You are eligible for admission to the master Public Administration if you have obtained:

1) A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Management, Public Economics or a similar programme closely related to Public Administration from a research university (Dutch: WO) and can show competence in the methodology of social science research as evidenced by prior course work.

or

2) A bachelor’s degree from a research university (Dutch: WO) in another field, provided that you have completed the minor Public Administration: Multi-Level Governance or the minor Bestuurskunde: Openbaar Bestuur, Beleid en Management at Leiden University, and can show competence in the methodology of social science research as evidenced by prior course work.

If you have a bachelor’s degree from a research university (Dutch: WO) in another field (for example Cultural Anthropology, Pedagogical Sciences, Law, and Public Health), or if you have a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences (Dutch: HBO) in a relevant field, such as Public Administration or European Studies, you may be admitted to the pre-master’s programme. After successfully completing the Pre-Master’s Programme, you will be eligible for admission to the Public Administration master.

Yes, if you have graduated from a bachelor’s programme that does not meet the admission requirements, you can still apply for the Pre-Master’s Programme. If you meet certain requirements, you can be admitted to the Pre-Master’s Programme. These requirements include having at least 25 ECTS in public administration courses and a GPA of 7.0 (out of 10). Once admitted and after successfully passing the requirements, you will be eligible for the master’s programme in Public Administration.

The Pre-Master’s Programme is offered twice per academic year: in block 2 (end of October - January) and block 4 (end of March - June). The Pre-Master’s Programme is taught entirely in English and primarily provides access to the Master of Public Administration programme. There is also a Dutch Pre-Master’s Programme available, which grants access to various Dutch master’s programmes.

To prepare you well for the Master of Public Administration master’s programme, the Pre-master’s programme is an intensive and full-time study. Even though the pre-master lasts for one block and contains 15 ECTS, it is challenging to combine with other studies, internships, or work. Therefore, we advise you to postpone any extracurricular activities to dedicate a full 40 hours a week to the programme.

You will follow three courses that will serve as a foundation for the master’s programme in Public Administration and equip you with the necessary skills and tools to succeed:

• Research in Public Administration (5 ECTS)
• Public Policy (5 ECTS)
• Public Management and Organisations (5 ECTS)

You must be proficient in English if you want to be admitted to the master Public Administration

English Proficiency for cohort 2024 – 2025:

Intake September 2024 and Intake February 2025

• IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90
• IELTS: Where each separate constituent score must be at least 6.0
• TOEFL: Where each separate constituent score must be at least 20.

Exemptions

• You do not have to provide proof of English proficiency if you have:
• an International Baccalaureate diploma (or other with English A);
• a diploma of secondary or higher education completed in the US, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (with the exception of French-taught education in Canada);
• a pre-university education (VWO) diploma;
• a diploma of a Bachelor programme completed at a Dutch research university or a Dutch university of applied sciences.

Yes, there are various scholarships available for students at Leiden University. These scholarships can help support your studies financially and are offered based on different criteria such as academic merit, nationality, and specific programme enrolment.

For detailed information on the scholarships that you may be eligible for, including application procedures and deadlines, please visit the Leiden University Scholarships page. This page provides comprehensive information about the scholarships offered, including the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding non-EEA/EFTA students.

Yes, the Master of Public Administration is a programme taught completely in English, and your final thesis project must also be written in English.

If you prefer to follow a master’s programme in Dutch, you can apply for the programme Management van de Publieke Sector, which provides a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and skills from public administration, offering insights into current issues and cases from Dutch administrative practice. This programme offers two specialisations:

• Politiek, Beleid en Management (daytime programme)
• Bestuur en Advisering (evening programme)

Unfortunately it is not possible to follow this programme online.

We value on-campus teaching in order to stimulate learning and build a community between students and staff. Therefore, physical presence is required for all courses.

The course content remains consistent regardless of whether you commence the programme in September or February. However, there are disparities in scheduling and elective offerings.

The sequencing of courses varies between the two start dates, resulting in differing orders of study.

Furthermore, students commencing in September generally enjoy a broader selection of elective courses compared to those starting in February.

When writing your thesis, you are expected to design your own research project, conduct independent research, and to write a lengthy document up to twenty thousand words that reports your main findings.

This is a rigorous process and requires organisation and planning. But don’t worry, you are not alone in this process! You will work on your individual thesis project in a small group of students who are in the same ‘capstone’ as you, meaning you write on the same overarching topic.

