Purple clothing and a pride flag flying from all University buildings: Leiden University is once again taking part in Purple Friday. How do people experience this day? We asked some employees and students of the Faculty of Humanities.

Scientists have discovered that starlings and parrots can imitate the complex sounds of Star Wars droid R2-D2 remarkably well. Their study reveals how the structure of a bird’s vocal organ determines its vocal abilities – and how citizen science helps uncover it.

As a student, you can access a range of other software free of charge or for a reduced tariff. These include office tools, cloud storage, anti-virus software and much more.

Toelichting op de terminologie m.b.t. studeren met een beperking

Education administration offices

Do you have money worries? Or are you struggling to pay your bills? You're not alone. Nearly half of all students find it difficult to make ends meet. Find out where you can turn for free help and advice.

Other facilities

To arrange before departure

Some study programmes have a coordinator who is specialised in assisting students with internship and research matters.

Some programmes or faculties may require students to have other cards, in addition to their student and LU-Card, to access facilities or identify themselves.

Have you fallen behind in your studies due to association board membership, top-level sport, or circumstances beyond your control such as illness, disability, pregnancy or family issues? In some situations, you may be eligible for financial support from the university.

A part-time job can help to boost your income during your studies. If you do an internship, this can also have financial consequences. Find out more.

On top of its regular study programmes and courses, Leiden University offers a variety of online courses.

Once you complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree you will be awarded your diploma during a celebratory graduation ceremony. Some study programmes also have ceremonies for the awarding of first-year (propedeuse) diplomas or other important achievements. The awarding of your diploma is always arranged…

Some bachelor's programmes help you monitor your own academic progress by assisting you in drawing up a study plan at the end of your first year.

As a student, you may be eligible for Dutch student finance if you are a Dutch national or meet other specific criteria. You might also be eligible for rent or healthcare benefits. Planning on studying abroad? In some cases you can also request financial support.

Is one study programme not challenging enough, or are you having trouble choosing between two programmes? If so, a double study programme might be the solution.

During your studies you'll acquire a good theoretical basis. But what about practical experience? By doing an internship you can gain a clearer picture of a particular position or sector. For some study programmes an internship is a compulsory part of the curriculum.

Preparations

Study abroad: when?

As a student, you probably have a limited budget. Try these smart tips to make your money go further.

Are you studying whilst pregnant or combining your studies with taking care of children? You may sometimes need a little extra help and advice. Find out about the support available and who you can turn to.

Studium Generale, or the general studies department, organises a range of academic activities such as lectures, symposia, film screenings and debates. These activities are intended for students, staff and the general public alike.

Grades & results

Online education and assessments

You're about to graduate. That means there’s a lot to be arranged. The university expects you to take certain steps, as does your faculty and/or institute. Your faculty has various regulations and procedures in place that you need to follow carefully when arranging your graduation.

You're about to graduate. That means there’s a lot to be arranged. The university expects you to take certain steps, as does your faculty and/or institute. Your faculty has various regulations and procedures in place that you need to follow carefully when arranging your graduation.

Taking exams well is a skill you can learn. It requires good preparation and the right strategy. An open-book exam requires a very different approach to a multiple-choice exam. The tips below will come in handy when revising and during the exam itself.

What do chemical reactions, epidemics and vegetation have in common? More than you might think, says mathematician Mark van den Bosch (Leiden University). In his PhD research, he shows that even in systems that behave in chaotic and erratic ways, a surprising amount of order and structure can be fou…

The course selection varies each year. On this page, you will find courses offered in 2026–2027. You can find detailed descriptions in the prospectus.

During your time as a student you will probably encounter a variety of challenges. Both in terms of studying and personal development, you might need a little help from time to time. Find out how you can boost your well-being and who you can turn to for support.

It is possible to develop and improve your study skills. By using the SMART method you can learn to study strategically, be academically competent, have confidence about taking exams and manage your time well. Of course all this is only possible if you put in enough hours.

Study abroad: when?

Study spaces

There are a number of scholarships available for research and internships abroad.

Statements & proof of graduation

As a bachelor’s student at Leiden University, you will be issued with binding study advice (BSA). This means you must obtain sufficient study credits in the first year of your bachelor’s programme to be permitted to continue studying. Some programmes also have additional requirements.

Want to develop your ideas and entrepreneurial skills? PLNT and Luris can help.