IB Pathways

Leiden University · Netherlands

Linguistics

How languages are built, compared and change, including endangered languages, with specialisations such as descriptive and comparative Indo-European linguistics.

Where
LeidenNetherlands
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 learn how language works: sound systems and syntax, how children acquire language, how languages compare, how endangered languages are documented and how languages change over time. Teaching happens in small classes with regular contact with teachers, and experimental work uses four language labs: Babylab, EEG, phonetics and eye-tracking. In year two you choose a specialisation: Descriptive Linguistics, Language and Cognition, Comparative Indo-European Linguistics, or the Dutch-taught Language in Use. The research behind the field feeds practical applications such as help for speech disorders, language software and preserving endangered languages.

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. Linguistics at Leiden — checked 2026-09-30
  2. IB applicants at Leiden

Other degrees at Leiden