Your capstone will be supervised by an experienced lecturer, who will guide you throughout the research process, provide you with feedback, and offer constructive criticism. But remember, writing your thesis is an independent project and a necessary milestone to graduate.

This programme takes place entirely within the buildings of Leiden University's Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, located in the heart of The Hague.

Here, we are surrounded by European and global organisations, embassies, and multinational corporations, with the real world serving as an outdoor lecture hall, and at the centre of Dutch governance.

The Hague is renowned as the international city of peace and justice, home to institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This creates an inspiring environment to explore Public Administration and global challenges.

No, that choice is entirely up to you.

Many students do choose to live in The Hague, a vibrant student city with over 30,000 students in higher and academic education and plenty of opportunities for everyone.

Additionally, many Public Administration students live in Leiden (the train ride between the two cities takes just 15 minutes) or in nearby cities such as Delft or Rotterdam.

The Economics and Governance specialisation uniquely examines the interplay between economic principles and governance structures, making it distinct from other specialisations within the Master of Public Administration programme.

While the Public Leadership specialisation focuses on leadership skills and management strategies within public organisations, and the International and European Administration specialisation concentrates on the complexities of governance at international and regional levels, Economics and Governance delves into how economic theories and policies inform and shape governance mechanisms.

This specialisation emphasises the importance of understanding economic factors in decision-making processes and policy formulation. It explores topics such as the impact of economic policies on social welfare, the role of markets in public governance, and the effectiveness of economic regulation in achieving public objectives.

Students in the Economics and Governance track will engage in critical analyses of contemporary issues such as public finance, economic development, and the regulatory environment, equipping them with the skills to devise innovative solutions to societal challenges. By integrating economic analysis with governance theory, this specialisation prepares students to effectively address complex problems in both public and private sectors.

A background in economics is not mandatory for admission to the programme, but it can certainly be an asset. The master’s in Public Administration is structured to welcome students from a variety of academic backgrounds, fostering a rich and diverse learning experience.

While some familiarity with economic concepts can help you grasp certain topics more easily, what’s most important is your enthusiasm for studying economic issues and your commitment to engaging with the material. If you are curious and willing to learn, you will thrive in the programme regardless of your previous experience in economics.

The Economics and Governance specialisation within the master’s in Public Administration includes some statistics coursework. One entire course is dedicated to statistics and methodologies: Research Methods, Applied Empirical Economics.

However, due to the programme's interdisciplinary nature, the overall amount of statistics coursework is moderate.

Graduates from the Economics and Governance specialisation enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in both public administration and the private sector. Many pursue roles as policy analysts, evaluating economic policies to inform government decision-making, or as economic consultants, advising organisations on regulatory compliance and economic strategies.

Others may serve as government advisors, providing research-driven recommendations to enhance public programmes, or as public administration managers, overseeing the implementation of policies within public organisations.

Graduates can also work as municipal administrators, managing local government functions, or as public affairs managers, fostering relationships between organisations and government entities. Strategic planning roles are available as well, focusing on economic development and policy implementation.

Career options span various sectors, including government agencies, international organisations such as the United Nations, consultancy firms, research institutes, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

With a strong understanding of the interplay between economics and governance, graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of public administration and effect meaningful change across sectors.

Courses and contact hours are typically structured with lectures and seminar sessions. Students typically enrol in around three courses per seven-week period. During lectures, students receive theoretical instruction covering the core concepts and principles of the subject matter.

In seminars, students engage in practical activities to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures. This may involve group discussions, presentations, or debates.

It's important to note that each course may have its own unique structure and format, so the specific organisation of lectures and seminars may vary from one course to another. However, the combination of theoretical instruction in lectures and practical application in seminars is a common approach used in the Economics and Governance specialisation.

Assessments typically involve a combination of exams and written papers. Throughout the courses, students are often evaluated through weekly assignments, presentations, group projects, and class discussions.

Many courses culminate in a final exam, and students are also required to complete a thesis at the end of the programme. This diverse range of assessments is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The workload for the Economics and Governance specialisation is full-time, with an average of 12 contact hours per week, including lectures, seminars, and group discussions.

In addition to these scheduled hours, students are expected to dedicate significant time to independent study, research, and completing assignments. This often involves reading academic literature, preparing presentations, working on group projects, and writing papers, including the final thesis.

In the Economics and Governance specialisation, seminar groups typically consist of around 25-30 students. Specialisation lectures are attended by all students enrolled in the Economics and Governance track.

However, for general public administration courses, students from the other specialisations within the master’s programme also attend, resulting in mixed groups. Lectures are always held with larger groups, either with all students from the Economics and Governance specialisation or with all master’s students in Public Administration.

