Proof of funds and fees
Source: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/visa-and-residence-permit/proof-of-funds Parent: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/studying-at-leiden-university/career/career-service
As part of your visa or residence permit application, you will be asked to submit proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and, if applicable, tuition fees. In most cases, you will also have to pay a visa/residence permit fee. Requirements differ depending on whether you are an incoming degree or exchange student.
Transferring funds? Check which bank account!
Are you transferring funds to Leiden University as part of your visa or residence permit application? Check carefully which bank account you must use. Leiden University has two different bank accounts. One for visa/residence permit fees and living expenses, and the other for tuition fees.If you transfer funds to the wrong account, we cannot process the payment and the funds will be returned to you. See bank transfer information.
Degree students
Living expenses
As part of your student residence permit application, you must submit proof of sufficient funds for your living expenses for the first 12 months of your studies, even if you are starting in February
How much is sufficient?
- The required amount is: €13,800\ * Valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change
How can I demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses?
You can choose one or a combination of the following methods:
- Bank transferto Leiden University (quickest and preferred method): see bank transfer information.
- After arrival, these funds will be transferred to a Dutch (or SEPA*) bank account in your name. See how to open a Dutch bank account. Send an email to fa@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request a refund.
- Unable to join Leiden University and already transferred funds? Send an email to fa@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request a refund. \ \ *SEPA: EEA member state, Monaco or Switzerland\
- Bank statement in your name that meets all bank statement criteria.
- For living expenses, Leiden University does not accept third-party sponsoring.\
- Scholarship letter that meets all scholarship letter criteria.
Tuition fees
How much is sufficient?
You must demonstrate you are able to pay the tuition fee for the first 12 months of your studies, even if you are starting your studies in February. For tuition fee amounts, see your degree programme website.\ \ Exception: pre-master students must have sufficient funds for tuition fees for their pre-master plus the subsequent 12 months of their master studies.
How can I demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees?
You can choose one of the following methods:
- Bank transferto Leiden University (quickest and preferred method): see bank transfer information
- Before making the transfer, please await notification via uSis of exactly how much tuition fee you have to pay.
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Have you not yet received notification via uSis but the visa/residence permit deadline is fast approaching? We advise you to instead use one of the other methods below. If this isn't possible, carefully check the tuition fee amount on your degree programme website (under 'Admission & Application'), then make the transfer.
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Bank statement in your name that meets all bank statement criteria.
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If someone else is paying your tuition fee:
- Upload a bank statement in their name that meets all bank statement criteria, AND
- A statement written by that person or organisation confirming they will pay your tuition fee, preferably using thissponsor statement template. \
- Scholarship letter that meets all scholarship letter criteria.
Exchange students
Living expenses
How much is sufficient?
You must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for living expenses for the duration of your exchange programme:
- 1 semester (5 months): €5750 *
- 2 semester (10 months): €11500 *\ * Valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change
How can I demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses?
You can choose one or a combination of the following methods:
- Bank transferto Leiden University (quickest and preferred method): see bank transfer information.
- After arrival, these funds will be transferred to a Dutch (or SEPA*) bank account in your name. See how to open a Dutch bank account. Send an email to fa@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request a refund.
- Unable to join Leiden University and already transferred funds? Send an email to fa@sea.leidenuniv.nl to request a refund. \ \ *SEPA: EEA member state, Monaco or Switzerland\
- Bank statement in your name that meets all bank statement criteria.
- For living expenses, Leiden University does not accept third-party sponsoring.\
- Scholarship letter that meets all scholarship letter criteria.
Tuition fees
Check if tuition fees apply
If you are joining Leiden University via an exchange agreement, you generally do not have to pay tuition fee and this step does not apply to you. However, if you are an independent study-abroad student, tuition fees may apply. Check if you need to pay tuition fee on the exchange tuition fees page.
If you do have to pay tuition fees
If tuition fees do apply, you will receive a tuition fee invoice by email. Make sure to make payment according to the instructions in the invoice before the visa/residence permit deadline. Not yet received an invoice but the visa/residence permit deadline is fast approaching? Contact the incoming exchange team and check your exact tuition fee amount and how to make payment.
Criteria bank statements & scholarship letters
Bank statements
Your bank statement must meet all the following criteria:
- On letterhead paper with official stamp or signature of bank.
- In English, Dutch, French or German.
- Less than three months old - date of issue clearly shown.
- States account number, holder, balance and currency type (no crypto currency).
- Savings or current account only. Funds must be readily available. Investments, time deposits, trust funds etc. are not accepted.
- Shows bank address, phone number and contact person (preferably who speaks English).
- Chinese ‘certificates of deposit’ cannot be accepted.
- If combining bank statement with bank transfer to demonstrate sufficient funds: statement must be dated after the transfer was made.
Scholarship letters
Your scholarship letter must meet all the following criteria:
- States your full name and date of birth.
- Issued by a government ministry or organisation, or an accredited scholarship provider.
- On letterhead paper with name, address and telephone number of scholarship provider.
- In English, Dutch, French or German.
- States amount of money you will receive per month, OR total amount of the scholarship - plus currency type.
- States exact start and end date of the scholarship (day/month/year).
Fees
Fee amount and payment
When applying for your visa and/or residence permit application you will be asked to pay a fee.
Fee amount
- Student residence permit fee: €254*
*valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change
How to pay
In the uSis visa portal you will see instructions on how to pay. This can be either by way of online payment or bank transfer. See bank transfer information.
Exceptions
Different fees may apply to some of the following application types. Refer to the relevant steps to take for details: