Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2025/2026 for International Students

DETAILS | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2025

Suppose you are interested in applying for the LExS. In that case, it is essential to note that scholarships will not be awarded to applicants who have previously obtained a Master’s degree from Leiden University unless specified otherwise. The scholarship covers varying amounts of tuition fees, depending on the level of award received.

• €10,000 towards tuition fees
• €15,000 towards tuition fees
• Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee

It is important to highlight that the LExS is not a full scholarship, and recipients from non-EEA countries must still demonstrate sufficient funds for their visa/residence permit application.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Applying for all Master’s programs at Leiden University (excluding LLM and MSc programs at Leiden Law School)
• Non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals seeking a Master’s program at Leiden University
• Students from any nationality applying for LLM Advanced Studies or MSC in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Strong academic performance in previous relevant study programs
• Eligible programs include various faculties such as Archaeology, Humanities, Law, and more

Application Procedures

If you are interested in applying for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), follow these steps:

• Apply online for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University
• Indicate your interest in the LExS in the scholarship section of your application
• Submit a motivation letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship
• Ensure to meet the application deadline of 1st Oct (for programs starting on 1st Feb)

For more information and to apply, visit the official Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) website.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the LExS?

The LExS is open to outstanding students from non-European Economic Area (non-EEA)/non-European Free Trade Association (non-EFTA) countries who are applying for a full-time master’s program at Leiden University. Applicants should have achieved excellent academic results in their previous studies, typically ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their program. Note that the scholarship is not available for LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School.

What does the LExS scholarship cover?

The LExS provides financial assistance towards tuition fees, offering three levels of awards: €10,000, €15,000, or the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee. It’s important to note that the LExS is not a full scholarship; recipients are still required to demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses and other costs as part of their visa/residence permit application.

How can I apply for the LExS?

To apply for the LExS, you must first submit an online application for admission to a master’s program at Leiden University. After submitting your admission application, return to the application portal and navigate to the ‘Scholarships’ section. If eligible, the LExS option will appear. Indicate your interest in applying and upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 500 words) explaining why you wish to be considered for the scholarship. Ensure that you submit your scholarship application before the specified deadline.

What are the application deadlines for the LExS?

The application deadlines for the LExS are as follows:

• 1 February 2025: For programs starting in September 2025.

• 1 October 2025: For programs starting in February 2026.

It’s crucial to submit both your admission and scholarship applications before these deadlines, as late applications will not be considered.