The specialisation in International and European Governance offers students a deep understanding of the decision-making processes and the institutional architectures of Multi-level governance systems.

Students gain an understanding of the practicalities of multi-stakeholder governance and how such systems tackle global challenges through policy making. This specialisation focuses on the interplay between the international, EU, and (sub)national governance systems and the private sector by asking questions about how policymakers at the various levels respond to societal problems and decide on their solutions. More details on specialisation courses can be found via the prospectus.

The International and European Governance track allows students to apply knowledge to international and European administrations alike by providing a theoretical foundation of knowledge which can be applied to either level of governance.

The literature of the courses focus on both, international aspects of governance and governance within the multi-level system of the European Union. Students have some range of choice on which administrative level to focus on during assignments, however, this is dependent on the courses and assignments.

At the end of the programme, students will have a profound knowledge of both, European and international governance structures and their decision-making procedures.

Graduates of the International and European Governance specialisation of the Master in Public Administration are equipped to work at national and international administrations by  applying state-of-the-art scientific knowledge of EU and International institutions and decision-making processes.

Graduates may work at the EU, international organisations or national ministries as policy makers, policy advisors, consultants, government advisors or researchers. Graduates may also work in the private sector or within public affairs.

The possibilities are endless as the analytical skills gained during the International and European Governance track are much needed and applicable to today's multi-level decision-making context.

The International and European Governance track is structured around lectures and seminars. During lectures, students gain a blend of theoretical and analytical knowledge. Seminar sessions allow students to actively discuss course material within small working groups and serve as an interactive platform for engagement and participation.

Some courses only consist of lectures, others only of seminars and some courses combine lectures and seminars - this depends on the course instructors and learning goals of each course. Students are expected to prepare for lectures and seminars and are given around two to four readings per session (this depends on the course). Next to fixed contact hours every week (normally varying from four to six), students are expected to organise their time independently.

The International and European Governance specialisation is a full-time study and requires students to dedicate around 40 hours per week to the course material.

The International and European Governance track is very literature heavy and requires students to be able to process and understand large amounts of complex literature.

The assessments of the International and European Governance track uniquely combine knowledge-based assessment methods such as research papers, presentations and exams to creative and practical assessments such as podcasts, policy memos, speech writing or individual reflection reports.

The assessment methods train students to respond to future tasks of employers such as ministries and international administrations which require both analytical thinking and expertise and practical skills.

To train the real-life application of skills, the International and European Governance track uniquely hosts events for students such as ministry visits or negotiation simulation games which are integrated into the assessment of students.

The specialisation assesses students individually, however students also engage in group assignments.

The International and European Governance track is a popular specialisation amongst Master of Public Administration students due to its relevance in addressing societal problems that transcend national and regional borders. During Seminar sessions, students interact with working groups of 20-30 students.

Public Management and Leadership departs from the view that effective design of governance requires understanding of the motives, interactions and behaviors of key actors that make governance work in practice, including politicians, top-level bureaucrats, street-level professionals, and citizens.

It moves away from macro-level theories and discussions to analysis on the level of individuals, teams, and organisations. For example, some of the questions discussed centre around: why do citizens not take up social benefits, how can a public manager motivate their employees and how do politicians and bureaucrats resolve their different policy preferences?

The specialisation combines public administration literature with topics from the management and behavioural sciences, including organisational psychology and sociology, human resources management and strategic management. This equips future leaders with the conceptual tools and practical skills needed for effective management and leadership in the public sector.

Although similar in name, there are several important differences. Apart from the language, the specialisation Public Management and Leadership takes an internationally comparative approach by learning from differences and similarities in public management across national borders, whereas the programme Management van de Publieke Sector is more applied to the Dutch national government.

Furthermore, the specialisation Public Management and Leadership is a dedicated track with emphasis on management and leadership, whereas the Management van de Publieke Sector is a master programme that spans a variety of public administration topics, but let students choose a number of courses with an emphasis on management and leadership.

The specialisation courses are organised in a way that allows students to examine Management and Leadership from multiple angles.

The course Collaborative Governance takes an external leadership approach, and analyses when and how public organisations collaborate with external entities.

Contrastingly, Leadership in Organisations takes an inward approach and takes the perspective of a public manager acting within an organisation.

Furthermore, the course Politicians and Public Managers takes an upward approach to how public managers engage in the political sphere and Citizen-State Interactions focuses on how citizens experience state decisions and can influence these.

