These are the list of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we have received over the past years. The same FAQ have been attached to our auto-replies. If your question(s) has not been answered in this page, please .
The candidate:
Yes, but be clear in describing how your skills and knowledge match the projects you have selected.
No.
Yes, as long you have completed two years at the time of application.
Yes, as long you have completed two years at the time of application.
No.
Yes, as long as you graduated after January 2023 and you have not been accepted into a PhD programme.
Yes, as long as you graduated after January 2023 and you have not been accepted into a PhD programme.
No.
Yes, if you satisfy the eligibility criteria listed in FAQ 1.
Yes, but you are required to be in Leiden for the entire duration of the programme.
Yes.
Yes.
Because many universities do not issue official transcripts to students who have not yet graduated, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Please scan and upload the transcript to the application website.
If you can obtain an officially translated transcript which is also free, then yes. If not, please send a copy of the original, and a copy of your own translation into English.
If not included in the transcript, please provide a grade scale (ensure that the scale covers both the minimum and maximum grades, along with the pass-level grade).
Please provide the most recent transcript that you have.
Detailed instructions for requesting a reference are available on the application portal. Please follow these instructions carefully.
No. Be sure to select a referee who can vouch for your potential as a researcher and not just comment on your grades.
Ask your referee to try copying the full link into the browser. If this still does not work, send an e-mail to the address given at the end of this FAQ.
Please ask your referee directly if they have prepared and uploaded your reference. If the upload has worked, your referee will have received a confirmation email (make sure they check their SPAM folder). If you have taken these steps and there are still problems, please send an e-mail.
Your referee will receive instructions on how to upload your reference letter when you enter their email address into the system. We do not accept the reference letters directly from the candidates.
If this person knows your work and potential for research very well then this is acceptable.
Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure that your referee has sufficient time to complete and submit their reference before the deadline.
More details will follow soon.
More details will follow soon.
LEAPS 2025 will run from June 16 - August 22 for 10 weeks.
Yes. More details will follow soon.
We expect to announce the outcome of the selection process and issue first offers by mid-March, 2025.
We’ll send you updates by email. It’s best not to log in to check, as it might accidentally change your submission date, which could make your application appear late and result in rejection.
No, late applications will not be accepted. The online submission system will close and you will not be able to upload your application. We encourage everyone to start early to avoid last minute troubles with the system.
No. We only accept submissions via our online applications system available here. Application are carried out through the application form.
Please list the date you expect to receive your final degree, i.e., the end of the 4 years for an undergraduate masters.
No specific structure is required. Be sure to highlight how your skills and interests apply to your chosen projects and list examples of other projects in which you have been involved. However, please follow the page restrictions (A4, 12pt font, margins: top and bottom of 1 inch, and left and right of 1.25 inches). Not following these restrictions will result in a rejection of your application.
You can re-open your application and replace the documents up until the deadline.
No, you cannot view or make changes to your application after the deadline. Additionally, logging in after the deadline is risky, as it might change your submission date and result in your application being marked late and rejected.
No. Each project is for one student only.
No. Your English will be assessed from your cover letter and during interviews (for shortlisted candidates).
Please check this to find out if you need a visa.
Yes, we will provide you with an official letter that you can use for your visa application. Please note, we will not apply for a visa on your behalf.
No. We will arrange health insurance for all the LEAPS students.
Students will be housed in self-catered accommodation which will have a fully stocked kitchen. Details of the specific accommodation will be sent to the selected applicants. Leiden has plenty of grocery and hardware stores for purchasing food and additional necessary items.
You can travel all around Leiden and the rest of the country (on buses, trams, trains) using an OV-chipkaart that you can buy at any train station. Click here to know more.