Exchange programmes

Leiden University has concluded numerous Agreements of Academic Co-operation with universities around the world. As a result exchange opportunities available to students and staff have widened considerably, both within and outside Europe.

International Co-operation and Exchange

Since the birth of the University in the 16th century, Leiden University has maintained scholarly contacts with countries inside and outside of Europe. International relations are essential to the university, both to gain knowledge, and for a broader view. Leiden University has concluded numerous Agreements of Academic Co-operation with universities around the world. As a result exchange opportunities available to students and staff have widened considerably, both within and outside Europe.

Reciprocal (two-way) Exchange Programmes

Leiden University participates in the following two-way student exchange programmes:


In these programme Leiden University students can study as exchange students at the partner university, and Leiden University in return receives equal numbers of students from the partner university. The leaving Leiden student thus creates a place for an incoming foreign student, and vice versa. International students who are accepted as an exchange student in one of these programmes are eligible for a tuition fee waiver for regular courses. Students who would like to qualify for a place have to be nominated for the programme by their home university.
see: how to apply.

Agreements with Study Abroad Partner Institutions
In addition Leiden University has concluded agreements with a number of universities and organisations abroad which regulate the participation of their students in study programmes at Leiden University. Students from these universities can apply and participate in the Study Abroad Programme at Leiden University through their home institution.  

Leiden University participates in the following two-way student exchange programmes:

The Erasmus programme of the European Union

Leiden University participates in the Socrates programme of the European Union, which offers universities and other 'knowledge institutions' an opportunity to work together with counterparts in other European countries.

Leiden has signed agreements of cooperation and exchange of students and staff with more than 150 European universities within the framework of the Socrates programme.

At Leiden University all Erasmus exchange agreements are concluded at the departmental level. Student exchange applications should be however be sent to Student Educational Affairs, which will forward the application to the department involved. It is the department which decides whether or not a student can be accepted on exchange basis. See: How to apply

Non-EU Bilateral Agreements of Academic Cooperation and Exchange

Leiden University has concluded more than 70 Agreements of Academic Co-operation and Exchange with Partner Universities in Asia, the Middle-East, the USA, Canada and Australia, South-America, Africa and Europe.

The activities which are caried out under these agreements may include joint research projects, joint organisation of seminars and conferences, exchange of books and periodical, and the exchange of academic staff and students.

Some of these agreements apply to one or just a limited number of departments, while others can be considered as university wide agreement. University-wide agreements apply to all or almost all fields of study which are taught at Leiden university and the respective partner university.

All applications for student exchange should be sent to Student Educational Affairs, which will forward applications for programmes which are limited in scope, to the faculty or department involved, for review. Applications for one of the university wide agreements will be reviewed by Student Educational Affairs. See: How to apply

International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

Leiden University receives students from all over the world through the International Student Exchange Program.
ISEP Leiden - USA
ISEP Multilateral: Leiden - Other Countries

Leiden University participates in the International Student Exchange Program with the United States and in the ISEP Multilateral programme.  (Leiden University also accepts students through the ISEP-Direct programme: ISEP-Direct programs are fee-paid study abroad programs that provide study opportunities beyond those offered through reciprocal exchanges ).

Foreign applicants who would like to study at Leiden University through the ISEP scheme should contact the ISEP co-ordinator at their own universities. Foreign student who are interested at spending an ISEP exchange period at Leiden University should realise that Leiden university is a highly competitive site and chances of being granted an exchange place are not very high.

(Leiden University students who would like to be nominated for an exchange period at one of the member universities can contact Student Educational Affairs of Leiden University for more information. Placement chances for Leiden University students can be considered very good, of course depending on the universities of choice).

 
Last Modified: 21-03-2011