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.
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.
Master's programme North American Studies: an introduction
In this video Dr. Sara Polak gives you a short introduction to the programme.
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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.
Femke Fakkeldij
Student MA North American Studies
"I enrolled in the MA North American Studies programme because its interdisciplinary approach perfectly bridges my interests in US history and literature. This programme offers courses on many different subjects and I enjoyed the fact that we were encouraged to explore our own interests in our research. Because the programme is relatively small, the instructors are very approachable and willing to help students with all sorts of questions. I would recommend any prospective student to join the LUNAS study association – they organise fun activities throughout the year and it’s a great way to get to know your fellow students better!"
Kirsten Soer
Student MA North American Studies
"I wouldn’t have guessed that I would pursue a degree in North American Studies until I applied. Coming from an unrelated field, I was nervous about starting my pre-master’s program. However, the courses turned out to be so interesting that I didn’t mind lacking prior knowledge. The program is wide in scope but small in scale, meaning that you can pursue your own interests while easily getting to know fellow students. I was glad to focus my research on Cold War-era foreign relations, enjoying this so much, in fact, that I would now like to pursue a PhD in this field."
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).
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The Humanities Hub in Leiden houses some great facilities to support your studies—like the AI Lab, Digital Lab, MediaLab, Translation Lab, Journalism Lab, Editorial Room, podcast studio, and film studio. Whether you're into AI, media, or storytelling, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build hands-on skills. Best of all, these are exactly the kind of skills that stand out on the job market after you graduate. Want to find out more? Take a look here!
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.
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.
Course overview
For more information on the programme structure and courses offered in this 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.
Core course, research seminars, and MA thesis
Core course
The programme offers two core courses:
Major Issues in American Studies explores 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.
Readings in American History is an interdisciplinary course which offers an introduction to major issues in, and influential scholarly debates about, American history and culture in the past few decades.
Electives/research seminars
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.
Thesis
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.
Exchange programme
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.
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.
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
If you’re interested in developing your leadership potential, the Leiden Leadership Programme offers training sessions, seminars, and a Personal Leadership Roadmap to help you grow.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
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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.
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
Duty manager at World Forum The Hague
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.
Abigail Lister
Freelance copywriter
"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
Office manager
"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?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA North American Studies 2020 through 2024.
29 %Government and semi-government organisations
8 %Advice
8 %IT-services
8 %Information management
8 %Education
8 %Research
4 %Wholesale and retail
4 %Media and journalism
4 %Financial institutions
4 %Communication and marketing
12 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Knowledge and skills
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
An unique strength on the job market
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.
Internships
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
Humanities Career Service
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Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University Humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. The Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV. Check our video and hear from our alumni how they have benefited from our services!
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Ask Alumni: Leiden University Mentor Network
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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To be eligible for North American Studies at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
General diploma requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MA North American Studies if you have:
a bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, including general Academic Skills; and
knowledge and understanding of the defining events and developments in the history and culture of the United States and/or knowledge and understanding of the canonical works of American literature; you should, for example, have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in the field of American Studies or another Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Humanities or Social Sciences that includes components in the field of American Studies worth at least 30 credits;
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 within the prescribed period, you will be admitted to the master’s programme. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Bachelor’s degree of a university of applied sciences (hbo)
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 within the prescribed period. Read more about the pre-master’s programme.
Language requirements
English language proficiency
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 4.0 (new 1-6 scale as of 21 January 2026) or 20 (old 0-30 scale) for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.
* New TOEFL grading scale 2026 In January 2026, TOEFL introduced a new grading scale. Test certificates issued in 2026 and 2027 will show overall scores in both the old grading scale (0-120) and the new grading scale (1-6). Component or band scores will only be shown in the new grading scale.
Leiden University’s 2026-2027 overall score requirements will continue to be based on the old grading scale. If you took your test on or after 21 January 2026, you must meet the overall score requirement shown on our website in the old grading scale (0-120), and the component score requirements shown on our website in the new grading scale (1-6).
*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught degree at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
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.
Apply early!
We advise you to apply as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the more time there is for us to help you if your application file is not complete. If you do not have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission or you need to meet additional admission criteria, you’ll have to complete a two-part application procedure:
First register your application(s) in the national system Studielink.
A day later you will receive log-in details for Leiden University’s application system (uSis), where you can complete your application.
You must submit your application via Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above. So don’t delay; if you haven’t registered in Studielink and activated your uSis account in time to apply by the deadline, you’ll miss out!
Other deadlines
Housing deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
Scholarship deadlines
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below.
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:
Language proficiency (if applicable)
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Copies of diplomas and transcripts
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Additional requirements specific to North American Studies
Questionnaire Master Application
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.
Apply in Studielink
1. Go toStudielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:
a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
Directly admitted?
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
Submit your online application
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
Pay the application fee (if applicable)
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
Other things to arrange
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
Your application will be assessed
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Receiving the decision
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
Confirm attendance
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Meet all conditions
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
Practical matters for international students
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA North American 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 Master’s programme.
Diploma requirements
a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences (hbo) equivalent to the level of a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO) bachelor’s degree in History, English, European Studies, or Journalism; or
a bachelor’s degree from a research university equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic (WO) bachelor’s degree in Humanities or Social Sciences, but have not yet completed 30 EC worth of courses in American Studies.
Applicants with a Dutch university of applied sciences bachelor’s degree (HBO) or those with a comparable degree, can expect, if considered eligible, to be assigned the full 60 EC pre-master programme.
English language requirements
The English language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the pre-master.
Application procedure pre-master programme
In order to apply for the pre-master programme, you must first apply for the master’s programme.
After submitting your application for the master programme in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or if you’re not eligible for either programme because the deficiencies are too extensive.
Students who have been offered a pre-master programme, will find the procedure for the registration into the pre-master programme stated on their admission statement.
Start date
This pre-master offers 2 intakes: September and February.
More information
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “North American Studies pre-master”. The programme prospectus of the pre-master has a yearly update for the upcoming academic year in June.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,694 for the academic year 2026-2027 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
Other nationalities
The tuition fee for this programme is €22,300 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Second Dutch master’s programme
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €17,200 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Pre-master or conversion programmes
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2026-2027
€44,90 per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
Student website
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Introduction programme
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Digital student card
Three days after you receive a digital proof of enrolment, you will get access to your digital student card. You will receive the proof of enrolment by email, so make sure to check your inbox. You can find your digital student card in the Universiteit Leiden app. Read more about your student card here.
LU-Card
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
The study association related to North American Studies is LUNAS. You may contact the study association via lunasboard@outlook.com.
The study association called Albion organises lectures, social drinks and study trips, as well as crash courses to help you study. They can be found on Instagram and on their website.
Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the previous Master's Online Open Days and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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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 Thursday, between 13:00 and 16:00
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!
