Universiteit Leiden

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Preparations

Check with your study programme

Don’t start applying until you have discussed your plans with your study programme and obtained any necessary permission. See your faculty or study programme tab for details.

Have your courses approved

Would you like the credits you earn abroad to count towards your studies in Leiden? If so, you must have your courses approved in advance. In most cases, you will need to request approval from your programme’s board of examiners. However, for some programmes you must instead contact your international exchange coordinator. Ask your study adviser what steps you need to take.  

Mandatory number of credits

Do you have to earn a mandatory number of credits during your studies abroad? If so, check carefully on your host university’s website how many courses you will need to follow.

Start early

Have your courses approved well in advance. You can only be certain that your credits will be recognised if your courses have been approved before you start them. It can take some time to receive approval, so submit your request as possible. You can find instructions on our faculty or study programme tab.

Application

As a free mover you must arrange your own application to the university abroad. Leiden University is unable to assist you with your application. Check the application procedures and deadlines with your host university.

Register in Study Abroad portal

Once you have gained approval from your study programme for your studies abroad, you must register in the study abroad portal. This enables Leiden University to check that you have selected a safe destination, and to contact you in case of an emergency abroad. If you will receive study credits or university funding for your independent studies abroad, registration in the study abroad portal is obligatory.

See your faculty or study programme tab for instructions.  

Visa

  • Find out if you need a visa. Your host university will usually let you know. Alternatively, you can request information from your destination country’s embassy or consulate.
  • You can only request a visa once you have been admitted by your host university.
  • Wait until your visa has been approved before buying your flight ticket, or make sure your ticket can be cancelled or changed.

Accommodation

Ask your host university whether they offer assistance in finding accommodation. Remember to enter your contact details abroad in the study abroad portal as soon as you have them and keep them updated throughout your stay abroad. You will receive instructions by email shortly before departure.

Subletting

Via HousingAnywhere you can search for sublet accommodation, or sublet your own room whilst you are abroad. Always request advance permission from your landlord.

Language

  • Find out about language requirements. For some universities you will need to take a language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Are you unsure if you speak a language well enough? The Academic Language Centre offers online tests to determine your level.
  • A great way to improve your language skills is to travel to your destination early and follow a language course there. Alternatively, you can follow a language course at the Academic Language Centre.

Insurance

  • Check with your health insurance provider whether you are fully covered for your period of study abroad, or whether top-up insurance is required. Be aware that some countries require you to take out local health insurance.
  • Consider taking out travel and cancellation insurance to cover, for example, luggage, additional health costs, legal aid and liability. AON Student Insurance is a good example.
  • Find out if your insurance company has an emergency phone number. If so, keep it somewhere handy.

Health and safety

Carefully read the health and safety information and take any necessary steps before departure.

International student?

If you are an international student, you must also do the following before departure.

  • Contact the town hall where you are currently registered to ask if you need to cancel your registration.
  • Ask the Visa Team whether your stay abroad will have consequences for your Dutch residence permit (if applicable).
  • Ask your destination country’s embassy or consulate what visa procedures apply to you. Procedures for international students may not be the same as those for Dutch students.

International Discount Card

With an International Student Identity Card (ISIC card) you can get discount on a range of products and services in more than 130 countries, including flight tickets. Purchase your card from ISIC Netherlands.

As a free mover at the Faculty of Science, you need to make the following arrangements:

Request Permission from Your Study Programme

If you want to study abroad independently as a free mover, you must first obtain permission from your study programme. Contact your study advisor to discuss your plans and get approval. You can find their contact details on the Study Programmes - Leiden University page. Don’t start applying at the host university until you have permission!

Inform the Science International Office

Inform the Science International Office of your plans. The International Office can advise you on your registration (see below), scholarships, housing and other arrangements if needed. You can contact the International Exchange coordinator via outgoing@science.leidenuniv.nl

Please do this in addition to registering your stay in the Study Abroad portal, so we can ensure your registration is processed properly!

Apply at the Host University

Once you have obtained approval from Leiden University, you can apply at the Host University. You are responsible for applying at the host university. Inquire at your host university what deadlines apply to you. As a freemover, Leiden University is not a part of your application process. However, if you have questions about your application, you can contact the International Exchange coordinator.

Please note that freemovers need  to pay tuition fees at both Leiden University and the host university.

Have your Courses Approved

Would you like the credits you earn abroad to count towards your studies in Leiden? If so, you must have your courses approved by the Board of Examiners before departure. To arrange this, contact your programme's study advisor.

In general, the Board of Examiners is looking for:

  • a coherent course package
  • courses at an appropriate academic level
  • no (or little) overlap with courses taken in the main degree programme

If you do not request approval for your course package prior to the start of the semester abroad, you run the risk of:

  • taking courses for which you will not receive credits in Leiden
  • a delay in your study programme

Register in the Study Abroad Portal

Why
By registering in the Study Abroad portal, you enable Leiden University to make sure you have selected a safe destination, and to contact you in case of an emergency abroad. If you will receive study credits or university funding for your activity abroad, registration in the study abroad portal is obligatory.

When
You must register in the Study Abroad portal as soon as you receive approval from your study programme for your independent studies abroad – and at least 2 weeks before departure. If you will go abroad within 2 weeks, contact your International Exchange Coordinator for instructions.

How

  • Log into uSis > click on the 'Study Abroad' tile > select ‘Register a period of independent study abroad’.
  • Enter the requested data, upload your ‘approval document’ and submit your registration request. The approval document must be the official approval from your Board of Examiners.
  • If you have the necessary approval from your study programme and your destination is safe, the University will approve your registration. You may then depart for your independent studies abroad. Remember to check the travel advice before departure in case the situation changes.
  • As soon as possible, enter your contact details abroad in the Study Abroad portal, under the ‘During your stay’ section. Remember to keep your contact details updated while you are abroad so we can reach you in case of emergency!
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