Master's students
Studying is already a lot of work, so on this page you'll find the most sought-after information for master's students. Do you feel something important is missing? Let us know via the feedback button, and we'll improve it for the next student.
Essential Matters
Is your student life at Leiden University about to begin? Here you'll find all the information you need to start your studies off right, such as what you need to arrange before your studies begin, information about the start of the academic year, and the most important facilities.
As a student at Leiden University, you need an LU-Card. This is your university ID. You use it as:
- Identification card for Leiden University
- Library card for the Leiden University Libraries (UBL)
- Print and copy card
- Access card to buildings and rooms
- Access card to parking lots
- Access card to the Hortus Botanicus
The application process for an LU-Card takes approximately two weeks. After you receive notification that your registration is complete, apply for it as soon as possible.
What do you need?
- An activated student account (ULCN)
- A Dutch postal address
How to apply?
- Log in to Account Services with your student account (ULCN).
- Go to 'My Profile' and check if your Dutch postal address is correct. If not, follow these steps:
- Bachelor’s and master’s students: add or update a Dutch address via Studielink.
- Be aware that it may take a few days for your address change to be processed. Only proceed to the next step if the correct address is displayed in Account Services.
- Go to 'My Profile' and upload a passport photo. Make sure the photo meets passport photo requirements.
- You will receive the LU-Card within 5 to 10 working days at your postal address.
College or Registration Card
The college or registration card is your proof of enrollment at Leiden University. This college card is digital and can be found in the Leiden University app.
The college card will appear in the app within 3 days after your registration is finalized, but not earlier than 2 months before the start of your program. You cannot use your college card for identification during exams. For that, you will need to show your LU-Card along with a valid ID, such as your passport or European Identity Card.
The amount of tuition fee you have to pay depends on your study programme and your personal situation. In the tuition fee calculator you can find all the tariffs, surcharges and reductions and easily determine the amount that applies to you.
When (re)registering as a student of Leiden University you can pay your tuition fee by way of digital direct debit under certain conditions. These are that you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), Suriname or Switzerland, or are classed as having the equivalent of Dutch citizenship; and that your bank account is in a SEPA country.
To pay by way of digital direct debit, you must first enter your payment details into Studielink. The university will then determine the amount of tuition fee you are required to pay and you will be asked to authorise your direct debit via Studielink.
You can choose to have your tuition fee deducted from your bank account in one lump sum or in five instalments. For payment in instalments a one-off administrative fee of 24 euro will be charged. Your tuition fee payments will be deducted from your account on the instalment dates stated below. If you choose to pay in one lump sum, the fee will be deducted on the first instalment date.
- 25 October 2024
- 24 December 2024
- 25 February 2025
- 25 April 2025
- 25 June 2025
Are you a non-EEA national? If so, payment by way of digital direct debit is not possible. Instead you will receive an invoice stating the amount of tuition fee due and the methods of payment available.
When writing your thesis, you draw on the insights you’ve gained during your courses and studies so far. You may also conduct a literature review or carry out your own research to write about. Before starting your thesis, you’ll take an introductory course as preparation. Theses must comply with faculty regulations, and there are rules on plagiarism and academic integrity.
The more you write and practice, the better your papers will become. Not only factual information but also logical argumentation and clear structure are important.
Do you need help with your thesis? You can make a free appointment with a trained peer tutor at the Writing Lab. Additionally, the Writing Lab organizes free workshops and thesis events every semester to improve your writing skills and help you successfully complete your thesis.
Almost finished with your studies and thinking about graduation? Make sure to submit the graduation form no later than the last working day of the month before your planned graduation. The formal diploma date will be the last working day of the month in which all components are completed. For students who achieve their final result after June, there is an option to have the diploma date set as the last working day of August. The form must be submitted by June 1 at the latest.
To view your schedule, you can use MyTimetable, where you can create your personal timetable. If you are enrolled in any courses through uSis, they will also be shown there.
Curious about your days off and holidays? Check the faculty calendar to plan your well-deserved breaks.
At the university, you can use various libraries and study spaces spread across the city. Printing facilities are available in almost all libraries and buildings. For individual study, quiet spaces are ideal, while group workspaces and collaboration areas are perfect for projects and joint study. Discover your ideal study spot and make the most of the available facilities!
