Frequently asked questions

1. Does my diploma meet the requirements for BA International Studies?

You will be admitted to the Bachelor's programme in International Studies if you are in the possession of:

  • a VWO-diploma or equivalent with no further requirements of your subject cluster or

  • a first-year or final diploma from a higher professional (HBO) institution or

  • a first-year or final diploma from a university programme.  

Dutch applicants with a VWO-diploma are automatically admitted to the BA-programme. An equivalent of a VWO-diploma can be a certificate that was obtained outside the Netherlands, an International Baccalaureate (IB) or a European Baccalaureate (EB). 

Leiden University's Admissions Office had published some examples of certificates equivalent to the Dutch VWO. A US high school certificate alone does not give entrance to Leiden University. We ask for three Advanced Placements graded with at least a C.

Please note that these are only some examples. If your diploma is not on this list, this does not automatically mean that your diploma is not valid. Please apply via our online application system so the university's Admissions Office can review if your certificate meets the requirements.


2. I am a native speaker of the English language. Do I need to hand in standardised test scores?

When filling out your application, you do not need to hand in any test scores if you

  • (will) have completed your education in Canada, the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia; 

  • (will) have obtained an International Baccalaureate; 

  • (will) have completed successfully the Dutch VWO.

You can read more information on our Requirements page.

3. Does Leiden University have funding available for bachelor students?

Leiden University does unfortunately not have funding available for foreign bachelor students. At the moment there are only grants for master students. If there are grants available from other sources, you can find out via the grant finder provided by Nuffic, the Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education.

4. Is the application fee refundable if I don't get a place at the university or if I enter the university next year?

Unfortunately, the application fee of € 100,- is not refundable. Our Admissions Office has set this fee several years ago to be sure that foreign students applying for university are actually serious in coming to the Netherlands for our study programmes. We are preparing a 'welcome package' for new foreign students which will have a broadly comparable value.

 

5. How expensive is the cost of living in the Netherlands on average?

On average a student will need at least € 800 – € 950 per month. This estimate does not include tuition fees, health insurance and unforeseen costs, and should be used as a general indication of the costs of living.

Foreign students’ housing often are single studio apartments with private facilities, with an average rental price of € 500 per month. You can read more information on Leiden University’s web pages on the monthly expenses of living in the Netherlands.

6. How much support do foreign students get in finding a place to live?

After you have been admitted and you have accepted and registered at Leiden University, the university’s Housing Office will assist you  in finding a place to live in The Hague.

7. For my specialisation, will I be learning the language from a beginner level or is there a chance to take more intermediate classes?

This depends on the language you choose and its level of difficulty to learn. On page six of the second semester programme, you can read at the bottom which level you will be reaching per language in the general study programme.
There are several opportunities in the study programme (electives/room for advanced theory) that you can use to improve this level of proficiency. In your last year, you can for example use the discretionary space (30 ECTS) to increase your language proficiency, either by taking more advanced language training or do an internship abroad to improve your foreign language skills.

8. What does the word 'transcript' mean?

You will come across the word 'transcript' when applying for BA International Studies. With transcript, our Admission Office means a list of subjects and grades/points. Some students do not receive a transcript with their leaving certificate, e.g. because you do A-levels. This is not a problem, please send in all official documents you receive from your school stating you have finished your secondary education and with which results.

9. What are the application deadlines for starting in September 2012?

Application deadline for international students who require a visa was April 1st, 2012. Application deadline for all other students is June 15th, 2012. International students can already apply for September 2013 via our online application system.

10. Is there a maximum number of students for BA International Studies?

No, there is no maximum number of students for BA International Studies. Only several university programmes in the Netherlands use a maximum number, such as Medicine or some Psychology bachelors.
Since BA International Studies is a new programme that will only start in September 2012, we cannot say for certain how many students will apply. We hope to welcome 150 first-year students next year. We use this number, so our prospective students have an idea how many fellow students they will have. Starting a bachelor programme with 10, 150 or 800 other students, has a different feel. Students who are looking to apply for BA International Studies starting in September 2012 do not have to worry about a maximum. If you apply before the deadline and you meet the requirements, you are sure of a seat in our class rooms in The Hague.

11. I have some questions about the online application form. Whom can I contact?

You can e-mail Leiden University's Admission Office at infobalie@sea.leidenuniv.nl if you have questions about your online application, such as which documents to upload. They can also help you with your questions on English proficiency tests, entry requirements, postal address for official documents and all other questions you might have about application and admission.

 
Last Modified: 15-05-2012