Study in Europe › Netherlands › Leiden University

BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Leiden University (Faculty of Science) · Leiden, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishApply via Studielink, not the CAOOpen entryMandatory matchingMaths B level
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2027/28€2,771 / yr

About the course

Covers programming, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, built on a strong mathematical foundation. Taught in English.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Leiden University asks Irish Leaving Certificate holders for at least 440 CAO points from 6 accepted subjects, including at least 3 at Higher Level. Accepted subjects include English, Irish, most languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Politics and Society, Religious Education and Economics; subjects such as Accounting, Business, Applied Maths, Computer Science, Art, Music and DCG do not count. This applies if you followed the full Leaving Cert programme; the Leaving Certificate Applied is not accepted. No English test is needed.
  • Maths equivalent to Dutch VWO Mathematics B. Leiden does not publish a specific Leaving Cert maths grade for this course, so the university checks your level; if it is not enough, you can qualify by scoring at least 60% on the Online Mathematics Placement Test (OMPT-D) or by obtaining a Boswell Beta VWO Mathematics B certificate.

How to apply

  1. Apply in StudielinkStudielink opens on 1 October 2026. Register for the programme there.
  2. Complete uSis applicationUpload your documents in Leiden’s uSis portal by 1 May 2027.
  3. Maths checkIf asked, prove your maths level with the OMPT-D (60% or more) or a Boswell Beta certificate.
  4. Mandatory matchingFrom March you are emailed an online matching module (questionnaire and online lectures, about 6-8 hours). Feedback within 10 working days; it is not binding and does not affect admission.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: 1 May 2027 (register in Studielink, then complete your application in Leiden’s uSis system by this date).

Costs

  • Standard Dutch EU (statutory) fee: €2,771 for 2027/28, as published by Leiden University.
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Open-entry course: if you meet the requirements, you get a place. Matching must be completed, but the result does not affect admission.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityLeiden
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNo cap
EntryOpen entry
Admission requirements ↗Application deadlines ↗General diploma requirements (PDF) ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official Leiden University website: September 2026 (2027 entry). Fee and diploma list are for 2027/28; deadline and matching pages do not state a year, so confirm dates closer to applying. Always confirm details with the university before applying.