The Pre-University College is a one-and-a-half-year programme divided into five blocks. The emphasis of the College is on acquiring knowledge on a wide range of topics. Moreover, PRE-College participants get an idea of what scientific research is like in practice. 

The Pre-University Classes are similar to a master class of about eight meetings, where you delve into one specific topic that interests you. For example, there are Classes on privacy law, American politics and sustainable chemistry.

If your school does not have a PRE-Classes contact person or has never worked with Leiden University's Pre-University Classes before, it is best to consult with the school talent coach or your own mentor and have them contact the PRE office. The PRE office will then provide the talent coach/mentor with additional substantive information to ensure that your school has all the information it needs to support your participation.

The deadline for registration for the PRE-Classes, 2026 edition, is Wednesday November 19th, 14 p.m. If you missed the deadline, please email preclasses@ha.leidenuniv.nl.

Before the winter holiday every student who has applied for a programme will receive notification of admission or rejection.

The programmes each start at a different time; for exact dates check the individual classes. 

The cost for participation in a PRE-Class is €75 per student per Class. Furthermore, a contribution may be requested for field trips. Travel costs to and from Leiden are at your own expense.

Yes, but only on rare occasions. You need explicit permission from school and from the coordinator of the relevant Classes. Furthermore, you must always be able to attend the lectures of all Classes.

This varies per Class. The indication is a weighted average of a 7.5. However, some Classes are so popular that there may be higher demands on your grades. When applying, not only your average grade, but also your motivation letter is important.

We expect you to attend all Pre-Class meetings. If a school commitment overlaps with your PRE-Class, we would still like you to attend your PRE-Class meeting. Be sure to discuss this with school so that you can make up the hours missed and take the tests at another time. Only in special cases is absence from PRE-Class permitted.

That is certainly possible! The PRE-Classes are also meant precisely as an opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and choose something completely new.

The selection of PRE-Classes that are offered changes each year. The new selection of PRE-Classes will appear on the website after the summer holidays. 

The PRE-Classes take place at different locations within Leiden University. The PRE-Classes Design and Security Studies are in The Hague.