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Leiden University
Leiden University is a public university in Leiden, Netherlands, founded in 1575, with about 33,500 students.
- Type
- Public university
- Location
- Leiden, Netherlands
- Founded
- 1575
- Students
- 33,474
- Teaching language
- Dutch, English
Data from the official website · last checked 18 Oct 2026 · How we collect data · Report an error · Is this your university? Claim it to update
Logo: Leiden University, CC BY-SA 3.0
Leiden University (Universiteit Leiden) is a public research university in Leiden, the Netherlands. Founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward to the city for its resistance during the Spanish siege, it is the oldest university in the country.
The university has seven faculties: Archaeology, Governance and Global Affairs (largely based in The Hague), Humanities, Law, Medicine (with Leiden University Medical Center), Science, and Social and Behavioural Sciences. Its scholarly heritage includes Albert Einstein's visiting professorship and Nobel laureates such as Hendrik Lorentz and Heike Kamerlingh Onnes. Leiden is also known for Asian studies, international law and astronomy, and its botanical garden, the Hortus botanicus, is among the oldest in the world.
Bachelor's programmes are taught in Dutch or English, and most master's programmes are in English. Statutory fees apply to EU/EEA students and higher institutional fees to non-EU students.
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Frequently asked questions
What language are courses taught in at Leiden University?
Courses at Leiden University are taught in Dutch, English.
When was Leiden University founded?
Leiden University was founded in 1575.
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