Leiden University College is the international honours college of Leiden University, the oldest university in The Netherlands (1575). LUC is located in the vibrant and international city of The Hague, home to many international organizations, 10 minutes from Leiden, and 45 minutes away from Amsterdam.
LUC offers a 3-year Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor’s programme, focusing on today’s Global Challenges – major issues facing humanity and the planet, such as diversity, prosperity, sustainability, peace and justice. Six Majors (3 majors leading to a BSc, 3 majors leading to a BA) are offered centered around these Global Challenges.
LUC is home to 600 students coming from over 50 different nationalities, offering an opportunity for talented, open-minded and ambitious students from all over the world. First and second year students live and learn on-campus in a community focused on making an impact on society. The central 21-story-high building in the middle of The Hague offers individual studio apartments. This residential concept ensures for a close-knit community, and a very active student body, offering many activities, clubs and committees for students to participate in.
Curriculum Information
In the first year, you follow courses to become familiarized with Global Challenges: what are they, what makes them complicated, and how do they affect diverse communities around the globe and locally? You will also follow a few courses that lay a strong academic foundation, such as academic writing, mathematics and philosophy. You top this off with a few elective courses of your choice.
At the end of their first year, you select a Major to pursue for the following two years.
In the last year there is the opportunity to go abroad for one semester or follow a minor at LUC or Leiden University. The bachelor’s programme is culminated with writing an independent research project within your major on a thesis topic of choice.
The Majors
Bachelor of Arts:
Culture, History & Society
Address the historical origins and societal manifestations of human diversity
World Politics
Examine interactions between state and non-state actors in relation to peace and conflict
International Justice
Study challenges to justice and the international rule of law in a globalizing and pluralistic society
Bachelor of Science:
Global Health Innovation and Society
Address global health from a sociocultural, environmental and biomedical perspective
Earth, Energy and Sustainability
Investigate the problems, solutions and barriers in building a sustainable society.
Governance, Economics and Development
Understand how tools of governance can be used to enhance development and prosperity across societies
Admissions
Admissions
LUC has a selective admissions process. Once you have registered in Studielink for our programme, you will need to complete your application on the Leiden University application portal. The following documents make up a complete application.
- Copy of most recent secondary school transcript (or diploma)
- LUC Form (Motivation, extracurriculars & some other background questions)
- Application fee of €50 (some exemptions)
Many diplomas from around the world are accepted, including the IB (32 points), A-levels (grades A-B) and HSD with AP’s (4 AP’s grades 4-5). Find an extensive list on our website under Admission and Application > Admission requirements.
If you meet our criteria and submit a strong application, you’ll take part in an online preview class as a final step in the application process.
Application Deadlines
LUC only has a fall intake (End of August), and 2 application deadlines:
- Early Bird: 1 December
- Regular: 15 March
Students who apply by the early bird deadline hear the outcome of the selection process by mid-March. The early bird deadline is also recommended for non-EU candidates who need a visa, and for students wishing to apply for financial aid.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
EU/EEA students: € 5,493 (2025/2026)
Non-EU students: € 19,892 (2025/2026)
There is limited financial aid available students can apply for.
Contact Details
Leiden University College
Anne Kuijs
Anna van Buerenplein 301
2595 DG The Hague
The Netherlands
www.lucthehague.nl
communication@luc.leidenuniv.nl
+31 70 800 9369
English 
Dutch