π³π± Leiden University Β· Cost & Aid
Leiden University Cost & Financial Aid for International Students 2026
What it actually costs to attend Leiden University as an international student β tuition, living costs, hidden fees, financial aid pathways.
Total annual cost at Leiden University for international students is approximately Non-EU Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences: USD 28,000 to 33,000 per year (USD 84,000 to 99,000 for a three-year bachelor). Non-EU Science: USD 32,800 to 38,000 per year (USD 98,400 to 114,000 for three years). EU students: USD 14,000 to 20,000 per year (USD 42,000 to 60,000 for three years). The Dutch bachelor takes three years rather than four, reducing total cost significantly versus US programmes. More expensive than KU Leuven (approximately double) but cheaper than UK Russell Group universities (roughly 60 percent of UK cost). For international law specifically, Leiden offers the cheapest globally credentialled path to ICJ-proximity expertise. (tuition EU and EEA statutory fee: EUR 2,601 (2025-26) rising to EUR 2,694 (2026-27). Non-EU bachelor institutional fees: Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, and Governance programmes EUR 13,800 to 14,300 per year; Science programmes EUR 18,100 to 18,700 per year; Medicine EUR 29,200 to 30,200 per year; Leiden University College EUR 17,570 plus EUR 2,990 additional totalling EUR 20,560. Non-EU master programmes: EUR 15,500 to 22,500 per year depending on programme, with International Relations and Diplomacy at EUR 21,100 and European and International Business Law at EUR 22,300 for 2026-27., living costs EUR 12,000 to 16,800 per year in Leiden. DUWO student housing EUR 425 to 700 per month where available (applications closed for Fall 2026). Private market rooms in shared housing EUR 500 to 800 per month, up from EUR 400 to 600 pre-2023. Studios EUR 900 to 1,400 per month and nearly impossible for students to secure. Food EUR 200 to 300 per month. Transport effectively free with student OV-chipkaart. Bicycle EUR 50 to 150 used and essential for daily life.).
Cost breakdown
| Item | Range |
|---|
| Tuition (international) | EU and EEA statutory fee: EUR 2,601 (2025-26) rising to EUR 2,694 (2026-27). Non-EU bachelor institutional fees: Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, and Governance programmes EUR 13,800 to 14,300 per year; Science programmes EUR 18,100 to 18,700 per year; Medicine EUR 29,200 to 30,200 per year; Leiden University College EUR 17,570 plus EUR 2,990 additional totalling EUR 20,560. Non-EU master programmes: EUR 15,500 to 22,500 per year depending on programme, with International Relations and Diplomacy at EUR 21,100 and European and International Business Law at EUR 22,300 for 2026-27. |
| Living costs (housing + lifestyle) | EUR 12,000 to 16,800 per year in Leiden. DUWO student housing EUR 425 to 700 per month where available (applications closed for Fall 2026). Private market rooms in shared housing EUR 500 to 800 per month, up from EUR 400 to 600 pre-2023. Studios EUR 900 to 1,400 per month and nearly impossible for students to secure. Food EUR 200 to 300 per month. Transport effectively free with student OV-chipkaart. Bicycle EUR 50 to 150 used and essential for daily life. |
| Total annual | Non-EU Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences: USD 28,000 to 33,000 per year (USD 84,000 to 99,000 for a three-year bachelor). Non-EU Science: USD 32,800 to 38,000 per year (USD 98,400 to 114,000 for three years). EU students: USD 14,000 to 20,000 per year (USD 42,000 to 60,000 for three years). The Dutch bachelor takes three years rather than four, reducing total cost significantly versus US programmes. More expensive than KU Leuven (approximately double) but cheaper than UK Russell Group universities (roughly 60 percent of UK cost). For international law specifically, Leiden offers the cheapest globally credentialled path to ICJ-proximity expertise. |
Estimates based on publicly disclosed tuition and typical city living costs. Exchange rates, personal spending, and scholarship aid can shift actual costs materially. How we source data.
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