Bachelor admission requirements
Admission is determined on the basis of three factors: Educational background/diplomas, Programme specific requirements and Language requirements.
1. Educational background / diplomas
All international applicants who are not in possession of a Dutch VWO diploma (or a Dutch University or ‘HBO’ diploma) have to apply for admission to have their foreign diploma evaluated. Your diploma will then be evaluated in order to ascertain its level in comparison to the Dutch VWO diploma.
Diplomas approximately equivalent to Dutch pre-university diploma
What happens if your diploma and/or language skills are considered insufficient?
- If your diploma is found to be of an insufficient level but your Dutch language ability is sufficient, you may be admitted on condition you take Dutch entrance exams or Dutch state exams to make up for any deficiencies in the level of your previous education.
- If both your diploma and language skills are considered of an insufficient level, you should generally expect to be refused admission to our bachelor's programmes. In this case you will be advised instead to apply for admission to an ‘HBO’ institution in the Netherlands, or a university in your country of origin. If the above applies to you, it may be advisable not to submit an application for admission.
If you are not yet sufficient proficient in Dutch but your previous education is of sufficient level you can be admitted on condition you take Dutch courses/exams at our University Language Centre.
2. Programme-specific requirements
Additional programme-specific requirements for admission may apply.
See admission requirements of your specific programme
3. Language Requirements
Dutch
Sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language is required before you can start a bachelor's programme (with the exception of BA Dutch Studies, Leiden University College The Hague and BA International Studies).
Language test
and courses
At the Leiden University Language Centre applicants can have their language ability tested. For all departments of the Faculties of Science and Medicine exam level 4 of the University Language Centre is required, or the Dutch NT2-II diploma and for all other departments exam level 6 is required. Other rules apply for German applicants holding a Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife. The University offers intensive Dutch language courses for students who must first learn Dutch. Depending on your knowledge of Dutch, it can take up to a year to complete these courses.
See Academic Language Centre for more information
English
In addition to Dutch you also need to be proficient in English, as some of your study materials and lectures may be in English.
English proficiency test
International applicants are requested to submit an English proficiency test with their application, however exemptions can be made. You will be advised whether you qualify for an exemption once your application has been received.
Accepted tests
Leiden University accepts three kinds of official tests:
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Academic modules only. Minimum score of 6.0 for most bachelor’s programmes. - The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Minimum score 550 (paper-based) / 213 (computer-based) / 79-80 (internet-based) for most bachelor’s programmes. Original test results should be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL institution code for Leiden University is 0504. Institutional Toefl tests are not accepted. - Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.