International students planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands can apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for eligible full-time master’s programmes beginning in September 2027.
The scholarship is aimed primarily at non-EEA and non-EFTA students with outstanding academic records. Awards range from €10,000 to €19,000 toward tuition fees, depending on the scholarship level granted. Leiden University makes clear that the LExS is a partial scholarship rather than a fully funded award, so recipients will still need to contribute significantly toward the overall cost of their studies.
The application deadline for the current scholarship cycle is 1 December 2026.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship |
| Abbreviation | LExS |
| University | Leiden University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Intake | September |
| Scholarship value | €10,000 to €19,000 toward tuition |
| Number available | Around 25 per year |
| Target applicants | Mainly non-EEA/non-EFTA students |
| Academic expectation | Approximately top 10% of previous programme |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Motivation letter | Required |
| Maximum motivation letter length | 500 words |
| Application format | Online |
| Scholarship type | Partial tuition scholarship |
| Fully funded | No |
About Leiden University
Leiden University is a university in the Netherlands offering undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and professional programmes across a wide range of academic fields.
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is one of its competitive scholarship opportunities for high-achieving international students entering eligible full-time master’s programmes.
The scholarship is available across faculties including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
The scholarship page identifies these faculties as participating areas.
What Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based tuition award designed for excellent students entering eligible master’s programmes at Leiden University.
The scholarship applies to students beginning a full-time master’s programme in September, subject to programme and nationality requirements.
It is not automatically available for every programme at the university.
Several exclusions apply, particularly within Leiden Law School and for programmes beginning in February.
How Much Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Worth?
Leiden University offers five possible scholarship levels.
Successful applicants may receive:
- €10,000 toward tuition fees
- €15,000 toward tuition fees
- €17,500 toward tuition fees
- €18,500 toward tuition fees
- €19,000 toward tuition fees
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the approved study programme.
Once an applicant receives a scholarship level, Leiden states that the amount is final and non-negotiable.
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
Leiden University explicitly states that the LExS is not a full scholarship.
It does not cover the complete cost of studying in the Netherlands, and recipients should expect to make a significant personal financial contribution.
Non-EEA scholarship recipients are also still required to provide proof of sufficient funds when applying for their Dutch student visa or residence permit.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that receiving the maximum €19,000 scholarship eliminates all tuition and living costs.
Who Can Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
Applicants need to satisfy requirements relating to their programme, nationality and academic performance.
Master’s Programme Requirement
Candidates must apply for an eligible Leiden University master’s programme beginning in September.
The scholarship does not apply to February-start programmes.
Nationality Requirement
In general, applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and should not be eligible for Dutch government student finance.
The EEA/EFTA grouping includes EU countries together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
However, there are important exceptions.
Programmes Open to All Nationalities
Nationality restrictions do not apply to students applying for:
All LLM Advanced Studies programmes
and
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy.
For these programmes, applicants of any nationality may be eligible to apply for LExS.
Are UK Students Eligible?
Yes, in many cases.
Because the United Kingdom is now outside the EEA, UK students may generally apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
However, Leiden provides an exception for UK applicants who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in a Dutch municipality’s BRP before 1 January 2021.
Applicants affected by this situation should check Leiden’s Brexit guidance before applying.
Academic Requirements
Academic excellence is one of the most important scholarship requirements.
Applicants should have achieved excellent results in previous studies relevant to the Leiden master’s programme they plan to enter.
Leiden indicates that successful applicants are generally at a level comparable to being among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme.
Importantly, Leiden states that applicants are not required to provide proof of their ranking.
The top 10% benchmark is intended to demonstrate the competitiveness of the scholarship rather than create a formal ranking-document requirement.
How Competitive Is the LExS?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive.
Leiden University states that only around 25 LExS scholarships are available each year, while more than 1,000 students apply.
That means applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will result in an award.
Academic excellence and the overall quality of the application are important.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship is available for applicants entering eligible full-time Leiden University master’s programmes beginning in September.
However, some programmes are excluded.
