Looking to study in Europe while building a global career and making an impact back home?
Leiden University , the Netherlands’ oldest university and one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, offers African students exactly that opportunity.
With top-ranked programs in International Law, Development Studies, Data Science, and African Studies, Leiden combines academic excellence with cross-cultural exchange. Here, you can develop global perspectives while exploring solutions relevant to Africa.
Navigating applications, visas, and scholarships can feel overwhelming, but Inforens provides step-by-step guidance to help you choose the right program, submit strong applications, and prepare for life in the Netherlands.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully apply to Leiden University and start your European academic journey with confidence.
Step-by-Step Guide for Bachelor’s Application
Step 1: Choose Your Bachelor’s Programme
Start by exploring Leiden’s range of English-taught bachelor’s programs on their official website. Some of the top choices among African students are:
- International Studies (The Hague Campus)
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Psychology
- Law and International Relations
- Urban Studies
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
💡 Inforens Tip: Match your interests and career goals with program outcomes. For instance, if you’re passionate about governance or regional integration, International Studies or Political Science could be ideal. If you’re tech-driven, consider Computer Science or Data Science. Inforens mentors can help you shortlist programs that align with both your strengths and long-term ambitions.
Step 2: Check the Admission Requirements
Leiden’s admission standards are clear and program-specific, but generally, you’ll need:
A secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma
Proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
A strong academic record, especially in relevant subjects
A motivation letter outlining your academic goals.
In some cases, a short interview
Examples:
- Nigerian students usually qualify with a WAEC certificate + one year of university education or A Levels.
- Kenyan and Ugandan students with KCSE + foundation year or A Levels can apply.
- South African students with a National Senior Certificate with university endorsement are eligible.
💡 Inforens Note: Each country has its own equivalency criteria. Inforens experts help verify if your qualifications meet Dutch standards — saving you time and confusion.
Step 3: Check the Application Deadlines
Leiden has one main intake: September (Fall).
Application deadlines:
- Non-EU/EEA students (visa required): April 1
- EU/EEA students: June 15
For programs with limited spots (like Psychology or International Studies), apply early, ideally before March.
Inforens Advice: Submit your application 3–4 weeks before the deadline to account for processing time and document validation.
👉 Book a personalized call with Inforens to simplify your application today!
Step 4: Collect the Required Documents
You’ll need the following:
- Copy of your valid passport
- Certified copies of academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters (if required)
- Proof of financial means for visa and residence permit
Inforens counselors can help you prepare and format these documents professionally to match Leiden’s admission standards.
Step 5: Start Your Application
All applications start through Studielink — the official Dutch university portal.
Here’s how it works:
- Create an account at www.studielink.nl
Step 6: Pay Your Tuition Fees
For non-EU/EEA bachelor’s students, tuition fees range from €11,000 to €17,000 per year, depending on your course.
Scholarships available for African students include:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Holland Scholarship
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (for select African countries)
- Mandela Scholarship Fund (specifically for South African students)
💡 Inforens Insight: Some scholarships require early application before you even receive admission. Inforens tracks these dates and helps you submit strong scholarship essays on time.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Studies at Leiden University
Once you receive your offer letter, it’s time to prepare for your move.
Visa:
- You’ll need a student visa (MVV).
- The university’s immigration office helps process this once you confirm your enrollment.
Accommodation:
- Leiden offers university-managed housing and private options.
- Apply early for housing, as spots fill fast.
Orientation:
Join OWL (Orientation Week Leiden) — your chance to meet new friends and explore Dutch culture before classes begin.
💡 Inforens Pro Tip: Inforens offers personalized pre-departure sessions to help students from Africa prepare culturally, financially, and academically for life in the Netherlands.
Master’s Admission and Application
Take Your Academic Journey Further
Planning for a master’s degree? Leiden University is home to over 200 master’s programs, each designed to help you grow intellectually and professionally. From Public International Law to Data Science, African Studies, and Governance of Sustainability, you’ll find programs that connect global issues with regional impact.
Leiden’s master’s programs are highly research-driven, offering opportunities to collaborate with leading professors and institutions across Europe.
Step-by-Step Guide for Master’s Application
Step 1: Check the Admission Requirements
Master’s programs at Leiden require:
A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum GPA equivalent to 7.0/10 in Dutch grading
Proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS 6.5+
- TOEFL 90+
Motivation letter
- Academic references (usually two)
- Portfolio or research proposal (for specific programs)
African students applying for programs like International Law, Political Science, or African Studies often stand out due to their regional insights and practical experience.