Together, the courses provide a well-rounded and comprehensive study of Public Management and Leadership.

Like the other specialisations, Public Management and Leadership is a broad master that offers lots of possibilities after graduating.

In addition to policy analysis, working for the government and international organisations, a Public Management and Leadership graduate can easily find their place in the private sector (for example consulting or project management), or work in communication and HR. Graduates of the track also regularly find employment in a position as researcher at an academic or applied research institution.

Public Management and Leadership specialisation courses are organised in weekly plenary lectures. Combined with the general courses, a student can expect to have nine contact hours a week, spread over three courses a block. Courses are highly interactive, and proactive participation is expected by professors and classmates.

Assessments are mostly assignment-based, with a balance of academic research papers and practice-oriented policy papers. Each assessment connects to its respective course, imparting skills necessary in a future workplace.

For example, the course on collaborative governance asks students to formulate a policy brief for municipality officials, urging them to consider collaborating with an external partner.

Aside from the nine fixed contact hours, students are expected to organise their time independently.

Each lecture is preceded by two or three readings to prepare students for class discussions, and it is expected students prepare notes on these in advance.

Furthermore, some courses include small, weekly participation assignments to monitor progress and encourage discussions.

The Public Management and Leadership specialisation usually has 35-40 students per class, with a larger September and a smaller February cohort.

The course load per week is 40 hours, including lectures, seminars and self-study. Furthermore, lecture/seminar attendance is mandatory and has fixed times.

It is possible to work next to your studies and many students do, but it is important to consider the schedule before taking on an additional workload.

Please note that our Dutch-language master Management van de Publieke Sector offers an evening track, Bestuur en Advisering.

Similarly to working part-time, internships can only be recommended when they do not interfere with performance during the master.

If you wish to pursue a internship, it is advisable to extend your master’s degree by a semester. This is because internships are not an integral part of the Master of Public Administration.

For more information, please see this page.

Yes, you can participate in an exchange during your studies in the master’s in Public Administration programme at Leiden University. Leiden University is part of the European Masters in Public Administration (EMaster of Public Administration) Network, which consists of leading European universities in the field of public administration and policy.

Through the EMaster of Public Administration Network Exchange, students have the opportunity to spend an additional semester—either in the fall or spring—taking courses at one of the qualified partner universities within the consortium.

It is advisable to complete your Master of Public Administration courses and possibly your thesis before going on the EMaster of Public Administration exchange, as this will result in an additional semester of study (the exchange cannot be completed simultaneously with the Master of Public Administration programme). Upon successful completion of the exchange, students will receive the EMaster of Public Administration certificate.

It’s important to note that the EMaster of Public Administration programme is not an integral part of the Master of Public Administration curriculum.

You can find housing through the university or online websites and (Facebook) groups. For university housing, it is necessary to sign up when submitting your application. To find housing independently, use online rental agencies such as Pararius, Funda or DUWO, and sign up to Facebook groups, such as Den Haag ‘Housing’, ‘Kamer in Den Haag’ and ‘Zoekt kamer in Den Haag Community.

More information >>

Graduates from the Master of Public Administration programme find themselves well-equipped for diverse career pathways across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 60% of alumni find a job within three months after graduation, as the core skills developed during the programme, such as research, policy-making, and analytical reasoning, allow graduates to explore opportunities across sectors.

Although the majority of the alumni end up in the public sector, a significant part works in consultancy, financial, legal and other business services. The Master of Public Administration programme is not a research master, so it does not provide a direct pathway to a PhD. However, it does include research methods training that can be valuable for students who may wish to pursue a PhD later on.

Depending on the specialisation that was followed during the Master of Public Administration degree, students will have acquired a unique toolbox of skills and knowledge which prepares them not only to respond effectively to current societal challenges but also to lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions across various sectors.

In general, many non-Dutch speaking students successfully settle in the Netherlands and find jobs after completing their master’s degree, including those who graduate from the Public Administration programme at Leiden University.

The Netherlands is known for its high expat community and international work environment, especially in sectors like public policy, international relations, and consultancy, which are closely related to this field of study.

Many of these opportunities can be found in The Hague, the political and administrative heart of the Netherlands, which is home to numerous international organisations, NGOs, and governmental institutions.

While it is possible to find a job without speaking Dutch, learning the language can significantly enhance job opportunities and integration into Dutch society. Many companies and organisations, particularly those focused on local or national governance, value employees who can communicate effectively in Dutch.

However, English is widely spoken and accepted in many workplaces, particularly in international organisations, NGOs, and private companies.

