The master’s programme in Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University covers the history and theory of film and photography within the broad context of visual and other media.
Why study Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University?
This one-year master’s programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ‘lens-based’ media: photography, film and video. Designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a related field or relevant professional experience, this programme offers excellent preparation for a career in cinema, photography or media art.
The programme is taught by acclaimed scholars at Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities, as well as artists, critics, and curators. You will also be able to benefit from access to the Leiden University Library which has one of the oldest photo collections in the Netherlands.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme
Film and Photographic Studies will provide you with an interdisciplinary understanding of lens-based media. During the programme you will have the opportunity to explore theories and histories of these media since the nineteenth century through a mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and excursions.
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Media Studies - Film and Photographic Studies 2016-2020
Film and Photographic Studies degree
Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Media Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).
Why Leiden University
Leiden University offers ambitious students a great environment in which to reach their potential.
A top-ranked university
Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, learning incorporates the latest research and resources found nowhere else in the world.
Access Leiden University Library’s extensive photo collection
The Leiden University Library is home to the oldest museological photo collection of the Netherlands. The collection with almost half a million historical and contemporary photographs pictures the history of photography from its invention in 1839 up to now. It is also the only collection in the Netherlands that includes cameras, studio and darkroom accessories.
Our reputation as a centre of excellence means that your qualification is respected by organisations worldwide. Graduates of the Master’s programme in Media Studies enjoy successful careers thanks to their mix of in-depth, interdisciplinary knowledge and relevant professional experience.
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 Film and Photographic Studies programme will equip you with a broad and interdisciplinary knowledge of lens-based mediums.
Semester 1
The first semester focuses on various aspects of the study of film and photography through the two lecture series: Contemporary Theories of Film and Contemporary Theories of Photography. You will also choose an elective, either Curating Film and Video or Curating Photography and Multimedia Projects. The aim of these courses is to provide you with insights into the various theories and practices surrounding film and photography, and to get you acquainted with both academic and practical-professional debates on lens-based media.
Semester 2
The second semester focuses on theoretical discussions in the broader field of art and media studies through the lecture series Media, Art, Theory, in which the various meanings, forms and functions of the media apparatus during the twentieth and twenty-first century are explored. This semester also comprises the writing of your thesis.
You will write this thesis under the guidance of a supervisor. Students who are actively engaged in work as a photographer, filmmaker or visual artist may submit a visual thesis as their final project.
During the programme you will focus on the following areas of study:
Interdisciplinary research methods in the study of photography, film and video;
Aesthetic, social and political theories of photography, film and video;
Avant-garde, documentary, independent, and mainstream practices of photography, film and video
The interconnections between photography, film and video, and other visual art practices;
The relationship between film, photography, and video art and dominant popular media practices such as television or Hollywood cinema;
Media archaeology;
The presentation forms of photography, film and video (exhibitions, festivals, websites, publications, reviews, etc.);
Photography, film and video as research practice;
Strategies in the fields of curating and programming;
Recent developments of lens-based media technologies such as digitalization and new multi-media constellations.
Ali Shobeiri
University Lecturer
“Being constantly exposed to moving/still images, ranging from YouTube videos and Facebook photos to feature films and official ID photographs, our generation has become ineluctably reliant on visual literacy. In this programme we do not only look at cinematic and photographic images, but also with and through them, aiming to recognise their aesthetic judgements as much as their socio-political agendas.”
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
For a detailed 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.
Extra-curricular
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Community building
Throughout the year, activities are organised by both the programme and the study association PixCel to encourage community building. Teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars and tutorials, in which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. Small classes allow for plenty of contact between you and your lecturers and fellow students, ensuring you get the most from this educational opportunity.
Studying abroad
Studying abroad is an option during your master in Film and Photographic Studies. The International Office of the Faculty of Humanities will be able to help you make the right decision for your time studying abroad.
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.
Meet our staff
Dr. J.J.M. Houwen
Janna Houwen is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. In her current research, she centers on political and social contexts where the interrelation between people and film and video art matters most: contexts where precisely the “being in the world” that art can foster is under threat; where being a person, living a political and personal life, is not self-evident. View her full profile here.
Dr. J.A. Ross
Julian Ross is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. His research interests are artist' moving image, experimental film, Asian cinema and many more. View his full profile here.
Dr. S.A. Shobeiri
Ali Shobeiri is Assistant Professor of Photography and Visual Culture at Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS). Ali Shobeiri's current research and publications are in the fields of photography theories, phenomenology, aesthetics, and spatial studies. View his full profile here.
Dr. I.F.D.M.R. Willemars
Ilios Willemars is a cultural analyst who teaches media, film and literary studies at Leiden University. Ilios is working on the cultural response to viral epidemics like HIV/AIDS in art, activism and theory. They have previously worked on digital representations of human bodies in video art, surveillance at airports, the work of Franz Kafka, and animals that commit suicide. Ilios is also editing a volume on the concept of replacement, has recently helped edit a book of poetry, and has done some work as a curator in Lisbon. Their most important mission as a teacher is to help students learn how to read for details and silences in texts and allow them to recognize theory as poetry and poetry as thought. An eclectic list of research interests follows here: insurance and derivatives, bio- and necropolitics, data and digital media, replacement and placeholders, contagion and contamination, queer and feminist theory, sacrifice and death. View their profile here.
Dr. S.W.M. De Cauwer
Stijn De Cauwer is a cultural theorist who teaches cultural theory, film, media and literary theory at Leiden University. In his research, he has explored the connection between various forms of cultural expression (literature, film, photography, art, protest movements) and societal challenges (inequality, environmental challenges, biopolitics…). He has published scholarly work on cultural and theoretical responses to situations of crisis, on the use of images to understand dynamics of oppression and resistance (especially in the work of Georges Didi-Huberman), on the continuing relevance of theories of biopolitics (such as in Italian political theory) and on literary responses to changes in society in the early 20th century (with a focus on the work of Robert Musil and Alfred Döblin). View his profile here.
