Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) In Netherlands 2027

Summary

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 is a prestigious, merit-based award designed to attract high-achieving international students to pursue a Master’s degree at one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research institutions. The scholarship offers a substantial tuition fee reduction, helping to significantly lower the overall cost of postgraduate study in the Netherlands without taking on international tuition debt.

• 🎓 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious Master’s scholarship opportunity in the Netherlands for outstanding international students.
• 🇳🇱 Host Institution & Location: The scholarship is offered by entity[“organization”,”Leiden University”,”research university in the Netherlands”], one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research universities, founded in 1575.
• 💰 Scholarship Benefits: Selected students receive a tuition fee reduction of:
  • €10,000 toward tuition fees
  • €15,000 toward tuition fees
  • Tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (highest award level)
• 🌍 Eligibility: The scholarship is mainly open to non-EEA/EFTA international students applying for Master’s programs at Leiden University, with selection based on academic excellence and achievement.
• 📚 Degree Level: The LExS Scholarship supports eligible Master’s degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.
• 🔬 Available Study Fields: The scholarship covers programs in:
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Law (Advanced LLM programs)
  • Natural and Life Sciences
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Economics and Business
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Computer Science and Technology
• 🏆 Selection Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong motivation, and alignment with Leiden University’s research and academic environment.
• 🚫 Not Eligible Candidates: Students cannot apply if they:
  • Combine LExS with another full external scholarship
  • Already hold a Master’s degree from Leiden University
  • Are enrolled in non-advanced LLM programs
  • Receive another Leiden University-funded scholarship
• 📝 Application Process:
  1. Apply online for a Master’s program at Leiden University.
  2. Select the option to be considered for the LExS Scholarship.
  3. Submit a motivation letter (maximum 500 words).
  4. Complete the application before the scholarship deadline.
• 📅 Program Start: The scholarship is available for programs beginning in December 2026 for the 2027 intake.
• 🌟 Key Advantage: LExS provides international students with significant financial support while offering the academic prestige and career benefits associated with studying at a leading European research university.

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Subject Area

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The scholarship covers virtually all Master’s degree programs at Leiden University, spanning diverse disciplines:

• Humanities and Social Sciences  
• Law (Advanced LLM Studies only; non-advanced LLM programs are excluded)  
• Natural and Life Sciences  
• International Relations and Diplomacy  
• Economics and Business  
• Medicine and Health Sciences  
• Computer Science and Technology  

Location

Leiden University, Netherlands.  

Eligibility

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To be considered for the LExS 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:  

• Study Program: Must be applying for an eligible Master’s program at Leiden University. (Note: LLM or MSC Advanced Studies programs in International Relations and Diplomacy are eligible regardless of nationality).
• Nationality: Open to non-EEA/EFTA citizens. UK students are also eligible (subject to additional notes on the official page).
• Academic Requirements: Must have excellent academic results from previous studies. As a highly competitive merit-based award, only the strongest academic candidates are selected.
• Exclusions: You are not eligible if you combine LExS with another full external scholarship or another Leiden University-funded scholarship, if you already have a Master’s from Leiden University, or if you are enrolled in a non-advanced LLM program.

Scholarship Description

The LExS is a partial scholarship awarded for the full duration of the chosen Master’s program. It is offered at three distinct funding levels to help bridge the 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: Since this is not a full scholarship, non-EEA recipients must still submit proof of sufficient funds to cover the remaining tuition balance and living costs for their student visa or residence permit application.

How to Apply

The application process is fully integrated into the standard Master’s admissions process:

1. Apply Online: Submit your admission application for your chosen Master’s program through the Leiden University admissions portal and pay any applicable fees.
2. Indicate Interest: In the scholarship section of your application, clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for the LExS.
3. Upload Motivation Letter: Prepare and upload a PDF motivation letter (maximum 500 words) outlining your academic ambition and why you wish to be considered. If applying to multiple programs, you must submit a separate motivation letter for each.
4. Submit: Complete your online application and submit it before the scholarship deadline.

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