Leiden University

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. It was founded in 1575. The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom.The University has always stood for freedom of spirit, thought and speech as well as freedom in research and teaching. The University wants to create an environment in which academics and students have the opportunity to excel. The University has a responsibility to society and to future generations. This means providing excellent research and teaching that make the world a safer, healthier, more sustainable, prosperous and just place – at local, regional and global level. As a prestigious European research university, Leiden University plays a foremost role in academic research and teaching. High-quality academic research and teaching are crucial to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world. The University is committed to developing, disseminating and applying academic knowledge and is a trusted figure in societal and political debates in the national and international arena.

Leiden University is among the top 100 universities in five prominent international rankings. These rankings are based on different indicators that endorse the broad quality of our teaching and research. The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) provides an overview of the scores of all Dutch universities in these rankings. Leiden University is in 82  ^th place in the ARWU ranking (2015). Leiden University is in 67 ^th place (2015-2016) in  The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking.

It aims for excellence in all its research and teaching.The University focuses its efforts on achieving the maximum impact from its research and teaching – academic, cultural, societal and economic. Leiden University focuses on disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Leiden University was the first university to be established in the Netherlands. William of Orange gave Leiden Academia Lugduno Batava in 1575, it is said in recognition of the city’s courageous resistance against the seige by the Spanish invaders.

Every year Leiden University trains around 26,000 students from almost 100 different countries. It has seven faculties in the arts, sciences and social sciences, spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague. The University has over 5,500 staff members . The University is committed to ensuring that all its teaching meets the highest quality standards. Everyone is welcome to study at Leiden University, at all stages of life: as a bachelor’s or master’s  student in Leiden or The Hague, or sitting at their computer at home following free online programmes such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Part-time study options are also available, as a participant in non-curricular courses including Education for the Third Age and the Studium Generale (General Studies) lecture series, or special courses for professional in-career training. 

Leiden University has locations in two cities: Leiden and The Hague. In The Hague – city of peace, security and justice, where the University has had a campus since 1998 – the University’s teaching and research reflect the themes that are important for the capital city and for society.