This master's programme gives you a sound basis of knowledge, skills and insights into the theory and practice of film and photography. You will be qualified to perform at a high level in a range of professions, such as a film and photo historian, curator, critic, picture editor or independent exhibition producer.
Some of the positions of our alumni include:
Programmer of a film festival
Assistant curator
Photography editor at a photography magazine
Co-ordinator of photo editing and editor at a press office
Desk editor at an academic publishing house
Project officer for digital education at a Dutch university
Freelance photographer and curator
Freelance photo editor, researcher and producer
Project manager for graphics and communications at a media company
Freelance (image/video) editor
Freelance image editor at a commercial television station
Creative director at a photography festival foundation
Owner of a company producing films and videos
Nick Hortensius
Graduated in Film and Photographic Studies (MA Media Studies) and Philosophy of Humanities (MA Philosophy)
"During my MA Film and Photographic Studies I started volunteering for the Leiden International Film Festival. Fueled by my newly gained insights during my studies I was eager to develop my own initiatives, and after finishing my second master Philosophy of Humanities (with a focus on philosophy and film) I founded an educational platform that teaches film history, literacy and filmmaking skills to high school students."
Critical eye
"I've always had an affinity for teaching, and the skills and knowledge I acquired during my studies helped me start up my professional career. I now also work as head of programming for the film festival and am still using my critical eye and the curating skills I developed during my studies."
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA Media Studies - Film and Photographic Studies 2016-2020.
In which sector do students find jobs?
23 %Culture, sports and recreation
23 %Communication and marketing
15 %Education
8 %IT
8 %Government and semi-government organisations
23 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The master’s programme in Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University aims to equip you with a range of important skills and knowledge that will help you thrive in your future career. Your specialised expertise is complemented by vocational skills and the ability to apply multidisciplinary, critical-thinking skills to solve even the most complex conceptual problems.
Staff at the Film and Photographic Studies programme take an active role in connecting you with professionals at various organisations for example for internships. In recent years students from the master’s programme in Film and Photographic Studies have been doing internships at the following organisations:
International Center of Photography in New York;
Victoria & Albert Museum in London;
Museum voor Fotografie in Rotterdam;
WIELS Contemporary Art Center in Brussels.
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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Find out how to apply for Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This specialisation is part of the MA in Media Studies. If you would like to apply to this programme please first select the research MA Media Studies (CROHO code: 60830) in Studielink and then select Film and Photographic 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 Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MA Media Studies: Film and Photographic Studies if you have: A bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Film and Literary Studies: Film Studies or Art History,; or
A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree; and
Knowledge of and insight into theoretical and/or historical analysis of film, video, photography and other media comparable with those acquired upon completing one of the bachelor's programmes referred to above, for example by completing a BA or MA programme in film and literary studies, media and culture, art history, visual anthropology, culture studies, media studies (especially film or photography) or a similar academic discipline.
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Film and Literary Studies: Film Studies or Art History on the basis of the requirements specified above.
Students with a Bachelor in Film and Literary Studies: Film Studies or Art History from Leiden University are directly eligible for admission. Students can apply in Studielink. There is no need to submit an application for admission using the online application portal.
If you have a related bachelor’s degree from a research university that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for the 60 EC pre-master’s programme. After submitting your application in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme or whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme. It is not possible to apply for a pre-master’s programme directly. Once you have completed the imposed pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the relevant specialisation of the Master’s programme. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch hbo bachelor’s degree, the Board of Admissions may impose the 60 EC pre-master’s programme. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Language requirements
The following requirements apply:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training or IELTS Indicator.
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 situations only:
You took the test before 1 Sept 2022 (and it is not more than 2 years old), or you are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
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.
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.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
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:
Please upload a copy of the page(s) in your passport containing your personal details and photograph. If you are from the EU/EEA, you can submit a copy of your identity card instead. Please upload copies of both sides.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national already living in the Netherlands, upload copies of both sides of your Dutch residence permit.
Your CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain your basic personal data, as well as a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Additional requirements specific to Film and Photographic Studies
You are required to upload additional information: 1) about your acquired knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of the Master’s programme you are applying for and 2) about your acquired general academic skills. You can upload this format Questionnaire Master Application.
You can check the programme specific requirements regarding knowledge, understanding and skills on the Admission Requirements page.
The format includes the list of general academic skills which the candidate must possess in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme at the Faculty of Humanities.
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 pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA Media 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 with a related bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch HBO bachelor’s degree.
students with a related bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor’s degree, who do not fulfil the entry requirements as specified for the master programme.
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.
In some cases, students with a bachelor degree from an Art Academy (Kunstacademie) are allowed to do only the second half of the premaster.
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 2 intakes:
60 EC pre-master: September intake only
30 EC pre-master: February intake only
More information
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “Film and Photographic 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 €2,314 for the academic year 2023-2024 (statutory fee) and €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
The tuition fee for this programme is €19,300 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €15,400 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee. Some exceptions apply.
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)
2023-2024
2024-2025
€39,- per EC
€42,- 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.
Welcome and orientation programme
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
The study association related to Film and Photographic Studies is PixCel. You may contact the study association via pixcelleiden@gmail.com.
International Student Associations
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
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.
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
The next Master's Open Day will take place on 16 February 2024. You can also still watch the recordings of all the presentations from the last Online Open Days. The videos can be found on the Master Talks page.
Master Talks: Programme videos
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the Master's Online Open Days of 5-6 October and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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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.