Programmes Not Eligible for LExS
The scholarship cannot be awarded to students entering:
- Leiden Law School LLM programmes that are not Advanced Studies programmes
- Leiden Law School MSc programmes
- Programmes beginning in February
These exclusions are specifically stated by Leiden University.
Applicants should confirm their programme eligibility before preparing the scholarship application.
Can Previous Leiden Master’s Graduates Apply?
Generally, no.
Applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University master’s degree cannot normally receive the scholarship.
An exception may apply where the new master’s programme specifically requires a previous master’s qualification or relevant work experience, such as certain Advanced Studies LLM programmes.
Can LExS Be Combined With Another Scholarship?
The LExS cannot normally be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider.
Students who receive another full scholarship must notify Leiden University’s Scholarships Department.
In some circumstances, LExS may be combined with a partial external scholarship, but applicants should contact the university’s Scholarships Team for confirmation.
Scholarship Obligations
Students who receive an LExS must agree in writing to the scholarship’s official Terms and Conditions before the award is confirmed.
Applicants should review these conditions carefully before accepting the scholarship.
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The LExS application is connected directly to the Leiden University master’s admission application.
Applicants cannot simply submit a scholarship form without first applying for admission.
Step 1 — Apply for a Leiden University Master’s Programme
Start by applying online for admission to an eligible Leiden University master’s programme.
Applicants should also pay the admission application fee if one applies.
Leiden warns that creating and submitting an admission application can take up to three working days, so students should not wait until the scholarship deadline to begin.
Step 2 — Submit Your Admission Application
The admission application must first be submitted.
After submission, return to the Apply section of the Leiden online application system.
Step 3 — Open the Scholarships Section
Select the Scholarships option.
If you are eligible for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, LExS should become visible in this section.
If the scholarship does not appear, Leiden explains that this may mean:
- The admission application has not yet been submitted
- The scholarship deadline has passed
- The applicant is not eligible
Step 4 — Select the LExS
Indicate that you wish to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
Step 5 — Prepare the Motivation Letter
Applicants must upload an LExS motivation letter.
The letter must:
- Be submitted as a PDF
- Contain no more than 500 words
- Explain why the applicant should be considered for the scholarship
How to Write a Strong LExS Motivation Letter
Because the scholarship is extremely competitive, the 500-word motivation letter should be concise and focused.
Applicants should avoid simply repeating information already available in their academic record.
A strong letter should clearly explain:
Why You Chose Leiden University
Demonstrate why the specific programme aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Your Academic Strength
Explain the achievements that demonstrate your ability to succeed in a demanding master’s programme.
Why You Merit Scholarship Consideration
Highlight evidence of excellence, ambition and academic potential.
Your Future Goals
Connect the Leiden degree to your longer-term professional or academic objectives.
Because the letter is limited to 500 words, each paragraph should contribute directly to the scholarship case.
Applying for More Than One Master’s Programme
Students who apply for more than one Leiden University programme or specialisation and want scholarship consideration for each must submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter within each individual admission application.
One scholarship application does not automatically cover every programme.
Can You Change Your Application After Submission?
No.
Leiden University states that after applicants submit their scholarship application, they cannot make changes either:
Online
or
By emailing additional documents.
Applicants should therefore review all information carefully before making the final submission.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Deadline
The current LExS deadline is:
1 December 2026.
Both the master’s admission application and scholarship application must be completed in time for scholarship consideration.
Applicants should start well before December because Leiden states that preparing and submitting the admission application can take several working days.
Are Late Applications Accepted?
No.
Leiden University clearly states that late scholarship applications will not be considered.
Students are responsible for ensuring that both their master’s admission application and scholarship application are submitted before the deadline.
There is no indication on the supplied page that exceptions are routinely granted.
When Will Scholarship Results Be Announced?
Faculty selection committees are expected to nominate successful recipients within 10 weeks of the scholarship deadline.
All applicants should receive an email informing them whether they have been awarded the scholarship before the end of March.
Applicants should therefore monitor the email address used in their Leiden application.
What Happens If You Receive the Scholarship?
Successful applicants will be informed of the scholarship level awarded.
The amount may be €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000 toward tuition fees.