All regular students must register for courses (lectures and seminars) and exams they wish to take via MyStudymap in the student portal. Only for the master’s thesis do Humanities students not need to register.
Your enrollment as a student automatically ends at the end of the academic year. If you want to withdraw earlier, you must deregister yourself via Studielink.
You may want to stop your studies temporarily or permanently for various reasons, such as not wanting to complete your program, avoiding a negative binding study advice (BSA), or being unable to continue studying due to personal circumstances. Be sure to discuss your situation with your study adviser first.
The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University is one of the largest and most diverse faculties within the university. It is organized into various institutes and programs, each covering specific disciplines and research areas.
Institutes and Education
The faculty includes several institutes, each specializing in particular academic disciplines within the humanities. The faculty’s various bachelor's and master's programs are linked to these institutes, as are all scholars and lecturers. Key institutes include:
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Academy of Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA): Focuses on the interaction between artistic practice and academic research, providing space for collaboration between artists and scholars.
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Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS): Specializes in research and education in arts and society, exploring how art and culture shape and are shaped by society.
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Institute for History: Offers a wide range of historical disciplines, from ancient to modern history, with expertise in various geographic and thematic areas.
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Institute for Area Studies (LIAS): Focuses on the study of regions like Asia and the Middle East, including their languages, cultures, and religions, combining area studies with language and cultural sciences.
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Centre for Linguistics (LUCL): Covers research and education in linguistics, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical and applied linguistics.
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Institute for Philosophy: Focuses on the study of philosophy in all its facets, from ethics and political philosophy to logic and metaphysics.
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Netherlands Institute in Morocco (NIMAR): Specializes in the study of Morocco and the Maghreb region, serving as an important knowledge center for academic research and education related to this region.
Faculty Board and Faculty Office
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Faculty Board: The faculty is led by a dean, supported by a vice-dean and a director of operations. This team is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and daily management of the faculty. The Faculty Board also coordinates the allocation of resources, personnel policies, and the promotion of academic quality.
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Faculty Office: The Faculty Office supports the faculty with services such as Policy, Advice, and Strategy, Communication & Marketing, Financial Economic Affairs, IT and Facilities, and Education and Student Affairs. This office acts as a bridge between the faculty and the central university organization, ensuring that university-wide policies are implemented locally. This structure enables the faculty to conduct its daily operations efficiently and consistently, in line with the broader objectives of Leiden University.
Solutions
If you encounter challenges during your studies or have personal circumstances affecting your well-being or academic progress, contact your study adviser.
The university also has student psychologists who can help with both study-related and personal issues. During the first appointment, you will discuss the best next steps together.
Student psychologists do not diagnose or treat serious psychological/psychiatric issues. If you need specialized or long-term help, contact your general practitioner for a referral.
Everything about student well-being
Studying with a disability can require extra time and effort. A significant number of students have some form of physical or mental limitation. We are happy to assist you with support that suits your needs, such as extra time or enlarged font during exams.
It's helpful to arrange this support quickly. You can do this through an intake at Fenestra. They handle the intake for students with a disability or chronic illness and provide advice on all matters related to your limitation. They issue a statement that grants you access to additional facilities or support.
Sometimes circumstances can cause you to fall behind in your studies. This happens to more students than you might think. It is important to seek help immediately to minimize the impact. In exceptional circumstances, you may qualify for additional support or funding. Your study adviser can assist you with this.
No matter what your problem is, we're here to help. The university has various support offices:
| Type of Problem | Office |
|---|---|
| Academic issues | Study adviser |
| Mental health issues | Student psychologist |
| Disability-related issues | Fenestra |
| Unwanted behavior | Confidential councillor |
| Unfair treatment | Ombuds officer |
Additional activities
Being a board member of a student (sports) association or organization is a great way to gain work experience while having an unforgettable time with your fellow students. As a board member, you’ll receive a certificate from the university and may also qualify for financial support.
Participation bodies represent the interests of students and staff by critically monitoring university policies and their implementation. They play an advisory and co-decision-making role. Each faculty has its own council, and there is a central university council. There are annual elections in May for the student representatives, in which every student can participate. You can also join your program's educational committee.