The master’s programme in North American Studies at Leiden University takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the United States, with a particular emphasis on examining key aspects of American history, culture, and literature.
Master North American Studies at Leiden University
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Why study North American Studies at Leiden University?
The Leiden programme offers a diverse and international learning environment. While the programme focuses on the U.S., you will also explore the role the U.S. plays in the region and in the world, as well as the impact of the region and the world on developments in the U.S. Some of the key areas and major issues in the history, politics, literature and culture of the U.S. that the programme explores in depth and from a multidisciplinary and historical perspective include:
Slavery, migration, and emancipation movements;
The history and politics of international relations and human rights;
Immigration and ethnicity;
Identity constructions and memory politics;
Environmental justice.
Study abroad or do an internship
Students are encouraged to do an internship, either in the Netherlands (for example at the Roosevelt Institute of American Studies at Middelburg) or abroad (for example at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.). Opportunities are available for study at a university in the U.S. or Canada.
The master’s programme in North American Studies prepares you for a wide range of careers in which well-developed analytical and other academic skills or specialised knowledge of U.S. history, literature, politics, and culture are valued. Our graduates pursue careers in the international job market in fields including teaching, journalism, IT, business, politics, government policy, publishing and research.
Critical reflection on U.S. exceptionalism is a recurrent topic throughout the programme. Do you want to learnhow to conduct independent multidisciplinary research, comprehend and apply theoretical insights, learn about and engage with scholarly debates, and take a critical approach to all materials?Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
LUNAS (Leiden University North American Studies) is the study association for students in and alumni of North American Studies in Leiden. LUNAS helps new North American Studies students to find their way in and around the university and the city. In addition, LUNAS organises social, cultural and networking events for current students and alumni. For more information, visit the Instagram page of LUNAS.
In which sector do students find jobs?
17 Culture, sports and recreation
17 Government and semi-government
17 Research
8 IT
8 Media and journalism
8 Education
8 Publishing
8 Financial institutions
8 Wholesale and retail
1 Other
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA in North American Studies 2016-2020.
Listen to Dr. Andy Gawthorpe's podcast America Explained which gives an international perspective on American politics, foreign policy and culture.
Why Leiden University
Leiden University offers ambitious students the freedom to develop their own area of expertise.
International Centre of Expertise
Leiden University is one of Europe's top research universities and an international centre of expertise for research in American Studies.
Students have access to the unique and outstanding resources of Leiden University, including its world-famous library, but also special digital archives in the field of American Studies that are not available at other Dutch universities, nor indeed at most other universities in Europe. Moreover, students have access to the unique collections of the Roosevelt Institute of American Studies in Middelburg, for example on the life and work of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, U.S. foreign relations, migration, and Civil Rights.
Endowed Chair in American History and Culture
Since 2005, the North American Studies programme at Leiden has a prestigious endowed chair in the History and Culture of the United States and the Americas. The first holder of the chair, Professor Adam Fairclough, is an eminent historian and one of the leading experts in the history of the civil rights movement and the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War. After Fairclough’s retirement in 2016, Dr. Damian Pargas has been appointed as his successor. Professor Pargas is an internationally acclaimed social historian specialised in the history of slavery in the U.S. South, a topic on which he has authored two books and numerous articles. He is the recipient of a prestigious VIDI grant for the research project “Beacons of Freedom: Slave Refugees in North America, 1800-1860,” on which he is currently working with three Ph.D. candidates.
Broad curriculum and an individual approach
At Leiden University, students can choose subjects from a broad but coherent curriculum, including specialised subjects not available elsewhere. All classes are taught by experienced teachers. Relatively small classes and a number of social events throughout the year give you valuable time interacting with your teachers, who are all established or even leading scholars in their fields. The general atmosphere in the department was rated 4,7 (out of 5 maximum) in the most recent National Student Survey (2018).
Flexibility to construct your own programme
Our master's programme in North American Studies gives you considerable freedom to tailor your degree to reflect your interests. The curriculum is multidisciplinary, with the opportunity to do interdisciplinary research. You also have the option of doing an internship, for example at the Roosevelt Institute of American Studies in Middelburg. There are also opportunities for spending a semester at a university in the U.S. or Canada.
