Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take before a decision on my application is issued?
It generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks from the date on which you are informed that your application is complete until you receive a decision. If additional information is required during the application process it may take a little longer. Please make sure your application is complete and is submitted as early as possible.
Once a decision on your application has been made, you will receive a formal statement from the faculty by email.
More information
What is the selection procedure for programmes with limited places (numerus fixus)?
Because of their popularity, some bachelor’s programmes are oversubscribed. For these programmes, a limit has been set for the number of students that can be allocated a place. This is known as a 'numerus fixus'. This means that even if you are admitted to the programme, you are not guaranteed a place. You must also be allocated a place on the programme via a selection procedure.
Take careful note of the application deadlines for numerus fixus programmes as these are generally earlier than those for other types of study programme.
For further explanation see Admission requirements - Programmes with limited places.
How do I request a Statement of registration (enrolment)?
- Log into uSis using your student number.
- Click on the 'Communication' tile.
- If you do not see the message you are looking for, click on the little x in top-right corner of your screen.
- Click on ‘Your registration is final’ to download your Statement of registration.
More information
I am a future master’s student and cannot submit the requested academic records before the visa / residence permit deadline. What should I do?
The standard deadline for receiving all the required documents for your visa/residence permit request is:
- 1 June: programmes starting in September
- 1 December: programmes starting in February
Will the academic records requested in your admission statement (e.g. your final transcript or diploma) be issued after the standard deadline? Follow the instructions below:
If you need a visa AND residence permit:
1. Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline:
- Submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee.
- In the uSis visa portal, also upload a personal statement explaining which academic records are late, why, and when you can provide them.
Make sure Leiden University receives the following items sent directly by your institution – see permitted submission methods below:
- A certified copy of your most recent transcript, and
- A statement confirming your predicated grades and expected graduation date (which must be before the start date of your studies).
Permitted submission methods: - By post to Leiden University Admissions Office postal address in a sealed institution envelope; or
- By email to masteradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl. The email must be:
- Sent from an official email address that is currently in use by your institution.
- The sender must be a staff member who is authorised to issue academic records.
- The name and position of the staff member sending the email must be clearly stated.
- The email must state your full name and uSis application number.
Note: if we are not able to verify the authenticity of the email address or sender (via the institution website or direct contact), we cannot accept documents sent by email.
- Chinese academic records only: upload verification reports of your ‘transcript to date and ‘student record report’ in Chinese and in English in the uSis application portal under ‘other documents’.
If you need a residence permit only:
- Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline: submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee.
- By 1 August (September starts) or 15 January (February start): make sure Leiden University receives the missing academic records.
- If your academic records will only be available after 1 August/15 January, send a mail to masteradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request instructions.
We urgently request that you take the above-mentioned steps in time. If we do not receive the required documents and information on time, we will not be able to process your visa/residence permit request. This will result in you being unable to join your study programme.
When and how must I submit digital and certified copies of my academic records to the university?
When applying
When you apply for admission to a degree programme, you only need to upload digital copies of your academic records in the online application portal (uSis). Certified copies are not yet required.
Upon admission
Upon admission you will be notified of the following via uSis:
- Which additional (certified or digital) academic records you must submit.
- The stipulated method of submission.
- The deadline for submission.
- Download your official decision statement (via uSis) and read it carefully. Take note of your admission conditions and the deadlines for meeting them.
- On the uSis 'decision' screen: upload digital copies of all items stated in your conditions using the ‘Upload your documents’ button.
- Check if there are additional submission instructions stated on your decision statement. These might be e.g. submitting certified copies by post or arranging online verification. Follow the instructions carefully! For documents by post, check who must issue them and how they must be sent.
- Only submit items via the method(s) specified in your decision statement. Items submitted via other methods cannot be accepted.
- There is no need to send items via multiple methods unless this is requested. For example, if you are instructed to arrange online verification only, you do not need to also send items by post.
Refer to the FAQ on After admission, what should I do if I am unable to submit certified copies via the specified method?
Questions?
If you are still unsure when and how to submit your academic records after admission, send a mail to the bachelor admission team: bacheloradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl, or master admission team: masteradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Also see the following FAQ
I am a future bachelor’s student and cannot submit the requested academic records in time for the visa / residence permit deadline. What should I do?
The standard deadline for receiving all the required documents for your visa/residence permit request is 1 June.
Academic records expected later?
Will the academic records requested in your admission statement (e.g. your final diploma) only be available after the standard deadline? Follow the instructions below.
Diploma expected no later than 5 July
Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline:
- Submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee.
- In the uSis visa portal, also upload a personal statement explaining which academic records are late, why, and when you can provide them.
- By 5 July: make sure we receive the missing academic records*.
*IB students: we will verify your results after they are released on 5 July.
If you need a visa AND residence permit:
Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline:
- Submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee, and
- Send an email to: bacheloradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request instructions concerning your academic records.
- Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline: submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee.
- By 1 August: make sure we receive the missing academic records.
- If your academic records will only be available after 1 August*, send an email to bacheloradmission@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request instructions.
*Exception: UK A-level results can be submitted later in August, as soon as they are released.
We urgently request that you take the above-mentioned steps in time. If we do not receive the required documents and information on time, we will not be able to process your visa/residence permit request. This will result in you being unable to join your study programme.
Who should I contact with questions about ICT facilities, e.g. ULCN, Brightspace, uMail?
Many solutions for ICT problems can be found on our website and in our manuals. Often you can solve a problem easily yourself by checking the information available online.
ICT Helpdesks
- The major computer halls and various faculties have their own ICT helpdesks, which are open during office hours. These can be found on the ICT Support webpage.
- You can also contact the Helpdesk ISSC (ICT Shared Service Centre), either via email or phone: helpdesk@issc.leidenuniv.nl / +31 (0)71 527 8888.
Do I need a visa and/or residence permit to study in the Netherlands?
Whether or not you need a visa and/or residence permit depends on your nationality, your purpose of stay, and the length of your stay. You can check our visa/residence permit website to find out whether you need a visa and/or residence permit.
I cannot submit all the items required for my visa / residence permit application in time. What should I do?
- 1 June: programmes starting in September
- 1 December: programmes starting in February
Will one or more of the required items, for example your scholarship letter or new passport, be issued after the standard deadline? If so, take the steps below:
1. Before the standard visa/residence permit deadline:
- Submit all your other visa/residence permit documents and pay the visa/residence fee.
- In the uSis visa portal, upload a personal statement explaining which items are late, why, and when you can provide them.
- Submit the missing item(s).
Will your academic records (e.g. final diploma) only be issued after 5 July / 5 December? See the following FAQs for instructions:
- I am a future master’s student and cannot submit the requested academic records before the visa / residence permit deadline.
- I am a future bachelor’s student and cannot submit the requested academic records in time for the visa / residence permit deadline.
We urgently request that you take the above-mentioned steps in time. If we do not receive the required documents and information on time, we will not be able to process your visa/residence permit request. This will result in you being unable to join your study programme.
I am an international student and have requested housing via uSis. When will I hear more?
Two weeks after the housing application deadline, you will receive an email letting you know whether:
- you applied in time and will soon be given access to the housing reservation portal, OR
- too many students applied before you, so you can choose to request a refund of the housing fee, or be put on a waiting list in case any other students withdraw.
For students who applied in time, Leiden University will soon after begin sending emails with log-in details for the housing reservation portal. Here you can log-in and reserve one of the accommodations t set aside for international students.
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