Once awarded, the scholarship level is final.
Students must also comply with the official LExS Terms and Conditions before the scholarship is formally awarded.
Why the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Is Worth Considering
The LExS can significantly reduce tuition expenses for outstanding international students who want to pursue graduate study in the Netherlands.
The maximum available scholarship of €19,000 represents substantial financial support toward tuition.
The scholarship is also available across several major academic faculties, including sciences, medicine, humanities, governance, social sciences and archaeology.
However, prospective students should approach the opportunity realistically.
Only around 25 scholarships are available each year from more than 1,000 applicants, and the scholarship does not cover the complete cost of study.
Applicants therefore need both a strong academic profile and a realistic financial plan.
Scholarships for Students From Outside Europe
For most programmes, the LExS specifically targets students holding passports from outside the EEA and EFTA.
This makes it particularly relevant to students from regions such as:
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
- North America
- Oceania
- The Middle East
Eligibility still depends on the individual applicant satisfying the programme and financial-status requirements.
Students should not rely solely on nationality; they must check the full eligibility criteria.
LExS for African Students
Students from African countries who hold non-EEA/non-EFTA passports may potentially qualify, provided they meet the programme, academic and other eligibility requirements.
Because the scholarship is extremely competitive, African applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academic results and a clear motivation for choosing Leiden University.
LExS for International Relations Students
There is an important nationality exception for students applying to the MSc International Relations and Diplomacy.
Applicants to this programme may apply regardless of nationality.
This makes the scholarship potentially accessible to EEA/EFTA students for that specific programme as well.
LExS for Advanced LLM Students
Nationality restrictions also do not apply to applicants entering LLM Advanced Studies programmes.
These programmes are treated differently from Leiden Law School’s non-advanced LLM programmes.
Applicants should therefore carefully distinguish between Advanced Studies LLM programmes and the excluded non-advanced LLM programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The LExS is a competitive scholarship for excellent students entering eligible full-time Leiden University master’s programmes.
When is the LExS application deadline?
The current deadline is 1 December 2026.
How much does the LExS provide?
Awards can be worth €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000 toward tuition fees.
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. Leiden specifically states that the LExS is not a full scholarship and recipients will still need to make a substantial personal contribution.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
The supplied scholarship page describes the award amounts as contributions toward tuition fees and does not state that living costs are covered.
Who can apply?
Most applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and apply for an eligible Leiden master’s programme starting in September.
Are all nationalities eligible?
For most programmes, no. However, all nationalities can potentially apply for Advanced Studies LLM programmes and the MSc International Relations and Diplomacy.
What academic results are required?
Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic performance. Leiden indicates a level comparable to being among the top 10% of graduates from the previous programme.
Do I need proof that I am in the top 10%?
No. Leiden states that proof of ranking is not required.
How many LExS scholarships are available?
Leiden University states that around 25 scholarships are available each year.
How many students apply?
More than 1,000 students apply each year, according to the university.
Is a motivation letter required?
Yes. Applicants must submit a PDF motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
Can I apply after December 1?
No. Late scholarship applications are not considered.
When will results be announced?
Applicants should be informed by email before the end of March.
Can I apply for two master’s programmes?
Yes, but if you want LExS consideration for both, you need a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each programme.
Can I combine LExS with another scholarship?
It cannot be combined with another full external scholarship. In some circumstances, it may be combined with a partial external scholarship.
Final Thoughts
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to reduce the cost of pursuing an eligible master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Successful applicants can receive between €10,000 and €19,000 toward tuition fees, with the scholarship remaining valid for the duration of the approved study programme.
Applicants should understand that this is not a fully funded scholarship. Recipients must still plan for remaining tuition, living expenses and other study-related costs, and non-EEA students must provide proof of sufficient financial resources for immigration purposes.
Competition is also substantial. Leiden University has approximately 25 LExS awards each year while receiving more than 1,000 applications, making strong academic performance essential.
Students planning to apply should first submit their master’s admission application, select LExS through the scholarship section, upload a strong motivation letter of no more than 500 words and complete everything before the 1 December 2026 deadline.
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