Programs/Master/Mathematics, natural sciences and computer science
★ StudyPath verdict
8.1/10
Best for academically inclined students seeking deep research into religion, ethics and society; strong theoretical focus with international outlook but fewer direct vocational pathways than applied programmes.
Tuition · Intl
€22,500
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2019
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
320
DUO ↑36% ↗
Intl. %
45%
of students ↗
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
3 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
4.0/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
?
no data yet
Median salary
€3,226
/mo gross · field ↗
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: 24 Jun 2026
About this program
Astronomy covers observations using the world's most powerful telescopes, theoretical astrophysical and astrochemical modeling, innovative instrumentation techniques, and laboratory experiments that mimic conditions in space. In this two-year master's programme in Astronomy you get access to cutting edge research in modern astronomy. Main focus areas include galaxies and the structures in which they are embedded, exoplanets, and star and planet formation. With seven challenging specialisations to choose from, you will be prepared for a wide variety of careers within academia, industry and the public sector. The Leiden Astronomy Department has a strong international reputation. Research at the cutting edge of modern astronomy is an integral part of the MSc programme. Research students graduate with a broad knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, but may specialise in observation, theory or instrumentation. Other specialisations allow the student to specialise in business and management, high-tech innovation, communication or education. Are you are interested in astronomy research within or outside academia? Do you want to add value to society through scientific and technological progress? Are you keen on solving complex matters and are you up for a challenge? Then our Leiden University Astronomy master's programme is designed for you.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
EnglishMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Exact en InformaticaCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Field tripLecturePracticalResearchWorking group
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
Do you have the drive and ambition to further develop your leadership qualities and your knowledge of leadership? And would you like to learn more about leadership in practice?
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: sterrenkunde
Median starting salary (field)€3,226/mo gross
Months to a substantial job13.5
Permanent contract23%
Possible professions
Science CommunicatorMuseum educatorScience journalistScience editorInformation officerCommunication officerResearcher in High-Tech industry
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree81%
Women among first-years43%
International students45%
Say workload is “just right”38%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 39 respondents
Content & set-up4
Teachers3.9
Atmosphere4.1
Involvement & contact3.9
Study guidance3.9
Testing & assessment3.7
Facilities4.4
Career preparation3.7
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-15
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Upcoming open days
Open dayonline
15 Oct 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
Internships
?No data yet
🤝
Got admitted? We handle the rest.
Document review, visa, housing. 92% success rate. From €499.