The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship for outstanding international students who want to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. It is funded by Leiden University and is intended for students with excellent academic records who are applying to eligible master’s programmes. The scholarship offers partial tuition fee support, with awards of €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000, depending on the programme and the scholarship decision. It is important to note that LExS is not a fully funded scholarship, so students still need to cover living costs and any remaining tuition balance.
This scholarship is highly competitive and attracts applicants from around the world because Leiden University is one of the oldest universities in Netherlands and has a strong international reputation for research and academic quality. According to the university, successful applicants are generally among the top 10% of students in their previous degree programme, and the scholarship receives more than 1,000 applications each year. For international students, LExS can make study in the Netherlands more affordable while opening access to a respected European university, strong academic networks, and advanced master’s-level study. Specific details may vary depending on the programme or university.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) Program Summary
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for academically outstanding international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Funded By | Leiden University |
| Study Levels | Master’s Degree |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based Partial Tuition Scholarship |
| Eligible Students | Primarily outstanding non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for eligible full-time master’s programmes. Certain Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are open to applicants of all nationalities. |
| Language of Study | English (depending on the selected programme) |
| Financial Support | Tuition fee award of €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000 depending on the scholarship awarded. |
Eligibility for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is awarded to academically outstanding students who meet both the admission requirements for an eligible master’s programme and the scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria. Since the scholarship is highly competitive, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Apply for admission to an eligible full-time master’s programme at Leiden University.
- Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (except for specified programmes where all nationalities are eligible).
- Have excellent academic results from previous studies.
- Previous education should be relevant to the chosen master’s programme.
- Be able to satisfy the admission requirements of the selected programme.
- Applicants must not already hold a Leiden University master’s degree, except in specific cases mentioned by the university.
- The scholarship cannot normally be combined with another full external scholarship. Partial scholarships may be allowed in some situations with university approval.
Age and Academic Requirements
- Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- As an indication, successful candidates are generally among the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programme.
- Proof of class ranking is not required, but this benchmark illustrates the level of competition.
- Academic excellence remains one of the most important selection factors.
Benefits of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship provides valuable financial support while allowing talented international students to study at one of Europe’s leading universities.
Financial Benefits
- The scholarship provides a partial tuition fee reduction for the duration of the eligible study programme.
- €10,000 tuition fee award
- €15,000 tuition fee award
- €17,500 tuition fee award
- €18,500 tuition fee award
- €19,000 tuition fee award
Academic and Personal Benefits
- Access to internationally recognized master’s programmes.
- Opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and professors.
- Study in an international and multicultural academic environment.
- Excellent research facilities and modern learning resources.
- Opportunities to build global academic and professional networks.
- Improved career prospects through an internationally respected degree.
- Exposure to diverse cultures while studying in the Netherlands.
- Access to student support services and university resources available to international students.
Documents Required for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Since applicants are first assessed for admission to an eligible master’s programme, most of the required documents are submitted as part of the programme application. Some programmes may request additional documents, so applicants should always check the requirements for their chosen master’s programme.
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificate
- Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Research Proposal (if applicable)
- Additional Programme-Specific Documents
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship does not require a separate scholarship application form. Eligible students are considered for the scholarship while applying for admission to an eligible master’s programme through Leiden University’s online application system.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Leiden University website and select an eligible full-time master’s programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
- Review the admission requirements for your selected programme, including academic qualifications, English language requirements, and any programme-specific conditions.
- Create an account in Leiden University’s online application portal and begin your application.
- Enter your personal details, educational background, nationality, and contact information accurately.
- Provide information about your previous studies, qualifications, grades, and other requested academic details.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts, degree certificates, motivation letter, CV, language certificates, and any programme-specific materials.
- During the admission application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship if your programme provides this option.
- Carefully review every section before submission to ensure there are no mistakes or missing documents.
- Submit both your master’s application and scholarship request before the official deadline for your chosen intake.
- Successful applicants will receive notification from Leiden University after the evaluation process. The university does not normally conduct scholarship interviews unless required by a specific programme.
Application Tip
- Maintain excellent academic results throughout your previous studies.
- Write a clear and convincing motivation letter that explains your academic goals.
- Choose a master’s programme that closely matches your educational background.
- Highlight research experience, internships, leadership roles, or academic achievements where relevant.
- Request recommendation letters well before the deadline.
- Ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and officially certified if required.
Deadline for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Applicants must submit both their master’s admission application and scholarship request before the scholarship deadline applicable to their chosen intake. Since application deadlines differ between master’s programmes and study intakes, applicants should check the official Leiden University website regularly for updated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship offered by Leiden University for outstanding international students applying to eligible full-time master’s programmes. It provides a partial tuition fee reduction rather than full financial support.
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship is not fully funded. It provides a partial tuition fee award, while students remain responsible for accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, and any remaining tuition fees.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
The scholarship is mainly available to outstanding non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for eligible master’s programmes. However, certain Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are open to applicants of all nationalities.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. Eligible applicants request consideration for the scholarship while completing their online master’s admission application. A separate scholarship application form is generally not required.
What scholarship amounts are available?
The available tuition fee awards are €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000. The amount awarded depends on the scholarship decision and the applicable tuition fee.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive. According to Leiden University, successful applicants are generally among the top 10% of graduates in their previous degree programme, and more than 1,000 students apply each year.
Does the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship cover accommodation?
No. The scholarship only provides a tuition fee reduction. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation and living expenses.
Can I receive another scholarship at the same time?
Generally, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship cannot be combined with another full scholarship. Some partial scholarships may be combined with university approval, depending on the circumstances.