💡 Inforens Advice: Use your motivation letter to connect your African perspective to the program’s global relevance. Inforens editors help craft statements that reflect authenticity, clarity, and purpose.
Step 2: Check the Application Deadlines
Deadlines for most master’s programs:
- April 1 – for non-EU/EEA students (visa required)
- October 1 – for February intake (limited programs)
Some competitive programs close earlier, so start preparing by January for a September intake.
Step 3: Collect the Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation letter
- Two reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport copy
- Research proposal (if applicable)
Inforens mentors help you polish your application packet, ensuring it aligns with Leiden’s expectations for international postgraduates.
Step 4: Start Your Application
Applications start in Studielink, then continue in uSis.
Steps:
- Register your program in Studielink.
- Log into uSis with the credentials sent by Leiden.
- Upload documents and track your status.
After the evaluation, successful applicants receive a conditional offer, which becomes final after verifying transcripts and payment.
Step 5: Pay Your Tuition Fees
Tuition for non-EU/EEA master’s students ranges from €17,000 to €23,000 per year.
Scholarships worth exploring:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Holland Scholarship
- Mandela Scholarship Fund
- Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) (for professionals from eligible African countries)
- Erasmus+ grants
💡 Inforens Tip: Many African students combine Leiden scholarships with external grants from national governments or NGOs — Inforens helps match you with the right opportunities.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Studies at Leiden University
Once admitted:
- Confirm your place and pay tuition fees.
- Apply for your MVV visa immediately (by April 1).
- Arrange accommodation through Leiden’s housing office or private rentals.
- Attend online pre-departure briefings and OWL (Orientation Week Leiden).
Inforens also connects you with African student communities already studying at Leiden, helping you settle quickly.
Study Abroad and Exchange Admission and Application
Broaden Your Academic Horizon
Leiden’s study abroad and exchange programs are an incredible opportunity for African students who want to experience international learning without committing to a full degree.
Students from partner universities in Africa — such as those in Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya — can spend a semester or year at Leiden, earning credits transferable to their home institutions.
Step-by-Step Guide for Exchange Students
Step 1: Check the Admission Requirements
You must be enrolled at a recognized partner university.
Typical requirements:
- Strong academic record (GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80)
- Transcript of records
- Nomination letter from home university
💡 Inforens Tip: If your university is not a Leiden partner, Inforens can help you apply as a freemover, guiding you through course matching and credit transfer processes.
Step 2: Check the Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester (September): April 1
- Spring Semester (February): October 15
Submit early for smoother visa and housing arrangements.
Step 3: Collect the Required Documents
- Nomination form
- Transcript of records
- Passport copy
- Proof of English proficiency
- Motivation letter
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Exchange applications are processed via your home university or directly through Leiden’s Mobility Online or uSis portal.
After submission, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance needed for your visa process.
Step 5: Pay Your Tuition Fees (if applicable)
Most exchange students pay fees to their home university only. However, freemovers must pay around €8,000–€10,000 per semester to Leiden.
Inforens can guide you in budgeting and securing short-term scholarships for freemover programs.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Studies
- Apply for your MVV visa
- Confirm accommodation
- Join Leiden’s Orientation Week for Exchange Students
- Explore Leiden’s cultural and student associations, including African student networks
Joining Leiden for a Traineeship
If you’re pursuing a research traineeship, internship, or project, visit Leiden’s official page for Internships, Projects, and Traineeships. These require coordination with specific departments.
Inforens helps students secure research placements through Leiden’s African Studies Centre, Faculty of Humanities, or Institute of Political Science, where you can work on topics like African development, migration, and sustainability.
Conclusion
Leiden University offers African students more than just a European degree — it’s a transformative learning experience where African perspectives meet global opportunities.
From law and governance to data science and culture, Leiden empowers students to shape meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
The key to a successful application lies in:
- Understanding your program’s requirements early
- Preparing accurate documents
- Respecting visa and housing deadlines
- Managing Studielink and uSis effectively
With Inforens mentorship, you’ll have step-by-step support to make your application stand out and transition smoothly into your new academic life.
Your journey to Leiden isn’t just about studying abroad — it’s about becoming a voice of Africa in Europe’s oldest university.
Which Leiden program inspires you most — International Law, African Studies, or Data Science? 🌍💬
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Ready to take the first step? Connect with Inforens Mentorship today — your trusted partner for guiding African students through university applications, scholarships, and visa processes.
Your dream university is closer than you think — start your Leiden journey with Inforens.
Need support with your study journey?
Get Inforens’ Champions Bundle today, it guides you through your entire university application process and continues to support you even after graduation!