IB Pathways

Leiden University · Netherlands

International Studies

One of eight world regions studied through its history, politics, economics and culture, while you learn a major language of that region; taught in The Hague.

Where
The HagueNetherlands
Degree
BA
Length
3 years
Taught in
English
Starts
Autumn 2027
Apply by
1 May 2027
Admission
Open to all who qualify
EU/EEA fee
€2,7712027/28 statutory fee
More facts
Degree
BA
Length
3 years
Taught in
English
Starts
Autumn 2027

Deadlines

  1. 1 December 2026*

    Create your Studielink account
    Your own plan
    Details

    Not an official deadline. With a Dutch address you log in with DigiD, which the government says takes about five days. Without one you upload a scan or photo of your passport or EU identity card and Studielink verifies it automatically. Either way, do it well before 15 January.

    Source

  2. 1 May 2027

    Programmes without numerus fixus (with matching): apply by
    Hard deadline
    DetailsSource

  3. 6 July 2027*

    IB results released
    Details

    Both Dutch deadlines fall well before this. How a conditional place pending results is handled is set by each institution; ask yours.

    Source

* Last year’s date, not yet confirmed.

Every date in the Netherlands

What it is

You approach global developments through history, politics, economics and culture, with lectures from several disciplines and language study tied to your region. You choose one of eight regional specialisations: Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, or South Asia and Southeast Asia, each with its own language options. In year three the PRINS course is a 12-week consultancy project in which teams tackle real challenges for organisations such as UN agencies, War Child Alliance and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme is based in The Hague, seat of the Dutch government, and prepares you for academia or the public or private sector.

What you need

  • Full IB Diploma required (not certificates); send grade 11, November grade 12 and predicted grades. English-taught IB or English A HL waives the English test. Science programmes set HL subjects.
Requirements in full

Where it says so

Check it on universiteitleiden.nl

How places are decided

    • Everyone eligible is admitted
    Not selective: meet the requirements and you are admitted. Apply by 1 May 2027; online matching is compulsory, its advice not binding.
Sources (2)
  1. International Studies at Leiden — checked 2026-09-30
  2. IB applicants at Leiden

Other degrees at Leiden