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    Leiden University

    Middle Eastern Studies (Research)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Leiden, NLMAIn-person2 years
    €44,600.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    120
    Credits

    Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University is a 120-credit, 2-year, in-person MA program based in Leiden, NL. Tuition is €44,600.

    About the program

    Two-year program allowing students to combine subjects from focus areas including Turkish Studies, Arabic Studies, North African Studies, Persian Studies, Islam, and Modern Middle Eastern Studies, with a comparative approach. Includes core courses, electives, a research semester, and a thesis.

    Focus: research
    QS: #13 in Subject Rankings

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Apr 1, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL: 100; with at least 4.5 (new 1-6 scale as of 21 January 2026) or 22 (old 0-30 scale) for each separate component.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS: 7.0 (A minimum score of 6.5 is required for each of the four components)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    1 year orientation year visa (zoekjaar) for job search (Netherlands)

    €16,444.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University is €44,600 across 120 required credits.
    Is Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University online or in-person?
    Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University is offered in-person.
    How long does Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University take to complete?
    Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University is structured around 2 years and 120 credits.
    What GPA is required for Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University?
    Per the program's published guidance: average mark of at least 7.5 (Dutch grading system)
    What work-permit options follow Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University?
    Post-completion work rights for Middle Eastern Studies (Research) at Leiden University: 1 year orientation year visa (zoekjaar) for job search (Netherlands)