Leiden University · Netherlands
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (Leiden University College)
Global challenges such as peace, justice, sustainability and development, studied in small interdisciplinary classes on a residential campus in The Hague before you pick a major.
- Where
- The HagueNetherlands
- Degree
- BA or BSc
- Length
- 3 years
- Taught in
- English
- Starts
- Autumn 2027
- Apply by
- 15 March 2027
- Admission
- SelectiveIB grades
- EU/EEA fee
- €5,841 incl. LUC fee2027/28, est.
More facts
- Degree
- BA or BSc
- Length
- 3 years
- Taught in
- English
- Starts
- Autumn 2027
Deadlines
-
1 December 2026*
Create your Studielink accountYour own planDetails
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 -
15 March 2027
Applications closeHard deadlineDetails
Source -
6 July 2027*
IB results releasedDetails
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.
What it is
Global challenges such as climate change, conflict and inequality organise the programme, and you look at them through several disciplines before specialising, learning to see connections between fields. Classes are small and interactive, averaging about 18 students, with plenty of discussion and debate. You then major in one of five areas: Culture, History and Society; Earth, Energy and Sustainability; Governance, Economics and Development; International Justice; or World Politics. The college is in The Hague, with its ministries, international organisations and NGOs close by for professional contacts.
What you need
- Selective: 35 IB points incl. bonus to enter selection, any maths at 4 advised (2026-27 list). Early bird 1 Dec 2026; final 15 Mar 2027. Five majors.
Requirements in full
Every IB applicant at Leiden
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.
Check it on universiteitleiden.nl
How places are decided
- Holistic review, in order: academics, English, motivation, activities, maths; plus an online pre-admission class and written reflection. Early bird 1 Dec, final 15 Mar.