Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 in the Netherlands
Summary
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 is a highly competitive, merit-based financial award designed for high-achieving international students applying to Master’s degree programs in the Netherlands. Administered by Leiden University—the oldest university in the Netherlands, established in 1575—this scholarship offers substantial tuition fee reductions ranging from €10,000 to full tuition minus statutory fees. It offers global scholars an exceptional opportunity to pursue postgraduate education at a world-class research institution without taking on heavy international tuition debt.
Designation
Award Title: Master’s Degree Scholar / LExS Awardee
Level of Study: Master’s Degree (MA, MSc, Advanced LLM)
Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Leiden University |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree |
| Scholarship Award | Partial Tuition (€10,000, €15,000, or Tuition minus Statutory Fee) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Non-EEA/EFTA International Students (All nationalities for select programs) |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
Location
Host City & Country: Leiden and The Hague, Netherlands
Institution: Leiden University
Research Area & Available Fields
The LExS Scholarship covers almost all Master’s degree programs available at Leiden University across diverse disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: History, Languages, Cultural Studies, Sociology, and Political Science.
- Law: Advanced LLM programs (e.g., International Children’s Rights, European Law, Air and Space Law).
- Natural and Life Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Environmental Sciences.
- International Relations and Diplomacy: MSc and Advanced Studies programs.
- Economics and Business: Political Economy, Management, and Policy Studies.
- Medicine and Health Sciences: Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, and Medicine.
- Computer Science and Technology: Data Science, Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.
Scholarship Description
The Leiden Excellence Scholarship provides high-value financial assistance aimed at relieving the cost of postgraduate study in Europe. Depending on academic merit and program capacity, the award is granted at three distinct levels:
- €10,000 contribution toward tuition fees.
- €15,000 contribution toward tuition fees.
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (covering the non-EEA tuition gap).
Financial Note: The LExS is a partial tuition scholarship and does not constitute a full living allowance stipend. Recipients are required to provide proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and student visa processing in the Netherlands.
Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
To qualify for the LExS 2027 award, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Academic Record: Applicants must have achieved outstanding academic performance in their previous undergraduate studies (placing among the top of their graduating class).
- Nationality: Open primarily to non-EEA/EFTA passport holders. Candidates applying for the LLM or MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are eligible regardless of nationality.
- Admissions Status: Must apply for a Master’s degree program at Leiden University for the upcoming academic intake.
Exclusions:
The following applicants are ineligible for the LExS award:
- Students enrolled in non-advanced LLM programs.
- Candidates who have already earned a Master’s degree from Leiden University.
- Applicants combining LExS with another full scholarship from an external organization or another Leiden University grant.
How to Apply
Applications for the LExS Scholarship are completed directly through Leiden University’s online application system alongside your Master’s program application:
- Step 1: Access the online application portal for your chosen Master’s program at Leiden University.
- Step 2: In the scholarship section of your application, select the check box indicating your desire to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS).
- Step 3: Write a focused motivation letter (maximum 500 words in PDF format) explaining your academic excellence and why you deserve the LExS award. If applying for multiple programs, submit a separate motivation letter for each.
- Step 4: Submit your complete Master’s degree application along with all supporting documents before the target deadline.
To begin your application, visit the Official Leiden University LExS Scholarship Page.
Last Date to Apply
The application deadline for programs beginning in early 2027 is 1 December 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to complete and submit their applications well before the closing date to ensure all supporting documentation is properly evaluated.