Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands | € 10,000 to € 19,000 Award

Applications are now open for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 in the Netherlands. The scholarship is available for outstanding international students who want to study a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University. The LExS offers partial tuition fee scholarships of up to €19,000 for eligible non-EEA and non-EFTA students. Students applying for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy can apply regardless of nationality.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is one of the university’s most competitive funding opportunities. Around 25 scholarships are awarded each year, while more than 1,000 international students apply. The scholarship is available for master’s programmes starting in September 2027, except for non-advanced LLM and MSc programmes offered by Leiden Law School. Applicants are selected based on outstanding academic performance, with successful candidates generally ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their previous degree.

The scholarship does not cover the full cost of studying in the Netherlands. Instead, it reduces the tuition fee by €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000, depending on the award offered by the university. Students are still responsible for paying the remaining tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, travel costs, and visa-related financial requirements. The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the master’s programme.

Quick Overview of Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027

Eligible Faculties in the LExS Scholarship

• Archaeology
• Humanities
• Medicine/LUMC
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Law, Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Science

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Benefits of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

• Partial tuition coverage (There are five award levels):
  • € 10,000
  • € 15,000
  • € 17,500
  • € 18,500
  • € 19,000
• The award is final and non-negotiable.
• Around 25 scholarships are awarded annually.

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Eligibility Requirements for the LExS Scholarship

• Must apply for a Master’s programme starting in September.
• Must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (exceptions: Advanced LLM and MSc International Relations & Diplomacy).
• Must be among the top 10% academically in your previous studies.
• Cannot already hold a Leiden Master’s degree.
• Ineligible if starting a programme in February.

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Selection Process of the LExS Scholarship

• Each faculty nominates candidates within 6 weeks after the deadline.
• Results are emailed to applicants by the end of April.
• Selection is based on academic excellence, motivation, and overall fit.

Important Exclusions & Notes

• You cannot apply if you already hold a Leiden University Master’s degree (unless you’re applying for a special Master’s program that explicitly requires a previous Master’s or work experience). 
• You cannot apply if you’re going to a Master’s that starts in February. 
• You cannot combine LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider (unless approved) since that would overlap. Partial external scholarships may be possible. 
• Because the scholarship is competitive, about 25 awards are given each year, while over 1,000 students apply.

Required Documents for LExS Scholarship

1. Application for admission to the Master’s programme.
2. LExS motivation letter (max 500 words, PDF).
3. Academic transcripts and certificates proving excellence.
4. Passport copy and other documents required by the Master’s programme.
5. Acceptance of LExS Terms and Conditions (if awarded).

How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

1. Apply online for admission to a Master’s programme at Leiden University.
2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).
3. Once submitted, return to the “Scholarships” section in the portal.
4. If eligible, select LExS and upload your motivation letter (PDF, max 500 words).
5. Submit before 1 December (no late applications accepted).
6. If applying for multiple programmes, submit separate LExS applications for each.