★ StudyPath verdict
8.3/10
Best for students seeking rigorous research-driven study of politics and international relations at a top Dutch university. Weigh the strong theoretical focus and limited practical components when planning post-grad careers.
Tuition · Intl
↗€13,800
via SKDB 2025 ↗
Duration
3 years
180 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jan 26
Language
English
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2023
Admission
↗400
fixus places ↗
Enrolled/yr
↗850
DUO ↑100% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
?
not specified
Entry route
↗Any VWO
profile required ↗
Satisfaction
↗3.9/5
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: 23 Jun 2026
About this program
Political science is a broad study with a lot of depth. You study political issues at local, national and international level, from different perspectives. At the start of your studies, you can choose from two directions: Nationale en Internationale Politiek or International Relations and Organisations.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English180 ECTSBachelor of ScienceField area: Behaviour & SocietySector: Recht en BestuurCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeBachelor
Teaching formats
Case studyComputer assignmentsField tripGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentInternshipLecture
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 education ↗Honourstraject
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
Political Science19%
Politicologie19%
Crisis and Security Management17%
Public Administration8%
Possible professions
journalistbeleidsmedewerkerbestuurderpoliticusonderzoekerconsultantdiplomaatdocent
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Continue to year 289%
Complete this degree76%
Continue studying after graduating60%
Women among first-years61%
Say workload is “just right”60%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.9/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 269 respondents
Content & set-up3.8
Teachers3.8
Atmosphere4
Involvement & contact3.8
Study guidance3.8
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities4.1
Career preparation3
Teachers' English4.4
Would choose again4
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-01-15
Non-EU deadline
2026-01-15
Upcoming open days
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
?No admission requirements in source
Scholarships
Leiden University scholarships databaseVaries by scholarship
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)Varies; for excellent full-time master's students, with exclusions
Internships
?No data yet
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