Required Qualifications

You are eligible for admission to the MSc. Public Administration if you have obtained:

1) a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Management, Public Economics or a similar program closely related to Public Administration from a research university (WO) and can show competence in the methodology of social science research as evidenced by prior course work, or  

2) a Bachelor’s degree from a research university (WO) in another field, provided that you have completed the minor ‘Public Administration: Multi-Level Governance’ or the minor ‘Bestuurskunde: Openbaar Bestuur, Beleid en Management’ at Leiden University, and can show competence in the methodology of social science research as evidenced by prior course work.

If you have a Bachelor's degree from a research university (WO) in another field (for example Cultural Anthropology, Pedagogical Sciences, Law, and Public Health), or if you have a Bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) in a relevant field, such as Public Administration or European Studies, you may be admitted to the pre-master's programme. After successfully completing the pre-master's programme, you will be eligible for admission to the MSc. Public Administration.

Please visit the pre-master’s webpage for more information about the possibilities and admission requirements of the pre-master’s programme.

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 Academic online.
  • We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
• TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
  • We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
    You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
  • We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™  or institutional tests such as ITP.

• Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.

Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.

*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.

For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.

• If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 1 April. The same deadline applies to students who already have a Dutch residence permit for study purposes and need to extend it.
• If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 May.

• If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 October.
• If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 November.

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.

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.

1. Go to Studielink 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
• if you are a Dutch resident, your DigiD

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.

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:

1. You are admitted
   You have met all conditions for admission.
2. 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).
3. 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.

Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.

Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.

If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.

The tuition fee for this programme is €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee) and €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026 (statutory fee).

This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:

The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.

The tuition fee for this programme is €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee) and €21,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).

If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study. 

However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.

Please note! If you will be studying at Leiden University via a cooperation agreement, the fees quoted in the agreement will apply.

Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.

The tuition fee for this programme is €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).

If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.

Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.

• Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
  • Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
  • The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
• Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
  • Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
  • After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).

Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.​​​​​

If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.

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.

• 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.  

Diploma requirements

Holders of one of the following degrees may be admitted to the bridging programme, provided that they meet the language requirements as described under the general admission criteria of the master’s programme Public Administration.

• Candidates with a Bachelor’s diploma with at least 25 EC in Public Administration relevant courses;
• And results from previous education that give sufficient confidence that the person concerned can successfully complete the Pre-master’s and the Master’s programme. A certified grade list from the completed Bachelor’s programme that demonstrates an unrounded weighted average grade of at least 7.0 used as is the criterion for sufficient confidence.

In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Admissions can admit persons to the programme who do not meet the above mentioned requirements if a substantial and relevant work experience can clearly demonstrate the person’s capability to successfully complete the premaster’s and master’s program. A resume and explication demonstrating the relevance of the work experience for the programme will be the basis of the decision

You can find the application deadlines on the general admission and application - admission deadlines page here.

For the required documents please refer to the general admission and application - required documents page here.

Please note that: In addition to the required documents, all applicants to the Pre-master's Programme need to fill in and upload this Registration form to indicate the Pre-master's programme of their choice. 

Please note that: in addition to the general required documents, applicants to the pre-master's programme of Public Administration also need to send in their resume (C.V.) and explication letter if they do not meet the requirement of an unrounded weighted average grade of at least 7.0.

Please only apply for either the master’s programme or the pre-master based on the admission requirements. The admissions committee will inform you in case:

• You have applied for the master but you cannot be admitted directly. You will still get the chance to apply for the pre-masters.
• You have applied for the pre-master but you are considered to be directly admitted to the masters.

If you want apply directly for the pre-master’s programme follow these instructions. The premaster is categorized under the bachelor Public Administration Science (BSc), so you can search the bachelor Public Administration (Bsc) within Studielink. Fill in all the required information. At one point, you need to select one of two following options: 

• First year student or higher year student > choose higher year student. 

• Specialisation > Choose Policy, Public Administration, and Organisation. 

Please note that you cannot indicate whether you want to submit an application for the Dutch or English premaster programme! Therefore, you need to indicate on your CV whether you want to apply for the English pre-master Public Administration or the Dutch pre-master Management van de Publieke Sector.  

For further information on the application procedure, please check the general application - application procedure page here. 

Please refer to the general admission and application - tuition fees page here.

Please refer to the general admission and application - prepare for your studies page here.

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.

When are the next Open Days?

• 9 & 10 October 2025: Master's Online Open Days
• 6 February 2026: Master's On Campus Open Day