Leiden University Excellence Scholarship -Leiden University is pleased to offer the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for International Students for the 2026-2027 academic session. The award, which is available for Master’s degree study programme,s is now open for applications.
The scholarship is for excellent students joining a full-time Leiden University Master’s degree programme – with the exception of LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): Leiden University, Netherland
Scholarship Type: Academic Award
Host Institution(s): Leiden University, Netherland
Scholarship Worth: Tuition fee of € 10,000 – € 15,000
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Masters
Nationality: International Student
DETAILS | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026
Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree, with the exception of students applying for a Master programme for which a specified previous Master programme or work experience is mandatory (e.g. LLM Advanced Studies programmes).
The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. There are three available levels of awards:
- € 10,000 of the tuition fee
- € 15,000 of the tuition fee
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee
The LExS is not a full scholarship. Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit ‘proof of sufficient funds’ for their student visa/residence permit application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:
- Applicants for all Master’s programmes at Leiden University – with the exception of LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
- Non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals who are applying for a Master’s programme at Leiden University. See additional note for UK students below.
- Students of all nationalities applying for an LLM Advanced Studies programme, or the MSC in International Relations and Diplomacy.
- Students must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous study programme(s), which must be relevant to the Master’s programme for which they are applying.
- Eligible Programmes: The following faculties are eligible for the study scholarship: Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Science, African Studies Centre, International Institute for Asian Studies
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: To be considered for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), you are expected to the following steps:
- Apply online for admission to a Master’s programme at Leiden University and pay the application fee if applicable.
- In the scholarship section of your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for a LExS.
- Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in your online application. This is a PDF file of max. 500 words, in which you explain why you would like to be considered for the award.
- Submit your online application, containing your LExS application, before the LExS application deadline.
- If you apply for more than one study programme and wish to apply for a LExS for each, indicate this clearly in each application and upload a LExS motivation letter for each.
Application Deadline: 1 Oct (for programmes starting 1 Feb)
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a competitive financial award offered by Leiden University in the Netherlands to academically outstanding international students who are applying for a full-time Master’s programme beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. It provides tuition fee support – not a full living-cost scholarship – and helps reduce the cost of studying at Leiden.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the LExS?
To be eligible for LExS 2026/2027:
You must apply for a full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University for the September 2026 intake.
You should have excellent academic results (often in the top ~10% of your class).
Generally, applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (international students from outside the EU/EEA regions), except for certain programmes such as Advanced LLMs or MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities.
3. What financial support does the LExS provide?
The LExS offers partial tuition fee awards for the duration of your programme. There are multiple award levels (e.g., €10,000 – €19,000 towards tuition), and the specific amount you receive is final and non-negotiable. The scholarship does not cover living expenses, visas, or insurance, and most recipients must still show proof of sufficient funds for the Dutch student visa process.
4. How and when do I apply for the LExS?
To apply for the LExS 2026/2027:
Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s programme at Leiden University through the online portal.
After submitting your admission application, return to the Scholarships section and select the LExS option (if you’re eligible).
Upload your motivation letter (PDF, max. 500 words) explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
Submit your LExS application before the deadline (typically around ~1 February 2026 for programmes starting in September 2026). Late applications are not accepted.