Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope History of Art department exchange
Archaeology department exchange
Exchange Places
1 full year place for History of Art students for 2026/27
1 full year place for Archaeology students for 2026/27
About:
Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and has an excellent international reputation. The institution consistently ranks within the top 100 in the world as per major ranking tables. With strong links to research and as one of the leading research-intensive universities in Europe, it is a place to grow into new interests and broaden your worldview.
Highlights:
Located in student cities, Leiden and The Hague are packed full of student associations, event venues and attract a very international demographic. The majority of the courses are delivered at the Leiden campus, though The Hague is growing as a hub for the internationally-orientated programmes.
Location:
Leiden, The Hague
Courses / Modules:
You can see the range of courses available to you on Leiden University's page for study options for exchange students. Approval for all courses is based on space, availability and pre-requisites.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Leiden University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Most courses at Leiden University carry a load of 5 or 10 ECTS credits. The standard load for a full-time semester for students is usually 30 ECTS.
Teaching Periods:
Leiden University follows the semester system, so there are two main teaching periods per academic year:
1st Semester: late August - late January (exam season is from late December to January)
2nd Semester: early February - early July (exam season is from May to June)
Language:
The majority of courses are taught in English, but check the course catalogue for modules taught in English when making your selection. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in Dutch language classes, These would be taken in addition to your full credit-load and would not be included in the final transcript. There is a fee to take these classes.
Accommodation:
Similar to most universities across the Netherlands, Leiden University does not have a central campus or student dormitories. The various faculties are spread throughout the cities of Leiden and The Hague and students live in accomodation rented via housing organisations and landlords. It is expected that students arrange their own housing.
Leiden University provides guidance on finding housing in the private sector. The Leiden University Housing Office does reserve a number of rooms for international students each year, but there is an incredibly high demand and very limited availability, so accommodation is not guaranteed. Students who wish to apply for University accommodation are advised to apply at a very early stage, as accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. there is a fee of €350 that should be paid as soon as possible after application. Find out more about how to apply for accommodation through Leiden University Housing Office.
Orientation / Welcome week:
Even before the orientation programmes take place, Leiden University has what is a known as their "Warm Welcome Service" to assist international students with post-arrival practicalities. This includes helping students with rail travel to either Leiden or The Hague, locating their accommodation and providing information lounges for advice on housing, student cards and insurance/doctor registration queries.
The university has two orientation programmes that take place at their respective locations. Both programmes are designed to help international students settle in and assist in you discovering the city, making friends and becoming a part of the student body.
Support Services:
The student support services desk is located at the student information point at Plexus Student Centre in Leiden, where students can go for information about study options, study skills and any other study-related matters. In the Hague, students are welcome at the Beehive Student Centre for the services provided by Student Support Services. Student can contact the student support services desk with questions about issues such as: study programme choice, study skills, regulations & rights and finances.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in The Netherlands. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for The Netherlands and its Living in The Netherlands guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Leiden University offers advice on Compulsory health insurance for non-Dutch students and the different requirements depending on personal circumstances.
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
Bethan, History of Art, Year Abroad 2023/24
"I’m definitely feeling more and more comfortable living in the Netherlands as the months go on. The community of international students is very closely knit, which has been great and has opened my mind even further to different cultural experiences. My biggest challenge has been adjusting to the new semester, as I am taking a broader range of modules in the humanities faculty. For instance, I have been commuting to The Hague once a week for a politics class, which has been greatly insightful but very different to what I’m used to. However, I believe its helped me to become much more disciplinary in my own studies and outside of them. I’ve found that the best way to meet people has been through events in my accommodation and through the Erasmus Student Network. I have been budgeting through a weekly allowance after rent and bills, which has proved to be successful. Discount subscriptions for national travel has helped me save a lot, as well as my national museum card."
Isabella, Archaeology, Year Abroad 2023/24
"I am very happy, I am enjoying this year much - especially more than last year. I feel very happy and at home. I think I have become more myself after struggling a lot in York. I met lots of people who I still see in the introduction week in August. I would highly recommend it - it was great fun! I also live with 25 people meaning that is a lot of people I have met. Group activities in classes also meant I got to meet more people."
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
It is advised to open a local bank account when you have arrived.
On average, students spend between €968 - €1338 per month, it is also relatively easy to get a casual working job while in the city if you want to.
Staying Connected:
Make friends with international students and in particular, Dutch nationals. It will help you learn more about the culture and life in the Netherlands, which will help you settle in.
Accommodation
Plan your accommodation well in advance due to the high demand for housing in university cities in the Netherlands
What I wished I'd known...
Get a bike, it's an easy form of transport and will cut down on transport costs.
The Netherlands is expensive to live in so be prepared to manage your money.
In Leiden, public transport is not free for exchange students, but there are discount cards available.
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