Leiden University’s global standing shows steady performance with some fluctuations. In QS rankings, it moved from #113 in 2022 to #141 in 2025, indicating a gradual decline. However, THE rankings reflect improvement, climbing from #77 in 2023 to #73 in 2025. The university also ranked #19 in Western Europe (QS 2025), underscoring its continued regional strength, despite a lower position (#540) in the QS Sustainability ranking.

On the subject level, Leiden University saw notable gains. In QS, Archaeology rose from #6 to #4 (2023–2025), Classics from #13 to #6, and Life Sciences and Medicine improved from #98 to #77. THE rankings also show upward trends—Law advanced from #29 (2023) to #21 (2025), and Arts & Humanities improved from #26 to #21. These gains highlight Leiden’s rising influence in law, humanities, and life sciences.

Also Read: Leiden University Reviews

Leiden University Rankings in the World

There are over 17,000 universities in the world, among them, Leiden University is placed in the top 150 in the world in four leading international rankings. In 2025, Leiden University QS ranking places it at the #141 position. Another international ranking agency THE places Leiden at #73 in Word University Ranking category 2025. Some notable world ranking of Leiden University are given in the table below.

Ranked By 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank 2022 Rank
QS #141 #126 #131 #113
THE #73 #77 #77 #71
US News and World Report - #56 #74 #82

Additionally, Leiden University is ranked

  • #540 in QS Sustainability ranking 2025.
  • #19 in QS Europe University Rankings (Western Europe) 2025.

Leiden University Law Rankings

Leiden University’s Law School remains a top global contender, ranking #25 in QS 2025, with only slight shifts from #23 in 2023—showcasing consistent academic excellence.

In THE rankings, it jumped from #29 in 2023 to #17 in 2024, before adjusting to #21 in 2025—demonstrating strong and sustained global impact in legal education.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Law and Legal Studies #25 #24 #23
THE- Law #21 #17 #29

Check Out: Leiden University Law Courses and Fees 2025

Leiden University Netherlands Rankings for Psychology

Leiden University’s Psychology program shows steady strength, ranking #65 in QS 2025, with minor fluctuations from #58 in 2023—reflecting consistent global recognition in the field.

In THE rankings, the program improved from #77 in 2023 to #59 in 2025, indicating a positive trajectory in research impact, teaching, and international outlook.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Psychology #65 #56 #58
THE- Psychology #59 #63 #77

Know More: Leiden University Psychology Courses and Fees 2025

Leiden University Netherlands Rankings for Engineering and Computer Science

Leiden University has demonstrated a consistent presence in the QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology, Computer Science and Information systems over the past three years, with the following positions.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Engineering and Technology #376 #378 #401-450
QS- Computer Science and Information Systems #152 #162 #151-200

Check Out: Leiden University Engineering Courses and Fees 2025

Leiden University Rankings for Natural Science Programs

Leiden University shows mixed performance in natural sciences. QS rankings for Biological Sciences, Physics, and Chemistry declined from 2023 to 2025, while Mathematics and Environmental Sciences remained steady in the 151–200 range. Materials Science entered the rankings in 2024 and slipped to 351–400 in 2025.

Overall, Natural Sciences fell from #128 to #168, indicating a broader downward trend. THE’s Physical Sciences ranking remained stable, moving slightly from #65 in 2023 to #75 in 2025, suggesting consistent quality despite some slippage in QS subject rankings.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Biological Sciences #89 #69 #65
QS- Physics and Astronomy #102 #74 #61
QS- Mathematics #151-200 #151-200 #151-200
QS- Chemistry #164 #143 #116
QS- Environmental Sciences #151-200 #151-200 #151-200
QS- Natural Sciences #168 #135 #128
QS- Materials Science #351-400 #301-350 -
THE- Physical Sciences #75 #76 #65

Also Read: Leiden University Natural Science Courses and Fees 2025

Leiden University Netherlands Ranking for Medical Science

Leiden University maintains a strong global standing in health and life sciences. Pharmacy and Pharmacology, while dropping slightly from #15 in 2023 to #22 in 2025, remains firmly in the global top 25. Medicine held steady, ranking #65 in both 2023 and 2025, reflecting consistent performance.

Life Sciences and Medicine improved notably from #98 in 2023 to #77 in 2025, while Anatomy and Physiology stayed within the 101–170 band. THE’s Medical and Health ranking remained stable at #62 in both 2024 and 2025, indicating solid, sustained quality across the health disciplines.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Pharmacy and Pharmacology #22 #16 #15
QS- Medicine #65 #61 #65
QS- Life Sciences and Medicine #77 #76 #98
QS- Anatomy and Physiology #101-170 #101-150 #101-150
THE- Medical and Health #62 #62 #70

Check Out: Leiden University Medicine Courses and Fees

Leiden University Rankings: Notable Mentions

Leiden University continues to excel in the humanities and social sciences. Archaeology ranks impressively at #4 in QS 2025, climbing from #6 in 2023, while Classics and Ancient History made a strong leap to #6 from #13 in 2024. Politics and History remain consistently within the global top 20, underscoring the university’s academic depth in these disciplines.

Geography and Anthropology saw slight shifts, with Geography rising to #26 in 2025 and Anthropology dipping to #27. THE’s Arts and Humanities ranking reflects steady growth, improving from #26 in 2023 to #21 in 2025—affirming Leiden’s global leadership in these fields.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Archeology #4 #5 #6
QS- Classics and Ancient History #6 #13 #10
QS- Politics #17 #14 #16
QS- History #18 #18 #17
QS- Geography #26 #28 -
QS- Anthropology #27 #18 #18
THE- Arts and Humanities #21 #24 #26

Also Check: Leiden University Courses and Fees 2025

Leiden University remains a globally respected institution with strong regional influence and standout performances in Law, Humanities, and Life Sciences. While some fluctuations are seen in overall global rankings and select STEM fields, its subject-level achievements reflect academic depth, research impact, and sustained excellence across key disciplines.

FAQs

Ques: Is Leiden a prestigious university?

Ans: Yes, Leiden University is widely regarded as a prestigious institution, consistently ranked among the top 150 universities globally. It is especially renowned for its programs in Law, Humanities, and Life Sciences, with several subjects ranked in the global top 25.

Ques: What rank is Leiden University?

Ans: In 2025, Leiden University is ranked #141 by QS and #73 by Times Higher Education (THE) in global university rankings. It also ranks #19 in Western Europe according to the QS Europe University Rankings 2025.

Ques: Is it hard to get into Leiden University?

Ans: While Leiden University is competitive due to its strong academic reputation, admissions difficulty varies by program. Highly ranked faculties like Law and Medicine may be more selective, especially for international applicants, but the university offers a range of programs with accessible entry criteria.