Where?
Leiden University has exchange agreements with universities all over the world. So there are plenty of destinations to choose from.
Check which exchange programmes are available to you
Before starting your search for suitable destinations, check on your faculty/study programme tab which types of exchange programmes are available to you. For example university-wide exchange programmes, faculty exchange programmes, or special exchange programmes only for students on your study programme.
Search for destinations
In our world map you can search through all Leiden University’s exchange agreements to find a destination that is compatible with your studies and interests. You can filter on the basis of country, exchange programme type, level, language and more. Once you have found an interesting destination, check the details carefully. Pay particular attention to the following sections:
- Intended for students from: is this destination open to students from your study programme?
- Important consideration: are there other important aspects you should consider, e.g. language requirements, semester dates, or whether this is a popular destination where your chances of placement are low?
Going abroad via ISEP
As well as regular exchange destinations, you can also choose to go to a destination via ISEP, a non-profit partner organisation. In the world map, select Exchange Programme: university-wide exchange, then ISEP for further information. Note that fees may apply.
Find your exchange destination via the world map!
World mapNegative travel advice? Check your destination
You may not go on exchange in a country for which negative travel advice has been issued. Check here if your destination is safe. This webpage is in Dutch, but by entering the country name (Dutch spelling) you can view the safety status on a map. If your destination is red or orange, you may not go there. See the Health and Safety page for further information.
Gather more information
Student reports
In the student reports database you can find reports written by students about their study abroad experiences. You can filter the reports on the basis of country, faculty and type of activity abroad. This is a great way to learn more about what to expect when studying abroad in a particular country, field and institution.
International Experience Week
Launch your international adventure at the annual International Experience Week. Find out more about the country in which you want to study, talk to students who have already studied abroad, attend faculty information sessions and much more.
Via your faculty or study programme
Click on your faculty or study programme tab for information on the destinations available via your own faculty or programme.
Tips for choosing a destination
Be flexible
There are limited places available on exchange programmes, which means there is no guarantee you can go to your preferred destination. Remember that there are lots of great places to study abroad. We recommend that you don’t restrict your options by setting strict criteria.
What to take into account
- The courses you want to follow: are they open to exchange students?
- The language spoken and any language requirements: do you speak the language well enough? Or could you attain the required level by following a language course?
- Cost of living: this can differ greatly from destination to destination, even within the same country. Do you have sufficient funds?
- Special requirements due to disability or illness: can your destination meet your requirements? Also take a look at the Health and Safety page.
- The atmosphere, culture and environment: do you prefer small scale or large scale, something completely different or something more familiar?
- Equal treatment of all gender identities and sexual orientations: what is the situation in your destination? Take a look on ILGA.org.
If you want to follow courses abroad, you can choose from the different partner universities with which the Faculty of Science or the University has an 'exchange agreement'. This means that, as a student of the Faculty of Science, you can go abroad via the following types of exchange programmes:
- University-wide exchange programmes (deadline 1 December)
- Faculty exchange programmes (deadline 1 February)
For more information on the difference between the two exchange programme's, consult the 'Science' tab on the 'What and why?' page. Please note that the information below concerns the faculty exchange programmes only. For university-wide programmes and application procedures, we refer you to the information on the pages under the 'General' tabs.
Which Destinations May I Select?
First, select the Faculty of Science in the world map. Science partners are only intended for Science students, just as Humanities partners are only intended for Humanities students, etc. You can then filter partner universities on the basis of country, exchange programme type, level, language and more. Please consult our world map instructions for more information.
Once you have found an interesting destination, check the details carefully. Use the points listed below as a guideline to determine whether this destination is right for you.
Start Exploring the World Map!
Use the world map to browse our partner universities and find your exchange destination.
Click here!What Should I Keep in Mind?
When considering which partner university is right for you, it is good to take note of the following points:
- Intended for students from: the world map indicates the study programme for which the agreement is intended. For example, an agreement in the field of Biology is intended for Biology students. It is possible for a non-Biology student to choose this agreement, as long as they take courses in this field at the partner university. However, Biology students have priority to go on exchange via this agreement over students from other study programmes. For an easy overview of partner universities available per study programme, check our list of partners. Also check if the intended level (BSc or MSc) is right for you.
- Course offer: take a look at the overview of previously approved courses to get an idea of course options at the partner university. Please note you are not limited to these courses, but it gives you a general idea of what is available at the partner university. This overview offers no guarantee for the availability or approval of these courses.
- Other students' experiences: do you have a couple of universities in mind, but are you still not sure which is your number 1? Browse the student reports database for insight into previous exchange students' experiences. The reports include information on the university itself, the course options, housing and more.
- Avoid schedule clashes: be aware that not all universities have the same semester dates. When applying to study abroad, ensure that the start or end of your studies abroad will not overlap with your studies in Leiden. Semester dates can be found on our partners’ websites. Please contact your study advisor with any concerns over conflicting schedules to discuss the possibilities.
- Language requirements: please carefully check the language requirements for your prospective exchange location. Some partner universities have a limited English course offering, and require incoming exchange students to meet certain language requirements. Always ensure there are sufficient courses on offer in a language you speak!
- Other admission requirements: check the partner university’s website for admission requirements for exchange students. Are you required to have obtained a certain number of ECTS? Are you required to have a certain GPA? Do you meet these requirements?
- Final selection: we ask that you narrow down your selection to a maximum of 3 universities. Please include only your top 3 choices in your application. You may submit fewer choices, but be aware that this will not increase your odds of placement.
If you have questions about the different options, please contact the Science International Office via outgoing@science.leidenuniv.nl.
Please note: Students from the master programme Governance of Sustainability (GofS) are asked to contact the Science International Office (outgoing@science.leidenuniv.nl) and the FGGA International Office (international@fgga.leidenuniv.nl) directly to discuss their possibilities, depending on their area of interest. The master programme Governance of Sustainability is a joint master programme of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs.