Organised in three separate sessions throughout the day, and broadcast live online to guests and families who could not join, over 200 students received their Bachelor’s Diploma of International Studies on 3 September 2021 at the graduation ceremony in the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden.

Ana Oleart came to The Hague from Barcelona to study for her bachelor's degree in International Studies. After completing no fewer than two master's degrees at Leiden University, she now works in the HR department of a large hotel chain.

At the BA International Studies' Graduation Ceremony, we traditionally award two so-called Golden Stork Awards. One is for the Best Thesis and the other for the Most Outstanding Student.

International Studies has started a new academic year, welcome to 2020-2021 everyone! This year we have about 540 new first year students, with 54 different nationalities! This number is similar to previous years, and that’s really something to be proud of in these Covid-19 uncertain times. Last Friday, on the 18th of September, we celebrated the Opening of the Academic Year a bit differently from past years, in that it was held both on-campus and online. Although we missed having a large crowd in the lecture hall, it was still a celebratory occasion!

What does it mean to be critical? Are there any ground rules for pursuing a critical line of thinking, or is everything permitted? Should arguments be based on identity or rationality? Is it ever acceptable to negatively typecast someone we disagree with? These are increasingly crucial questions for any academic environment. For us as International Studies, it is important that we recognise the basic principles of where we are – a university – and who we are – a scholarly community.

325 students received their Bachelor’s Diploma of International Studies on 30 August 2019. The students received their diplomas in the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden, in front of a large audience of family and friends. With more than 1100 people present, including 325 graduates, this was the largest graduation ceremony of the programme since its founding in 2012

On 1 September 2023, 280 students received their Bachelor Diploma of International Studies. The students were awarded their diplomas in the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden: the UNESCO world heritage site, where the university was originally founded in 1575. A large audience of about 700 people consisting of friends, family, and staff members gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievements in a joyful atmosphere.

Professor Eric Kaufmann of the University of London addressed students and staff at the festive opening of the Academic Year at International Studies. Eric Kaufmann’s book Whiteshift has received much attention particularly for its controversial views on immigration and populism. The opening lecture was followed by the First Year Ceremony and festive opening drinks. A link to the photos of the event and password can be found at the bottom of this article.