Summary:
Applications are now open for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027, one of the most prestigious Master’s scholarships in the Netherlands. Designed for brilliant and high-achieving international students, this highly competitive merit-based award offers a substantial partial tuition fee reduction to study at Europe’s oldest and most respected research institutions. It is a fantastic opportunity for global learners seeking academic excellence and significant career advancement without taking on massive international tuition debt.
- 🎓 Scholarship: Applications are open for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027, a highly competitive merit-based scholarship for outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
- 🏛️ Host University: Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is internationally recognized for academic excellence, research, and a strong international environment.
- 🌍 Eligibility: The scholarship is primarily open to non-EEA/EFTA international students applying for eligible Master’s programmes at Leiden University. UK applicants should check nationality-specific requirements.
- 💰 Scholarship Benefits: LExS provides a tuition fee reduction of €10,000, €15,000, or total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee, depending on the award level.
- 📚 Degree Level: The scholarship is available for Master’s programmes at Leiden University, with the exception of non-advanced LLM programmes.
- 🔬 Fields of Study: Eligible areas broadly include Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Natural and Life Sciences, International Relations and Diplomacy, Economics and Business, Medicine and Health Sciences, Computer Science, and Technology.
- 🏆 Academic Merit: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance in their previous studies. Selection is highly competitive and focuses on strong academic achievement and motivation.
- 📝 Motivation Letter: Applicants must submit a maximum 500-word LExS motivation letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship and highlighting their academic ambitions and fit with Leiden University.
- 💻 How to Apply: Apply online for the chosen Master’s programme through Leiden University’s admissions portal, indicate interest in the LExS Scholarship, upload the required motivation letter, and submit the complete application before the scholarship deadline.
- ⚠️ Important: LExS is not a fully funded scholarship. Recipients must still demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their visa/residence permit and cover remaining tuition fees and living expenses.
- 🚫 Exclusions: Applicants cannot combine LExS with another full external scholarship or another Leiden University-funded scholarship. Students who already hold a Master’s degree from Leiden University are also excluded, along with students in non-advanced LLM programmes.
- 🇳🇱 Host Country: Netherlands
- 📅 Programme Start: The provided information lists 1 December 2026 as the programme start date; applicants should verify the exact Master’s intake and scholarship deadline on Leiden University’s official website.
- 🌟 Why Apply: The scholarship combines significant tuition support with the academic reputation of Leiden University, offering international students valuable opportunities for academic development, research, and career advancement in Europe.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Scholarship Coverage | Partial Tuition Fee (€10,000 – €15,000 or full tuition minus statutory fee) |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Eligible Applicants | All International Students (non-EEA/EFTA & select EEA nationalities) |
| Program Start | 1 December 2026 |
Location
Leiden University, Netherlands
Subject Area
The scholarship spans virtually all Master’s degree programs at Leiden University, covering:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law (Advanced LLM Studies only)
- Natural and Life Sciences
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Economics and Business
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Computer Science and Technology
Scholarship Description
The LExS is awarded for the full duration of the chosen Master’s program. It is a partial scholarship, and the award comes at three distinct financial levels to help bridge your tuition financing gap:
- €10,000 toward the tuition fee
- €15,000 toward the tuition fee
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (the highest award level)
Note: Because this is not a full scholarship, non-EEA recipients must still submit proof of sufficient funds to cover the remaining balance and living costs for their student visa or residence permit application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the LExS 2027, applicants must meet the following:
- Nationality Requirements: Open to non-EEA/EFTA citizens applying for a Master’s degree. Students enrolling in the LLM or MSC Advanced Studies program in International Relations and Diplomacy are eligible regardless of nationality.
- Study Program Requirements: Candidates must be applying for an eligible Master’s program at Leiden University (non-advanced LLM programs are excluded).
- Academic Requirements: The LExS is heavily merit-based. Students must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous study program.
Exclusions:
You are not eligible if you:
- Combine LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider or another Leiden University-funded scholarship.
- Have already obtained a Master’s degree from Leiden University.
- Are enrolled in a non-advanced LLM program at Leiden University.
How to Apply
The application process is integrated into the standard Master’s admissions process:
- Apply Online for Admission: Submit your online application for admission to your chosen Master’s program at Leiden University and pay any applicable fees.
- Indicate Scholarship Interest: In the scholarship section of the online application, clearly indicate that you want to be considered for the LExS.
- Upload Motivation Letter: Prepare and upload a PDF motivation letter (maximum 500 words) clearly explaining why you deserve the LExS award.
- Submit: Complete and submit your online application and motivation letter before the deadline. (If applying to multiple programs, you must indicate your interest and upload a separate motivation letter for each).
Last Date
- Deadline: Please refer to the official Leiden University LExS scholarship page for the exact application deadline for your chosen programHere is a comprehensive scholarship post based on the webpage you shared:
