The Netherlands: Leiden University

HLS students can participate in either the fall or spring semester.

You can view the academic calendar here.

Note: Exchange students are required to participate in a 3-day orientation

• Orientation Week Leiden (OWL)
• Hague Orientation Program (HOP)

HLS students can take any courses in the Faculties of Governance and Global Affairs, Social Sciences, or Humanities. See study options here. HLS students should work closely with their HLS academic advisors as they select their courses.

HLS students may be particularly interested in courses through Leiden University College (LUC) at The Hague.  LUC offers courses that focus on today's Global Challenges: Peace and Justice, Sustainability, Prosperity, and Diversity.  There is a separate application for LUC and it is highly competitive. If HLS students are not accepted to LUC, they can still take classes at The Hague campus.

Leiden University can help HLS students identify projects or internships to advance their professional development and get to know the city in new ways. More information here.

Like many universities in the Netherlands, Leiden University does not have a central campus or student dormitories. Instead, our faculties are spread throughout the cities of Leiden and The Hague and students live in accommodation rented via housing organisations and landlords. 

In general, students are expected to arrange their own housing. However, for international students, Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for early applicants. The number of housing applications always greatly exceeds the number of reserved rooms. We therefore strongly recommend that prospective students also explore alternative ways of finding accommodation well before arriving in the Netherlands.

In order to obtain housing, HLS students must have a residence permit and an entry visa. There is a fee of 210 Euro for visas/permits

You can find more information about housing here.

You may apply if you:

• are an admitted HLS major or minor
• have at least a 3.0 cumulative and HLS GPA; 3.2 GPA preferred
• have met with your HLS advisor
• have met with the HLS semester exchange coordinator: schedule at hlsep@iu.edu 

Students must have a passport valid for six months beyond program's end date.

Students must be able to demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and self-reliance.

Complete eligibility criteria and selection criteria are outlined within the Academic Policies and Procedures of Education Abroad. Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant.

Students on disciplinary probation during program period are ineligible.

Students accepted into the exchange program through HLS will be nominated for admission to Leiden University. Once approved by Leiden University, students will be invited to submit a full application through LU’s portal.

After completing personal details and submitting support documents, students will submit course requests, which will be forwarded to the departments for evaluation. A student must be admitted to several courses for a minimum of 15 ECTS before an offer of admission can be extended.

Required documents include:

• Official transcript
• Motivation letter
• Copy of passport ID page

Holders of EU/EEA passports do not require a residence permit to study at Leiden University.

Students with a non-EU nationality must have a residence permit and in many cases an entry visa as well. Once a student has been admitted to Leiden University, the International Relations Office will work with the student to apply on their behalf. Students should note that there is a fee of €210 for visas/permits (this fee is subject to change annually) and strict deadlines for submission of documents.

All HLS students will be enrolled in a group health insurance plan through Indiana University's provider, GeoBlue.  A monthly fee will be charged to your bursar bill.

As an exchange student, HLS students will pay their regular tuition to IU. They are eligible to receive their regular financial aid and scholarships. 

To participate in an exchange program, there are a few additional charges students can expect:

• Health insurance (approx. $40 p/month)
• Education Abroad Service Fee (approx. $250)

Students will also be expected to pay for the following

• International airfare and travel to/from the airport
• Visa/immigration fees
• Housing costs
• Groceries/meals
• Personal expenses, books and incidentals.

Leiden University estimates that students will need at least €968 – €1338 per month. See additional information here.

Please note that public transport is not free for exchange students at Leiden University, but discount cards are available.

University of Leiden Exchange Student Information

Student life at Leiden University

About the town of Leiden

About The Hague