Exchange student's applications
The information here is intended for Socrates/Erasmus Exchange students and students who come under the terms of another reciprocal (two-way) exchange agreement which grants exemption of tuition fees.
Exemption of Tuition Fees
Most two-way exchange programmes (in which Leiden University sends exchange student to and receives exchange students from the partner university) grant exemption of payment of tuition fees.
Exemption of tuition fees can only be given for non-degree study, and only for regular courses. (Exemption is granted for the basic Study Abroad tuition fee for the Courses in English, but not from the tuition fees for the Special Programmes nor for language courses taught by the Academic Language Centre).
How to Apply: Nomination by your home university
It is only possible to study at Leiden University as an exchange student if your own university has signed an exchange agreement with Leiden University. In order to be accepted as an exchange student you must be nominated as such by the responsible coordinator of the exchange programme at your home university. This co-ordinator needs to sign the nomination form which you will be asked to generate as part of your online application.
The best place to find out if your university can nominate you and how to apply for a place is the International Office at your own university.
Leiden University participates in a variety of exchange programmes. Regardless of the type of programme, exchange applications should always be submitted via our online application system. You need to upload the following documents before you submit your application:
- signed nomination form (you will generate this via the application system);
- copy of passport pages with photo and personal details;
- transcripts of academic record (in English or with English translation);
- motivation/statement of purpose (in English);
-
two letters of recommendation;
If you are an Erasmus student, you only need to submit items 1 - 3.
See also Admission Procedure: How to Apply
What to study?
As an exchange student you can apply to take those regular courses which are open to exchange students. Most of these courses are taught in English. Students who have sufficient command of the Dutch language may also apply for courses which are taught in Dutch, even though they are not included in the standard list of courses for exchange students.
Check the Courses page to find out what we offer. Keep in mind that for most courses you must meet the academic prerequisites in order to be admitted, and that courses do fill up.
It is also important to realise that if you have been accepted on the basis of an exchange agreement which is limited to a specific study field or discipline, you do not automatically have the right to apply for courses offered in other areas or by other faculties or departments.