The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 (LExS) is now open for applications from outstanding international students seeking to pursue Master’s degrees at Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
This merit-based scholarship provides significant tuition fee reductions ranging from €10,000 to €19,000 for full-time Master’s programs starting in September 2027. Primarily designed for non-EEA and non-EFTA students with exceptions for Advanced LLM programs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, LExS requires applicants to demonstrate excellence, with an expectation that successful candidates are among the top 10 percent of graduates in their previous studies. Note that the scholarship covers tuition fees only—living expenses, travel, and insurance are not included. The application deadline is 1 December 2026.
Table of Contents
- Scholarship Overview
- Quick Facts & Summary
- Award Levels & Coverage
- Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Programmes
- Application Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Scholarship Overview
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship represents a competitive pathway for academically outstanding international students to access high-quality Dutch higher education with meaningful financial support. Leiden University, founded in 1575, ranks among Europe’s top research institutions and offers world-class Master’s programmes across diverse disciplines. The LExS scholarship addresses a real challenge for many international students: the cost of tuition at Dutch universities. While Dutch tuition is significantly lower than many other countries, it can still represent a substantial investment for students from outside the EEA and EFTA regions.
However, applicants should understand clearly what this scholarship is and what it is not. LExS is a tuition fee reduction scholarship, not a fully funded award. Even at the highest level of €19,000, recipients must cover remaining tuition costs, living expenses, accommodation, travel, and visa expenses from their own resources. For eligible students with strong academic records, the LExS significantly improves affordability, but it does not eliminate the need for personal financial resources or the ability to meet Dutch visa financial requirements.
2. Quick Facts & Summary
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Study Level | Full-time Master’s Programmes |
| Programme Start | September 2027 |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based Tuition Fee Reduction |
| Award Range | €10,000 to €19,000 |
| Duration | Full duration of Master’s programme |
| Eligible Applicants | Primarily non-EEA/non-EFTA; some exceptions |
| Academic Level Required | Top 10% of graduates (indication) |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
3. Award Levels & Coverage
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is awarded at five distinct levels, each representing a different tuition fee reduction amount:
Five Award Levels:
- Level 1: €10,000 tuition fee reduction
- Level 2: €15,000 tuition fee reduction
- Level 3: €17,500 tuition fee reduction
- Level 4: €18,500 tuition fee reduction
- Level 5 (Highest): €19,000 tuition fee reduction
Important Coverage Information:
- What is Covered: Tuition fees only; the scholarship reduces your Master’s programme tuition costs by the awarded amount
- Duration: The scholarship covers the full duration of your Master’s programme
- Award Level is Final: Once awarded a specific level (€10,000–€19,000), this amount is final and non-negotiable
- Not a Full Scholarship: LExS does not cover the complete cost of your degree; significant personal contribution is required
- What is NOT Covered: Living expenses, accommodation, food, travel, visa fees, insurance, residence permit financial proof, or any other costs beyond tuition reduction
4. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet specific nationality, academic, and programme requirements:
Nationality Requirements:
- Primary Rule: Applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and not be eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering)
- EEA Countries Include: All EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway
- EFTA Countries Include: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
- UK Students: Eligible to apply as the UK is a non-EEA country; however, exceptions apply for those already living in the Netherlands and registered in the BRP before 1 January 2021
Exceptions (Open to All Nationalities):
- All Advanced LLM programmes at Leiden Law School
- MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
Academic Requirements:
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous degree programme(s)
- Relevance: Previous studies must be relevant to the Master’s programme for which you are applying
- Top 10% Indication: Successful applicants are typically among the top 10 percent of graduates in their previous programme; proof of ranking is not required, but this indicates the competitiveness level
Programme Requirements:
- Full-Time Master’s: Applicants must be applying for a full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University
- September 2027 Start: Programmes must start in September 2027; LExS is not available for February programme starts
- Exclusions: LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School are not eligible for LExS
Excluded Categories:
- Applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree (with exceptions for Advanced LLM programmes where a previous Master’s is required)
- Applicants applying for LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programmes at Leiden Law School
- Applicants applying for programmes starting in February
- Applicants who do not meet nationality requirements
Combination with Other Scholarships:
- Cannot Combine with Full Scholarships: LExS cannot be combined with another full scholarship from external providers
- May Combine with Partial Scholarships: In some cases, LExS may be combined with partial scholarships from external sources; contact the Scholarships Team for further details
- Notification Required: You are obliged to notify the Leiden University Scholarships Department if you receive another full scholarship from an external source
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5. Eligible Programmes
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is available for virtually all full-time Master’s programmes at Leiden University, with clear exceptions:
Eligible Disciplines Include:
- Applied Sciences & Professions
- Art
- Business
- Economics
- Engineering & Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Humanities
- Law (Advanced LLM programmes only)
- Management
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Specific Exclusions:
- LLM (non-advanced) programmes at Leiden Law School
- MSc programmes at Leiden Law School
- Any programmes with a February start date
6. Application Process
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship application is fully integrated with the Master’s admission process at Leiden University. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Verify you hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport or qualify for the exceptions
- Confirm your academic record places you among the top 10% of graduates
- Ensure your chosen Master’s programme is eligible (not LLM non-advanced, MSc Law, or February start)
- Confirm you have not previously completed a Leiden University Master’s degree
Step 2: Apply for Master’s Programme Admission
- Visit the Leiden University website and apply online for a Master’s programme
- Choose your preferred programme and academic track
- Pay the application fee if applicable
- Important: It can take up to 3 business days to create and submit your application; start well before the 1 December 2026 deadline
Step 3: Indicate Interest in Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
- After submitting your Master’s admission application, log back into your online application account
- Navigate to the “Apply” or “Application” screen
- Click on “Scholarships”
- If you are eligible for LExS, it will appear in your scholarships section
- If LExS Does Not Appear: You have either not yet submitted your admission application, you missed the deadline, or you do not meet the eligibility criteria
- Select or indicate your wish to apply for the LExS
Step 4: Upload Your Motivation Letter
- Write a motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
- In this letter, explain why you would like to be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
- Upload the letter as instructed in your online application
- If Applying for Multiple Programmes: Clearly indicate this and upload a separate LExS motivation letter for each programme application
Step 5: Submit Your Complete Application
- Review all application materials for accuracy and completeness
- Ensure your LExS motivation letter is uploaded and correct
- Submit your complete Master’s application with LExS indication before 1 December 2026
- Late applications will not be accepted
Step 6: Wait for Results
- Faculty selection committees will review applications and nominate LExS recipients
- The Leiden University Scholarships Team will be informed of nominations
- Review process takes approximately 6 weeks following the application deadline
- All LExS applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of April 2027.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship:
Q: Who is eligible to apply for LExS?
Non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for full-time Master’s programmes at Leiden University starting in September 2027. Exceptions include all Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy (open to all nationalities).
Q: What is the maximum scholarship award?
The highest award level is €19,000 in tuition fee reduction. Awards range from €10,000 to €19,000 depending on merit and availability.
Q: Does LExS cover living costs?
No. LExS is a tuition fee reduction scholarship only. Living expenses, accommodation, food, travel, visa fees, insurance, and all other costs are your responsibility.
Q: When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 December 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027.
Q: Can I apply if I’m from the UK?
Yes. UK students are eligible as the UK is a non-EEA country. However, if you were already living in the Netherlands and registered in the local municipality’s BRP before 1 January 2021, you may not be eligible.
Q: Do I need to prove I’m in the top 10% of my class?
No formal proof is required. The “top 10%” reference is an indication of the academic level expected. Your transcripts and academic record will be evalua