Go Global Office of Global Engagement

Universiteit Leiden

City: Leiden
Language of instruction: DutchEnglish
  • Universiteit Leiden was founded in 1575
  • One of Europe’s leading international research universities
  • It has seven faculties in the arts, sciences and social sciences
  • Spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague
  • The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom
  • 6,500+ staff members and 26,900 students have a strong impact on the town's daily life and appearance

Read student reports

Partner university’s areas of study

  • Arts
  • Land and Food Systems
  • Law
  • Science

Eligibility and Timing

Terms Offered

  • Term 1
  • Term 2
  • Full year Term 1 + 2 (UBC Term 1 start)

Who can go?

  • Exchange students can take coursework in most areas of study
  • Students must have a minimum 73% cumulative academic average to attend Leiden University

Term Dates

  • Semester 1: September to late January (except Law)
  • Semester 2: February to June

Please note that some programs (i.e. Psychology) do not allow for alternate exams, meaning that you may not be able to return to UBC for Term 2. Please see an advisor for more information.

Timing

  • Students may be able to return to UBC for Term 2, depending on their area of study
  •  Does not apply to Leiden-Law students
  • When applying to Go Global, Law students must select Leiden-LAW

Credits

Course equivalency formula

  • ECTS credits divided by 2 = UBC credits

Credit transfer process

The transfer credit process takes approximately 16 weeks following each submission deadline. You should allow sufficient time to meet important deadlines that may affect you (e.g. application for graduation, registration in courses that require prerequisites that you took on exchange, entry to a major/honours program, etc.)

For more information about Go Global transfer credit


Course Information

* Students who have special requirements or require academic accommodation should contact a Go Global advisor regarding their needs at least six weeks prior to the application deadline.

Type of Go Global Experiences

  • Exchange (pay UBC tuition)
  • Graduate research

Course information and restrictions

Browse courses at Leiden on their "e-prospectus." Courses are listed under the Bachelor and Masters Programs.

  • Law students can review course information here
  • Undergraduate students may take 400-level masters courses if they have the background knowledge.
  • Exchange students have the option to apply for Leiden University College: a residential program with courses that address global challenges
    • Students live together and take all their courses within this program
  • Students can be enrolled in courses at both The Hague campus and the Leiden campus

Full course load information

  • 20-30 ECTS per semester for non-degree students
  • 30 ECTS is the standard full-time load for Dutch students

Partner Course Information


Transfer Credits And Equivalent Courses At This University

Check out the courses that previous students have transferred back to UBC in the last 5 years using our Course Search Tool. If you don't see a particular course you listed, it simply means you need to submit it as a new course request through the Transfer Credit Portal while on your Go Global experience. For more information, please visit the Go Global Transfer Credit webpage.

*Areas of study at partner universities are subject to change. The tool is for reference only - research the partners' websites for additional course information.

Search courses now

Exchange Tuition

  • 15 credits or equivalent full-time program fee per term, paid to UBC
  • Some exceptions may apply

Scholarships and awards

The Go Global Award $1000

All students accepted to Go Global for Exchange, Research Abroad, or Study Abroad travel programs are automatically considered for this award. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be notified of your award after you're accepted to Go Global and after you get nominated to apply to the partner university.

Additional Awards

Students who are eligible for awards may receive one UBC or UBC-affiliated international learning award. If you're eligible, you are always offered the highest-value award. Unless stated otherwise, you need to meet eligibility criteria set out by the University Senate regarding awards.

Check out international learning awards and eligibility.


Information for US students: 

If you are a student from the United States, please check the US Department of Education Lookup Tool to ensure that any partner institution you wish to attend on Exchange is Title IV ‘eligible’ for Federal Student Aid for the year in which you intend to study there. For institutions outside of the US, select “Foreign Country” from the “State” dropdown menu.

If you attend an eligible institution, then you may receive Title IV federal student loans while on Exchange.

If you attend an ineligible institution:

  • You will not be eligible for US federal student loans,
  • You may invalidate any US student aid you have previously received for your studies at UBC,
  • You may be required to immediately begin repaying your US student loans, and
  • You may not be eligible for any future US student aid for the remainder of your studies at UBC.

Additional Fees

Exchange students in the Netherlands are normally required to obtain local medical insurance as a requirement by Dutch immigration or the university. This would be in addition to whatever travel insurance you may have. See: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/insurance.

Types of accommodation available

  • Off-campus
  • On-campus

Housing notes

  • Housing in Leiden is very limited and difficult to find
  • It is recommended that students start looking for housing early on