Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands , situated in the historic city of Leiden . Since its founding in 1575, the University has maintained an impressive international profile. Following this centuries-old academic tradition Leiden is in the forefront of the most modern scientific and high-tech developments. It has a high international reputation in both the natural and medical sciences as well as in the humanities. It is a fully accredited classical university with an enrolment of over 15,000 students, including approx. 1,500 international students. It has produced many outstanding scholars and scientists, including several Nobel Laureates. The university comprises of eight faculties: Archaeology, Law, Arts and Letters, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Theology. Leiden offers over 50-degree studies, ranging from Asian, African, and Amerindian Languages and Cultures to practically all the branches of science.

Modern scientific medical research and teaching started in Leiden with Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738). Leiden is the place of fundamental discoveries: refraction of Light (Snellius), electrical capacitor the "Leyden Jar" (Van Musschenbroek), molecular basis of thermodynamics (Van der Waals), electron theory (Lorentz), superconductivity (Kamerlingh Onnes), electro-cardiography (Einthoven), structure of the galaxy and the origins of comets (Oort). Einstein held a special chair in Leiden , cooperating with De Sitter on the Expanding Universe. The university is one of Europe 's most prominent scientific centres for more than four centuries. In 2000, the Royal Academy of Sciences awarded the highly regarded Spinoza prize to Ms. Prof. E. R. van Dishoeck (PhD), Astronomy for her scientific work on Molecular Astrofysica.

The University has a Science Park for the faculties of Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Other faculties, the University Library, as well as student housing are spread throughout town. Students have access to email and the Internet in the PC rooms in the faculties and at the University Computing Centre. Counselling is provided by the University students' services. The Leiden International Platform organises social and cultural events for international students. The University also has a well-equipped Sports Centre. The Art Centre organises performances of all kinds and offers (extra curricular) courses in the applied arts.

	Living in Leiden International visitors will find it easy to live in Leiden since almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks English. Leiden is a historic and charming university town, situated in the political, cultural and economic heart of The Netherlands. It is located near The Hague , the seat of government.
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam , is a 30-minute train ride away and the North Sea beach is within a half-hour bicycle ride. Leiden is famous for both its history and its university. It is a cultural centre with many museums, including the National Museums of Antiquities, Ethnology and Natural History and the Boerhaave Museum of Science.

International Programmes (all in English)

MBA: Creative and Performing Arts, Information Management, International Management, International Business Law

LL.M. programmes : European Community Law, International Air and Space Law, International Business Law, International Taxation, Public International Law & International Criminal Law Specialisation

MA Programmes: American Literature, Archaeology, Asia Studies, Book, Publishing and Digital Media Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Dutch Studies, Eastern Christianity, English Literature, European Union Studies, International Relations and Diplomacy, Islamic Studies, Medieval English Language & Literature, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Administration, Religious Studies, Turkish Studies

MSc programmes: Archaeological Science, Astronomy, Biology (specialization: Biodiversity & Natural Product, Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Biodiversity, Sustainability and Bio-diversity), Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Health Psychology, ICT in Business, Industrial Ecology, Life Science Technology, Mathematics, Media Technology, NanoScience, Physics.

MPhil Programme : Linguistics

PhD Programmes : All fields in which the University gives instruction, normally 4-5 years of study

Undergraduate and Certificate Programmes: Study Abroad Programme, Leiden Law Courses, Dutch Studies

Entry Requirements: For a Masters Programme a BA/BSc in a relevant field.

More info : www.leiden.edu

MPhil, PhD: MA/MSc in the field, Study Abroad, seniors or strong juniors

Excellent English ability is required for all programmes.

Duration: Most programmes take 1-2 years

Qualifications to be Obtained: Diploma, Certificate, MA, MBA, MSc, LL.M, and PhD.

Tuition Fees: With some exceptions, the typical fee for (Post) Graduate programmes is 11,000 Euro per annum (2004-2005). The tuition fee includes: Access to internet, Email account, student ID-card, orientation programme.

Accommodation: Arranged upon request.

Scholarships: Partial scholarships or tuition waivers available on a merit basis.

Application Deadline: April 1st for starting in September, July 1st for starting in January. (Late applications will be considered).