Programs/Bachelor/General programmes
Bachelor

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Leiden UniversityLeiden, NLEnglish
★ StudyPath verdict
8.0/10
Best for students with strong mathematics skills seeking a rigorous foundation in AI and machine learning at a top Dutch university; weigh the theoretical focus and competitive entry against excellent research opportunities.
Tuition · Intl
€18,700
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
3 years
180 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2021
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
224
DUO ↑11% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Any VWO
profile + subjects ↗
Satisfaction
3.8/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
?
no data yet
Median salary
?
no data yet
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
Are you interested in human cognition? Are you eager to understand AI, and how the technology works? In the bachelor Data Science & Artificial Intelligence you will develop a strong fundamental basis in computer science, mathematics and statistics combined to advanced machine learning, cognitive science and AI competence. This programme is aimed at students who have a strong interest in programming, computer science, and have strong mathematical skills, as well as an interest in the human brain and information processing. Why Data Science & Artificial Intelligence in Leiden? * Computational thinking and data science: In Leiden we believe: a competent AI engineer, is first and foremost a skilled computer scientist. You will learn to understand how information is created, gain insights into algorithms and learn programming skills. * Research University: Teaching is directly inspired by current research, students can participate in research projects, and they will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and develop problem solving skills. Lectures will be given by research staff from LIACS (Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science), Institute of Psychology and Leiden University Centre for Linguistics.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English180 ECTSBachelor of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Exact en InformaticaCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeBachelor
Teaching formats
Computer assignmentsGroup assignmentLectureResearch projectResearch proposal
About Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's most prestigious. Known for excellence in law, humanities, and international studies. 16 Nobel Prize winners are affiliated, including Einstein who was a professor there. Has a second campus in The Hague.
Living in Leiden
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€520/mo
Monthly total
€900–€1,600
Cost of living
Medium
Population
126k

Intellectual, historic, and cultured. Leiden exudes academic tradition with its beautiful old buildings and prestigious university. The city is quieter than Amsterdam but offers rich cultural experiences, including world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Honours educationHonourstraject
Iare you looking for extra opportunities besides your regular bachelor's studies? The Honours College offers small-scale teaching to motivated students, with ample attention for pe
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Where bachelor graduates continue
Artificial Intelligence63%
Information Studies7%
Computing Science5%
Information Sciences2%
Possible professions
Data or AI specialistMachine Learning engineerData scientistComputer Research ScientistBusiness intelligence developer
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Continue to year 282%
Women among first-years27%
Say workload is “just right”58%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.8/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 108 respondents
Content & set-up3.7
Teachers3.7
Atmosphere4
Involvement & contact3.8
Study guidance3.5
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities4.2
Career preparation2.9
Teachers' English4.1
Would choose again3.9
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Upcoming open days
Open day
7 Nov 2026
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • TOEFL internet based: 90
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: 180
Scholarships
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)Varies; for excellent full-time master's students, with exclusions
Internships
?No data yet
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Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Bachelor) | Leiden University | StudyPath