Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
About this scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is offered by Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1575), to support outstanding international students on its master’s programmes. It is one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious merit-based scholarships, available across the university’s Leiden and The Hague campuses.
The award is a tuition fee reduction at one of three levels: 10,000 euros, 15,000 euros, or a full tuition waiver, for the duration of the master’s programme, with the second year subject to performance. It is a partial scholarship in most tiers, so students plan for living costs separately, and it is renewable on meeting academic requirements.
Eligibility is for academically outstanding students (typically the top 10 percent of their prior studies) with a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport, applying for their first master’s at Leiden, though some Law and MSc programmes are excluded. The process has two steps: you first apply online for admission to the master’s and pay any application fee, then in the Scholarships section indicate you want the LExS and upload a motivation letter (up to 500 words) by the deadline (1 February for a September start, 1 October for a February start). For top international master’s applicants, it is a leading Dutch award.
Eligibility
- Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Leiden University master's programme.
- Outstanding academic record (typically top 10 percent of prior studies).
- Must be applying for a first master's degree.
- Some Law and MSc programmes are excluded.
Benefits & Coverage
- Tuition fee reduction of EUR 10,000, EUR 15,000, or full tuition.
- One of the Netherlands' most prestigious merit-based scholarships.
- Available at Leiden's Leiden and The Hague campuses.
- Renewable for the second year on meeting academic requirements.
- Access to Leiden's academic community and career services.
Required Documents
- Online application.
- Academic transcripts.
- Degree certificate.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words).
- Two academic references.
- English proficiency.
How to Apply
- Be an academically outstanding student (typically top 10 percent) with a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport, applying to an eligible full-time Leiden master's.
- First apply online for admission to the master's and pay any application fee.
- Then, in the Scholarships section, indicate you want the LExS and upload a motivation letter (max 500 words) by the deadline (1 February for September start, 1 October for February start).
Frequently asked questions
Is Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as partial funding. The listed award is: Tuition reduction of EUR 10,000, EUR 15,000, or full waiver; Renewable for the second year subject to performance.. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does Leiden University Excellence Scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Master's.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is February 1, 2027. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Leiden University master's programme; Outstanding academic record (typically top 10 percent of prior studies); Must be applying for a first master's degree; Some Law and MSc programmes are excluded. See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
