Want to study in Europe and shape a global career? 🌍✨
At Leiden University, the Netherlands’ oldest and most prestigious university, Middle Eastern students can access world-class academics and an enriching multicultural experience.
Offering programs in International Relations, Law, Data Science, and Middle Eastern Studies, Leiden lets you merge European insight with your regional expertise.
Applying as an international student requires precision - from documentation to visa timelines - but with Inforens’ guidance, you’ll move through every step with clarity and confidence.
This guide will show you exactly how to begin your journey to Leiden University - where ambition meets opportunity. 🎓
Bachelor’s Admission and Application
Choosing Leiden University for your bachelor’s studies means joining one of Europe’s most international and historically rich learning environments. 🎓
Every year, many students from the Middle East - including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt - choose Leiden for its academic excellence, diverse student community, and strong international career pathways.
Leiden’s bachelor programs combine theory and practical application. Students can pursue International Studies, Law, Political Science, Psychology, Computer Science, and Data Science. Whether your goal is diplomacy, research, technology, or global policy, Leiden equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Bachelor’s Application
Step 1: Choose Your Bachelor’s Programme
Leiden offers a variety of English-taught bachelor’s programs. Popular choices among Middle Eastern students include:
- International Studies (The Hague Campus)
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Law and International Relations
- Psychology
- Urban Studies
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
💡 Inforens Tip: Choose a program that aligns with your interests and career goals. For example, if you’re aiming for a career in diplomacy or international business, International Studies is ideal. Inforens mentors help students match their academic profiles with the most suitable programs.
Step 2: Check the Admission Requirements
General requirements include:
Secondary school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO
English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90
- Cambridge C1/C2 Advanced
Strong academic record in relevant subjects
Motivation letter and references if required
Country-specific examples:
- UAE and Saudi Arabia: Tawjihi certificate or IB/A Level equivalent
- Egypt: Thanaweya Amma certificate with strong grades
- Qatar and Bahrain: High school diploma with recognized equivalency
💡 Inforens Note: Each country has specific equivalencies for Dutch standards. Inforens experts guide you to ensure your qualifications are valid for admission.
Step 3: Check the Application Deadlines
Leiden’s main intake is in September:
- Non-EU/EEA students (visa required): April 1
- EU/EEA students: June 15
Inforens Tip: Submit at least 3–4 weeks early to avoid delays and portal issues.
Step 4: Collect the Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts (certified)
- English proficiency test results
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters (if applicable)
- Proof of financial means
Inforens reviews all documents before submission to ensure they meet Dutch and Leiden University standards.
Step 5: Start Your Application
Applications start in Studielink, then continue in uSis:
- Create a Studielink account
- Select Leiden University and your bachelor’s program
- Upload initial documents
- Receive uSis login to submit additional documents
Inforens provides step-by-step guidance to avoid errors and missing uploads.
Step 6: Pay Tuition Fees
For non-EU/EEA students, tuition is usually €11,000–€17,000 per year, depending on the program.
Scholarships for Middle Eastern students:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Holland Scholarship
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (for selected Middle Eastern countries)
💡 Inforens Tip: Apply for scholarships early; Inforens mentors help craft strong applications to maximize chances.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Studies
After acceptance:
- Apply for MVV student visa
- Arrange accommodation (university or private housing)
- Attend OWL (Orientation Week Leiden)
Inforens offers pre-departure sessions covering cultural, academic, and financial preparations for students from the Middle East.
Master’s Admission and Application
Advance Your Career Globally
Leiden offers over 200 master’s programs. From International Law to Data Science and Middle Eastern Studies, programs are research-driven and globally recognized.
African and Middle Eastern students gain exposure to international faculty, diverse classmates, and cutting-edge research, preparing them for global careers.
Step-by-Step Guide for Master’s Application
Step 1: Check the Admission Requirements
Requirements typically include:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree with strong grades
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+)
- Motivation letter
- Academic references
- Research proposal or portfolio for research programs
💡 Inforens Tip: Middle Eastern applicants can highlight regional experience or knowledge to strengthen their applications.
Step 2: Check Application Deadlines
- April 1: Main September intake (non-EU/EEA students)
- October 1: February intake (limited programs)
Start early, especially for competitive programs like Law, Public Administration, or Middle Eastern Studies.
Step 3: Collect Required Documents
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport copy
- Research proposal if required
Inforens can review your documents and guide your motivation letter to reflect your strengths effectively.
Step 4: Start Your Application
Start in Studielink, then upload detailed documents in uSis. Successful applicants first receive a conditional offer, finalized upon verification.
Step 5: Pay Tuition Fees
Master’s tuition for non-EU/EEA students: €17,000–€23,000/year.
Scholarships for Middle Eastern students:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Holland Scholarship
- Orange Tulip Scholarship
- External options: Government grants, cultural foundations
💡 Inforens Tip: Inforens tracks deadlines and helps you apply for both Leiden and external scholarships.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Studies
After admission:
- Confirm tuition payment
- Apply for MVV visa
- Arrange accommodation
- Attend pre-departure webinars and Orientation Week
Inforens connects you with Middle Eastern student communities for smooth cultural and academic integration.
Study Abroad and Exchange Admission
Experience Leiden for a Semester or Year
Middle Eastern students can join exchange programs if their home university has a partnership with Leiden. Programs typically last one semester or a full academic year, with credits transferable back to home institutions.
Step-by-Step Guide for Exchange Students
Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
- Must be enrolled at a partner university
- Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80)
- Transcript of records
- Nomination from home university
💡 Inforens Tip: If your university isn’t a partner, Inforens guides you through the freemover application process.
Step 2: Check Deadlines
- Fall Semester: April 1
- Spring Semester: October 15
Apply early for visa and housing.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
- Nomination form
- Transcript
- Passport copy
- Proof of English proficiency
- Motivation letter
Step 4: Submit Application
Processed via your home university or directly in Leiden’s Mobility Online/uSis system. Acceptance letters are required for visa processing.
Exchange students usually pay home university fees. Freemovers pay €8,000–€10,000/semester.
Inforens can help secure short-term scholarships to reduce costs.
Step 6: Prepare for Studies
- Apply for MVV visa
- Confirm housing
- Join Orientation Week for Exchange Students
- Connect with Middle Eastern student networks
Traineeships and Internships
For research or project placements, visit Internships, Projects, and Traineeships on Leiden’s website.
Inforens supports Middle Eastern students in securing research opportunities in:
- Faculty of Law
- African and Middle Eastern Studies Center
- Humanities and Social Sciences Departments
Conclusion
Leiden University provides Middle Eastern students with a world-class education, global exposure, and a platform to influence change in their region and beyond.
Key steps for a successful application:
- Understand program requirements early
- Prepare accurate documents
- Meet visa and housing deadlines
- Navigate Studielink and uSis efficiently
Conclusion
At Leiden University, you don’t just earn a degree- you gain a global perspective that amplifies your Middle Eastern roots.
So, what’s stopping you? Start your journey with Inforens today, and let your Leiden adventure begin!
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!