Study in Netherlands: Leiden University Excellence Scholarships 2026/2027
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Programme is for excellent international candidates seeking a master’s scholarship in the Netherlands. The scholarship programme enables excellent students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to reduce the costs of a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University.
This scholarship is for students of intellectual excellence and a proven track record of high success in their prior studies. Depending on the reward, the successful candidates will be awarded €10,000, €15,000, or a sum equal to the tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee.
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a competitive scholarship programme for overseas students who want to study in Europe. This guide describes the conditions for the LExS scholarship, the eligible master’s programmes, the scholarship advantages, the application process, deadlines, and other financial alternatives at Leiden University.
About the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Grant (LExS) is a merit-based grant for outstanding students from non-EU/EEA countries enrolling in qualified full-time master’s programmes at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The programme is very competitive, especially for those with strong academic records. To indicate the expected academic standard, applicants are normally required to have a passport from outside the EEA or EFTA and must not have graduated in the top 10% of their prior study programme.
Who is eligible for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is for non-EEA and non-EFTA nationals applying for a master’s programme that is eligible for the LExS at Leiden University.
Applicants will also need to meet the entry requirements of the programme they are applying for, along with a satisfactory academic background.
Some programmes have different nationality limits; therefore, applicants should always check the criteria for their specific degree before applying.
Eligible Programs for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarships
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is for students enrolled in full-time master’s programmes at Leiden University, subject to certain limitations and faculty norms.
Eligible study fields may include the following programmes:
- Law
- International relations
- Political science
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Science
- Mathematics
- Computer and data-related disciplines
- Archaeology
- History
- Linguistics
- International studies
Requirements for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Applicants have to meet the following requirements:
1. First of all, apply for an eligible master’s programme.
- You should be enrolled in an eligible full-time master’s degree programme at Leiden University.
- You must be enrolled in a master’s programme if you want to apply for the scholarship.
2. Secondly, show excellent academic performance.
- One of the most crucial selection criteria is academic excellence.
- Applicants should have results that place them in the top 10% of graduates from their previous programme.
3. Also, you must meet the admission requirements for the master’s programme.
- You are required to satisfy the academic, linguistic, and other entry requirements for your selected master’s programme.
4. Then, you must meet the nationality requirements.
- Applicants usually need to have a passport from outside the EEA or EFTA and qualify for a different student finance system than the ordinary one offered by the Dutch government.
Some programmes, such as the LLM Advanced Studies and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, are exempt from the nationality restriction.
5. Lastly, you submit a strong scholarship motivation letter
Candidates interested in the LExS are required to register their interest in the online application system and attach a motivation letter exclusively for the scholarship.
Benefits of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
There are three tiered awards:
€10,000 Tuition Fees Scholarship
- The successful student receives a €10,000 reduction in tuition fees.
€15,000 Tuition Fee Waiver
- An additional award category offers a €15,000 reduction in tuition expenses.
Full Tuition Fee
- The highest award can cover the full tuition charge, less the mandatory tuition fee.
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The application procedure is part of the master’s admission system of Leiden University.
1. Select an Eligible Master’s Program
- Firstly, you could look for a full-time master’s programme at Leiden University that fits with your academic background and job ambitions.
2. Apply for Admission
- Secondly, you can apply online for admission to your selected master’s programme at Leiden University. You have to complete this level to be able to see the scholarship option.
3: Refer to the Scholarships Section.
- After you complete your master’s application, the scholarships section will appear in the online application system for eligible applicants.
Please indicate your wish to be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
4: Upload your letter of motivation
Lastly, please prepare and submit your motivation letter for the LExS scholarship.
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