Latin American Studies (research)
All applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal of approximately 1000 words, accompanied by an annotated bibliography of at least five (5) items, outlining the topic or field of research that the applicant wishes to pursue at Leiden University, and indicating the names of one or two faculty members who might guide that research.
This programme requires two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from an academic member of staff.
Letters of recommendation must be written on letterhead paper, signed and (for verification purposes) they must bear the full contact details of the applicable referee.
Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies.
Option 1. Uploading the letter yourself You can upload the letter(s) of recommendation in the online application portal (uSis).
Option 2. Sent by your referee Your referee can send the letter directly to the university, as follows:
1. Your referee must clearly state your name and student number in the letter.
2. He or she should send the letter to us, either:
digitally, by uploading the letter in our contact form
by posting it to:
Leiden University Admissions Office
Rapenburg 70
2311 EZ Leiden
The Netherlands
3. Complete this form and upload it in the online application system (uSis), instead of your letter of recommendation.
Your motivation and suitability for your chosen specialization should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the programme and convincingly discusses what makes you a good candidate for the research MA programme. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
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.
The application procedure is broken down into three parts.
Part 1. Application in Studielink
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
1. Go toStudielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:
a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee) and €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
The tuition fee for this programme is €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee) and €21,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
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) and €16,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2024-2025
2025-2026
€42,17 per EC
€43,35 per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. You can find your digital student card in the Leiden University app three days after your student registration is finalised. Read more about your student card here.
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
The study association related to Latin American Studies is Interlatina.
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
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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Questions about the application procedure, tuition fees and scholarships
Student Affairs Front Office
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website
Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday to Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday between 11.00 and 17.30.
