Leiden University Strengthens Role in European Higher Education

Leiden Joins Elite List of Universities Shaping Global Leaders

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the most ancient of the Netherlands' universities, renowned for its academic excellence and international orientation. The university is highly esteemed for its robust programmes in law, international relations, public policy and governance. A feature written over the summer apparently ranked Leiden University among the top institutions in Europe for moulding future political, diplomatic, and governance leaders. The piece was part of a series of articles on the best international universities in Europe that had highlighted earlier the University of Cambridge, Sciences Po, the College of Europe, and Bocconi University. Leiden was characterised as the oldest and most prestigious university in the Netherlands, with a long history of European higher education and international influence on world affairs.

The article highlighted influential personalities who have studied at Leiden, such as NATO Secretary General and ex-Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Joseph Luns, and EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. Particular emphasis was laid on the university's Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) in The Hague, particularly on the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), which was described as "the diamond of Leiden." ISGA was commended for its close connections between research at the academic level and public policy, with students allegedly engaged in tackling real-world security challenges with organisations like NATO, Europol, and the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Professor Joachim Koops was quoted as commenting that ISGA functions very much like a think tank, connecting theory and practice in international relations. Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl also commented that freedom and critical thinking are still at the heart of Leiden's pedagogy, with the staff recruited from throughout the European and world policy community. The article additionally observed that ISGA has its singular position in The Hague, among institutions such as Europol and the International Criminal Court, with students having immediate contact with policymakers and practitioners. That observation was interpreted as an appreciation of Leiden's particular role in Dutch education and its position in European university rankings.

Leiden University keeps shaping the future of leadership in the world through education, location, and purpose.

Editor’s Note:

It took years of hard work to establish a name for any university, and Leiden has gained status as one of Europe’s leading institutions through centuries of scholastic excellence. The university’s distinct strength lies in its integration of classroom education with practical experience, mainly through its Institute of Security and Global Affairs in The Hague. The presence of the university close to the major international organisations such as Europol and the International Criminal Court offers its students a unique opportunity to interact with decision-makers. Its programs are not only meant to educate through theory but also equip them for leadership roles in diplomacy, government, and international affairs. With its esteemed faculty, well-defined philosophy of freedom and critical thinking, and a large number of respected alumni, Leiden has established a reputation that increases day by day.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that these achievements of the university have not taken a single night, but these are the culminating effect of meticulous planning, powerful partnerships, providing a platform to students to shine and dedication of years, which created a world for future leaders who are now making a difference through education.

FAQs

1. Why is Leiden University called the School of Power?

The School of Power is frequently mentioned as an alternate title for Leiden University because it has produced many leading figures in the fields of politics, diplomacy, and international matters. Its alumni include prime ministers, NATO secretaries, and EU commissioners. The great emphasis on education in public policy and global governance, with innovative teaching on the ground in the Hague, helps to give students an edge with real-life decision-making and leadership roles.

2. Is Leiden University good for international relations?

Yes, Leiden University is well known for international relations. With great academic programmes, students have practical experience thanks to the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) as they work on real issues and often collaborate with organisations including NATO and Europol. The university setting in The Hague allows students to meet international bodies and experts directly.

3. What makes Leiden a top university in Europe?

Leiden has a long-standing tradition and high academic standards with a global outlook, making it one of the top-ranking universities in Europe. Dating back to 1575, it is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys a venerable reputation for its research, teaching, and international collaboration. It ranks amongst the top places for universities in Europe, which are famous for combining academic freedom with a practical approach to learning.

4. How does Leiden influence global politics?

Leiden influences global politics by training the future leaders of tomorrow and working hand in hand with international organisations. Its research centres and curricula deal with security, diplomacy, and law. Students and professors participate in policy discussions and help shape concepts that affect decisions globally. With Leiden University's strong connections with the institutions in The Hague, it naturally becomes an important actor in global affairs.

5. Which of the Dutch universities are the best for public policy?

Leiden University stands among the best in public policy in the Netherlands, especially through the body of its Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. Other strong ones would be Utrecht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Amsterdam, which also offer respected programmes in governance, law, and international development.

6. What is ISGA, and why is it important?

ISGA stands for the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, part of Leiden University’s Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. It is based in The Hague and is known for linking academic study with real-world policy work. Students at ISGA often work on international security projects with organisations like NATO and Europol, making it a key centre for public policy and international relations.

7. How does Leiden University support students in global careers?

Leiden University supports global careers by offering practical experience, strong academic programmes, and direct access to international organisations. Its location in The Hague allows students to engage with bodies such as the International Criminal Court and Europol. The university also brings in professors with global experience and encourages critical thinking, helping students build the skills needed for leadership roles worldwide.