An excellent start to your career
Your master’s degree from Leiden University is respected by organisations and universities worldwide. But that's not the only advantage of studying at Leiden. We challenge you to think independently, research and analyse rigorously, and devise new and creative solutions. Our students learn how to become critical thinkers – a quality that will ensure they stand out in any career they choose. Internships can enhance your job prospects: in the past five years, our students have successfully completed (or are currently doing) internships at e.g., the Dutch Embassy in Washington, the Dutch Consulate in New York, the NOS Bureau in Washington and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. There are also opportunities for studying a semester at a university in the U.S. or Canada.
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 multidisciplinary one-year master’s programme in North American Studies provides students with comprehensive knowledge of North American history, literature, film, and culture and their connection to contemporary social, political, literary and cultural developments in an international perspective.
For a detailed programme, please check the Prospectus.
Please note that this prospectus applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
You may also choose to participate in an exchange programme at one of the universities in the U.S. or Canada with which Leiden University has an exchange program at the postgraduate (MA) level, for example, Rutgers University or the University of Calgary. Note, however, that the deadline for application for study abroad is December 1 for the following academic year. Participation in an exchange program therefore will normally involve extending your studies for at least one semester. The International Office of the Faculty of Humanities will help you make the right decision for your time studying abroad.
The core course Major Issues in American Studiesexplores the major issues and scholarly and theoretical debates in the field of American history, politics and culture. At the end of this course, you will write a historiographical essay on a few key scholarly works related to the topic of your master’s thesis.
The elective courses provide an in-depth analysis of a particular subject covered by the core course. You will carry out research within these seminars, using, for example, primary source materials (e.g., historical documents, literary works or films), digital and conventional archives, published documents and/or critical and theoretical sources. Subjects regularly taught include:
The Great Migrations in African American history;
Post-9/11 Literature, Film and Memory Culture;
Human rights and U.S. History;
The Rise and Decline of American Empire;
Graphic Narratives and Autobiography;
Immigrant and minority literature and film;
Environmental history and Climate fictions.
An MA thesis concludes the programme. You will be guided through the process of writing your MA thesis in a thesis seminar and in frequent individual meetings with your thesis supervisor.
Sara Polak
University Lecturer
"North American Studies in Leiden is characterized by a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, in which we really try to combine historical approaches with literature, culture and politics of primarily the United States. Most of the courses in one way or another focus on the question of American exceptionalism, which we critically reflect upon. Slavery and emancipation movements, as well as international relations and human rights, migration, ethnicity, cultural identity, and environmental justice are themes that are important in the programme."
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.
Social and academic programme events
We want you to be part of the academic community that is formed by our staff. Our small classes and a range of social events organised by the North American Studies programme throughout the year give you valuable time interacting with other students and your teachers.
Studying abroad
There are opportunities to broaden your knowledge and world experience by participating in an exchange programme at a top university in the U.S. or Canada. The International Office of the Faculty of Humanities will be able to help you make the right decision for your time studying abroad.
Read the blogs of our student Floris Heidsma about his experiences studying as an exchange student at the University of Calgary.
LUNAS
LUNAS (Leiden University North American Studies) is the study association for students in and alumni of North American Studies in Leiden. LUNAS helps new North American Studies students to find their way in and around the university and the city. In addition, LUNAS organises social, cultural and networking events for current students and alumni. For more information, visit the Instagram page of LUNAS or send them an e-mail.
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.
Meet our staff
Dr. W.M. Schmidli
William Michael Schmidli is a U.S. foreign relations historian, and his research focuses on the evolving significance of human rights, democracy promotion, and transnational advocacy networks from the Cold War to the present. View his full profile here.
Prof.dr. G.P. Scott-Smith
Giles Scott Smith is Dean of Leiden University College The Hague and also Professor Transnational Relations and New Diplomatic History. Scott-Smith’s research interests involve a broad exploration of the multiple forms of diplomacy in international history. View his full profile here.
Dr. J.J. Morgan-Owens
Jessie Morgan-Owens is a university lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. Her most recent publication is called 'Finding Frank: The Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists. View her full profile here.
Prof.dr. D.A. Pargas
Damian Alan Pargas is Professor of the History and Culture of North America at Leiden University and executive director of the Roosevelt Institute for American Studies in Middelburg. He is mainly specialized in the history of slavery and its aftermath. View his full profile here.
Dr. S.A. Polak
Sara Polak is a University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society. Her long-term research focus is on the cultural and media politics of image-making of US presidents, and on presidents and their use of media in a broad sense. She is currently working on a book about playful politics and Donald Trump’s use of Twitter, as part of the NWO project Playing Politics: Media Platforms Making Worlds. View her full profile here.
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
The master’s programme in North American Studies prepares you for a wide range of careers in which well-developed analytical and other academic skills or specialised knowledge of U.S. history, literature, politics, and culture are valued. Our graduates pursue careers in the international job market in fields including teaching, journalism, IT, business, politics, government policy, publishing and research.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
History teacher at a high school
English teacher at a high school or a university
PhD candidate in American history, University of Edinburgh
Project Coordinator Funding & Events at TU Delft
Junior Policy Officer Ministry of Foreign affairs, Brussels
Policy Officer/Researcher at Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate
Trainee Information Manager, Ypublic
Vice President for Client Services, Early American history and interactive programming, ARtGlass, Richmond, VA
Collections Manager and Curator, John Ruskin Home Brantwood, Cumbria, UK
Freelance researcher and writer with De Correspondent
Teacher qualification
If you are interested in a career in teaching, you can apply for the Dutch-taught teacher-training MA at the ICLON Graduate School of Education after graduating from the master’s programme. To be admitted to the teacher training in History after this master’s, you also need to have a bachelor’s degree in History or a closely related programme. For the teacher training in English, the entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture or a closely related programme. You have to speak fluent Dutch to follow the course, and there are some additional entry requirements.
Eytan Pol
Graduated in MA North American Studies
"I am currently getting a PhD at the Department of English at TTU in Lubbock, Texas. My research focus is nature writing of the American Southwest. The work consists mostly of completing coursework, teaching undergrads, and doing my own research. The hours are long but the work is fun."
What I learned in Leiden
The American university system differs a lot from the Dutch one, both in intensity and focus. A few things that I learned at Leiden and apply here in Texas are the ability to hone in on research gaps, argue relevance, and how to navigate academic environments.
First Minor, then Master
I did my BA in History at Leiden University, but completed the minor of American Studies, choosing the literature track. This interested me much more than history, and lead me to choose the MA North American Studies, through which I completed the switch to the literary research I do now. The small-scale environment of the MA, as well as the familiarity of the professors made the choice easy.
Abigail Lister
Graduated in MA North American Studies
"After completing my Bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature in the UK, I knew I wanted to pursue further academic study in the same subject. My plan was to study abroad in the Netherlands, and the MA North American Studies programme appealed to me because of its broad range of courses encompassing American history, literature, and politics, and Leiden’s reputation as a rigorous academic institution."
Pursue my specific interest
"While the programme’s modules were certainly varied, my professors also guided me to pursue my specific interest in literature in module essays and my MA thesis. As the only international student in my cohort, it was important for me to meet other students, so I volunteered as Secretary of the North American Studies student association. Hosting events related to our degree really enhanced my study experience, and allowed me to gain lifelong friends."
Beneficial skills
"I currently work as a freelance writer, creating marketing materials like blogs and social media copy for a wide range of clients. The independent research skills that I gained on my MA programme have been hugely beneficial to my professional career, as have additional skills in communication, public speaking, and evaluating sources."
Alexcia Cleveland
Graduated in MA North American Studies
"I am currently the office manager of a cultural heritage law firm in Richmond, Virginia, where I am originally from. Beyond being a law firm, the company also runs a museum technology company, a leadership academy, a consulting agency, and a lobbying group so my day-to-day tasks tend to be fairly diverse. Without a doubt, the refinement of foundational skills, such as speaking and researching, were my greatest takeaways from my studies at Leiden."
Skills my program taught me
"I am often tasked with researching subjects and people I know nothing about, so I am glad that my program taught me how to efficiently find and examine reliable sources. As for speaking skills, on any given day I could be running augmented reality demonstrations or speaking to important clients, so I am grateful to feel comfortable in my speaking ability."
Understanding America as a whole
"With its interdisciplinary approach to history, culture, literature, and the modern day, Leiden’s programme in North American Studies does an excellent job of weaving together the many aspects necessary to understand America as a whole. Beyond the academics, because I was studying my own country I figured it would be best to study abroad and hear how others viewed America. Not only is there a diverse faculty in Leiden, but the students themselves come from all over the place with each one possessing unique insights. This has allowed for many spirited discussions both inside and outside of the classroom and I could hardly ask for brighter, kinder, more passionate people to learn with."
In which sector do students find jobs?
17 %Culture, sports and recreation
17 %Government and semi-government
17 %Research
8 %IT
8 %Media and journalism
8 %Education
8 %Publishing
8 %Financial institutions
8 %Wholesale and retail
1 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think independently, critically, and analytically are key goals of this programme. The North American Studies programme will introduce you to the concepts, academic approaches and scholarly debates current in American Studies.
You will learn about these concepts and approaches in ‘Major Issues in American History and Culture’ and apply them in your other courses as well as in researching and analyzing primary and secondary sources. Your thesis work will give you the opportunity to apply these methods to a specific topic and engage with existing scholarly debates in your own research.
As all courses are offered in English and students are trained in speaking and writing in academic English, our alumni have a high standard of English proficiency.
Many of our students choose to do an internship during their study. Internships are a great way to gain invaluable first-hand experience in your area of interest before you decide on making it a career. Students in North American Studies have successfully completed internships at, for example:
the Dutch Consulate in New York;
the Dutch Embassies in Washington and Thailand;
The Belgian Embassy in Washington
the NOS Bureau in Washington
Springer Academic Publishing in India
Voice of Witness, oral history project, San Francisco
National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington
Volkenkunde Museum in Leiden;
Roosevelt Institute of American Studies in Middelburg
Elsevier Magazine
GameHouse in Utrecht
Aids Fund in Amsterdam
Research project ‘Traces of the Slavery Past’, KITLV, Leiden
Communication department, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, The Hague
Dutch Royal Airforce Military School, Woensdrecht
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 North American Studies at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MA North American Studies if you have:A bachelor’s degree from a university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor’s degree, in American Studies, or in the field of Humanities or Social Sciences with an (official) specialisation in American History.
You should have completed courses worth at least 30 EC in the field of American Studies.
The following applicants are considered to have fulfilled the requirements mentioned above:
Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Humanities or Social Sciences and who have completed the minor in American Studies at Leiden University are considered to have fulfilled this requirement.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in International Studies who have completed all area courses for North America worth 20 credits, and wrote their BA Thesis on North America and/or completed at least one 10-EC course which is included in the minor or pre-master programme in American Studies.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a research university in the Humanities or Social Sciences that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for a pre-master programme of 30 EC. If you have completed the imposed pre-master programme, you will be admitted to the master’s programme. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Students holding a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences (hbo) in History, English, European Studies or Journalism will be admitted after completing the pre-master programme of 60 EC. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Language requirements
February 2024 intake:
In order to successfully participate in this programme, you must be proficient in English. The following requirements apply:
IELTS: 7.0; for the ‘speaking’ and ‘writing’ components a minimum score of IELTS 7.0.
We do not accept IELTS General Training or IELTS Indicator.
TOEFL (Internet based) 100, for the ‘speaking’ and ‘writing’ components a minimum score of TOEFL 25
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.
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.
From September 2024:
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.
Starting in February
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 15 October.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 November.
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.
Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below.
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 North American 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.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied science (hbo) in History, English, European Studies, or Journalism you will be admitted after completing the pre-master’s programme.
This one-year programme of 60 EC is taught in English and Dutch.
The 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 premaster.
Your tuition fee depends on a number of factors, such as your nationality and your previous Dutch higher-education qualifications.
The tuition fees for the academic year 2023-2024 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,314 per year
Non-EU/EEA students €19,300 per year
Second Dutch master’s programme: €15,400 per year
The tuition fees for the academic year 2024-2025 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,530 per year
Non-EU/EEA students €20,900 per year
Second Dutch master’s programme: €16,300 per year
More information about tuition fees
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 in the DUO nationality chart.
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.
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 North American Studies is LUNAS. You may contact the study association via lunasboard@outlook.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.
Chat with a student
Do you have a question about student life in Leiden, studying at Leiden University, or do you want more information about the Arts and Culture master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!
