Embark on A Global-Centric, Personalized Educational Experience
Our faculty’s approach at Webster Leiden is student-focused, which means you won’t feel lost in a big classroom because we ensure a 1:9 ratio, so everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Our undergraduate programs feature a liberal arts foundation and combine the latest theories with real-world insight and knowledge. We encourage our students to look beyond the familiar and embrace different points of view so you’re better prepared to problem-solve our marketplace’s growing challenges.
With us, you’ll spend approximately half of your time focused on your chosen major of study. Your remaining time will include our Global Citizenship curriculum and electives. To graduate, our students must take 120 credit hours of coursework, including a major and our Global Citizenship requirements.
Global Citizenship Program
Our cornerstone to the liberal arts curriculum is the Global Citizenship Program which prepares our students to meet the personal and professional challenges of tomorrow through our undergraduate coursework. As a liberal arts institution, our University focuses on providing students with a general education balancing fundamental learning with applicable skills. You, like so many of our students, may already speak two or more languages.
This program allows you to apply your personal experiences in an academic setting, where you’ll learn to think critically, communicate effectively and problem-solve. Through our signature program, you’ll graduate with the core competencies required for responsible global citizenship in the 21st century.
Webster Leiden: Undergraduate Certificates
Webster Leiden: Non-Degree Seeking Programs
Conditional Admission
Academically qualified students who are not yet proficient in English may be granted ESL-contingent acceptance and be placed into the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. To be admitted into the ESL program, students need to have a TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based test)/60 (internet-based test) or an IELTS score of 5.0.
Undergraduate students — ESL Program Overview
Students take 12 credit hours of ESL instruction (6 credit hours per semester) and 6 credits hours of coursework towards their undergraduate degree (3 credits hours per semester) at the same time. If they eventually reach the minimum score to be admitted as degree-seeking students (TOEFL: PBT 550 | iBT 80 - IELTS: 6.0) and start in their program of choice, they may be able to transfer all credits earned in the ESL program.The program includes two semesters (Fall and Spring) and is structured as follows:
Fall semester
- ESLG 4000 Advanced English as a Second Language (3 credits, ESL-specific)
The course strengthens and improves listening comprehension, oral discussion, research reading, expository writing, and note-taking skills, appropriate to each individual student's needs. It emphasizes preparation for graduate/undergraduate classwork. - ESLG 4170 Listening and Note-Taking Skills (3 credits, ESL-specific)
Teaches listening for contextual clues; stresses role of background knowledge; and gives practice in effective note-taking. - WRIT 1000 Basic Writing Workshop (3 credits, undergraduate coursework)
The course provides extra support and practice with basic college-level writing skills: assignment comprehension, critical reading, invention, thesis development, organization, style, usage, and mechanics. Meets as a workshop in which students' writing will be the focus of the class.
Spring semester
- ESLG 4050 English as a Second Language Seminar (3 credits, ESL-specific)
The course refines research, writing, and oral presentation skills, appropriate to each student's needs. Individual projects and assignments are worked on. The focus is on those skills essential to success in graduate and undergraduate school. - ESLG 4250 Research Writing and Library Skills (3 credits, ESL-specific)
Focuses on the practical use of the library and reference materials for study and research. Students learn to analyze and evaluate information and work through the stages of writing a research paper in content areas such as, but not limited to, business and management, media, and international relations. - FRSH 1200 First Year Seminar (3 credits, undergraduate coursework)
These interdisciplinary seminars for freshmen combine academic inquiry with supplemental programs that foster students' educational and person development during the first year of college. Topics carry and include interdisciplinary offerings in the humanities, arts, and sciences. Classes are small and require substantial student participation. Emphasis is on developing and improving fundamental academic skills, including critical thinking and communications (the ability to write, read, listen, and speak effectively).
Notice that if students test out and reach the minimum score to be admitted as degree-seeking students (TOEFL: PBT 550 | iBT 80 - IELTS: 6.0), they may drop out of the ESL and enroll in their program of choice.
Graduate students — ESL Program Overview
In the first semester (Fall) students take 6 credit hours of ESL instruction and 3 credit hours of undergraduate coursework designed to further strengthen writing skills. In the second semester (Spring), they take 6 credit hours of ESL instruction, and they are allowed to take a maximum of 3 more credit hours of coursework towards their specific graduate degree. If they eventually reach the minimum score to be admitted as degree-seeking students (TOEFL: PBT 550 | iBT 80 - IELTS: 6.0) and start in their program of choice, they will able to transfer 3 credits earned in the ESL program.
The program includes two semesters and is structured as follows:
Fall semester
- ESLG 4000 Advanced English as a Second Language (3 credits, ESL-specific)
The course strengthens and improves listening comprehension, oral discussion, research reading, expository writing, and note-taking skills, appropriate to each individual student's needs. It emphasizes preparation for graduate/undergraduate classwork. - ESLG 4170 Listening and Note-Taking Skills (3 credits, ESL-specific)
Teaches listening for contextual clues; stresses role of background knowledge; and gives practice in effective note-taking. - WRIT 1000 Basic Writing Workshop (3 credits, undergraduate coursework)
The course provides extra support and practice with basic college-level writing skills: assignment comprehension, critical reading, invention, thesis development, organization, style, usage, and mechanics. Meets as a workshop in which students' writing will be the focus of the class.
Spring semester
- ESLG 4050 English as a Second Language Seminar (3 credits, ESL-specific)
The course refines research, writing, and oral presentation skills, appropriate to each student's needs. Individual projects and assignments are worked on. The focus is on those skills essential to success in graduate and undergraduate school. - ESLG 4170 Listening and Note-Taking Skills (3 credits, ESL-specific)
Teaches listening for contextual clues; stresses role of background knowledge; and gives practice in effective note-taking. - GRADUATE CLASS (3 credits, Spring 1 or 2)
The graduate classes can be taken either in Spring 1 or Spring 2. It will be selected according to the students’ major and in consultation with their advisor.
ESL Tuition/Fees
All ESL-specific and undergraduate courses
The tuition fee for all ESL-specific and undergraduate courses is €1,500 per 3-credit hour (does not include textbooks/ e-books).
Graduate courses
Different tuition fees are charged for graduate courses depending on the program (textbooks/e-books are included). See an overview of the fees is available here: https://www.webster.nl/admissions/graduate/tuitionfees.html
Enrollment Process
- Students who wish to study ESL only can apply as non-degree seeking students.
- Students who wish to continue after ESL as undergraduate students should follow the steps for admission for regular undergraduate students.
- Students who wish to continue studying as graduate students after ESL should follow the steps for admission for regular graduate students.
Learn More
Founded in 1915, Webster University is committed to ensuring high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Prepare for your next step and explore our community resources.
