Are you an outstanding international student planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands? The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 may provide a tuition-fee reduction of up to €19,000 for eligible students enrolling in a full-time master’s programme at Leiden University.
The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Because the scholarship is highly competitive and requires applicants to complete the university admission process before applying, prospective students are encouraged to begin early.
Important: The LExS is a tuition-fee reduction, not a fully funded scholarship. It does not cover all study and living expenses.
Scholarship Overview
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is intended for academically excellent students applying for eligible full-time master’s programmes starting in September 2027.
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship |
| Short name | LExS |
| Host institution | Leiden University |
| Study location | Leiden, the Netherlands |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Eligible applicants | Mainly non-EEA and non-EFTA students |
| Award value | €10,000 to €19,000 reduction in tuition fees |
| Scholarship duration | Duration of the study programme |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Study start | September 2027 |
| Scholarship type | Partial tuition-fee reduction |
The official Leiden University information confirms that the scholarship is available for eligible students joining a full-time master’s programme, subject to the programme, nationality and academic requirements.
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants may receive one of five tuition-fee reduction amounts:
- €10,000.
- €15,000.
- €17,500.
- €18,500.
- €19,000.
The award applies for the duration of the study programme. However, Leiden University states that the LExS is not a full scholarship and does not cover the complete cost of studying in the Netherlands. Awardees should therefore plan for the remaining tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, visa-related expenses and other living costs.
The final scholarship amount is determined by the university and is not negotiable. The university also indicates that non-EEA students who receive the scholarship must still provide proof of sufficient funds when applying for a student visa or residence permit.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before starting an application.
1. Master’s programme requirement
Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time master’s programme at Leiden University beginning in September 2027.
The scholarship is generally available for Leiden University master’s programmes, except for:
- Leiden Law School’s non-advanced LLM programmes.
- MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
- Programmes beginning in February.
The official scholarship page lists participating academic areas including Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Science. Applicants should confirm the eligibility of their chosen programme directly with Leiden University.
2. Nationality requirement
The standard LExS requirement is a non-EEA/non-EFTA nationality. Applicants must also generally be ineligible for student finance from the Dutch government.
The EEA/EFTA area includes European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Leiden University specifically notes that UK students may be eligible because the UK is outside the EEA, although an exception applies to certain applicants who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in the Dutch municipality before 1 January 2021.
There are nationality exceptions for:
- All Advanced LLM programmes.
- The MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Because eligibility can depend on both nationality and programme, applicants should check the official conditions before relying on the scholarship.
3. Academic excellence
Applicants are expected to have achieved excellent academic results in previous studies. Their previous qualification must also be relevant to the master’s programme for which they are applying.
Leiden University gives being among the top 10% of graduates as an indication of the expected academic level. However, the university states that applicants do not need to submit proof of class ranking.
Academic performance is only one part of a competitive application. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong fit with their chosen programme and submit a clear, persuasive motivation letter.
Who May Not Be Eligible?
The scholarship rules include several exclusions. LExS awards generally cannot be granted to applicants who:
- Have already obtained a master’s degree from Leiden University, except in specific cases where a previous master’s degree or work experience is required.
- Are applying for an excluded Leiden Law School programme.
- Are applying for a programme that starts in February.
- Do not meet the nationality conditions.
- Receive another full scholarship from an external provider.
Leiden University states that the LExS cannot be combined with another full external scholarship. In some cases, it may be possible to combine it with a partial scholarship, but applicants should contact the university’s Scholarships Team for guidance.
How to Apply for the LExS
The LExS application is connected to the Leiden University master’s admission application. Applicants should follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Apply for a master’s programme
Submit an online application for admission to an eligible Leiden University master’s programme. Pay the application fee if one applies to your programme.
The university advises applicants to begin early because creating and submitting an admission application may take up to three working days.
Step 2: Open the scholarship section
After submitting the master’s admission application, return to the Apply screen in the online application system and select Scholarships.
If you are eligible, the LExS option should appear in the scholarship section. If it does not appear, possible reasons include:
- The admission application has not yet been submitted.
- The scholarship deadline has passed.
- The applicant or programme is not eligible.
Step 3: Upload a motivation letter
Select the LExS option and upload a scholarship motivation letter in PDF format.
The motivation letter must be no more than 500 words and should explain why you should be considered for the scholarship. A strong letter should be specific and connect your academic achievements, programme choice, career goals and potential contribution to the field.
Step 4: Submit before the deadline
Submit the completed scholarship application by 1 December 2026.
Leiden University states that late applications will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that both the admission application and the scholarship application are completed before the deadline.
Step 5: Apply separately for multiple programmes
If you apply for more than one study programme or specialisation and want to be considered for the LExS for each one, you must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter within each relevant admission application.
After submitting the scholarship application, applicants cannot make changes online or send additional materials by email.
Selection and Notification
The scholarship is highly competitive. Leiden University states that it has approximately 25 LExS scholarships available each year, while more than 1,000 students may apply.
Faculty selection committees are expected to nominate scholarship recipients within 10 weeks of the deadline. Applicants should receive an email informing them whether they have been awarded the scholarship before the end of March.
Receiving the scholarship is not automatic simply because an applicant meets the minimum eligibility requirements. Applicants should submit a complete, accurate and convincing application.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Prospective applicants can improve their preparation by taking the following steps:
- Research the master’s programme carefully and confirm that it is eligible for the LExS.
- Begin the admission application well before 1 December 2026.
- Review the academic and nationality requirements.
- Prepare a focused motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
- Explain why the chosen programme is important to your academic and professional goals.
- Highlight strong academic results and relevant achievements.
- Check every document before submission.
- Keep evidence of successful submission for your records.
- Budget for tuition fees and living costs not covered by the award.
- Avoid waiting until the final day, since late applications are not considered.
Suggested motivation-letter structure
A 500-word motivation letter could include:
- A brief introduction to your academic background.
- Your reasons for choosing the specific Leiden University master’s programme.
- Evidence of academic excellence or relevant achievements.
- Your career objectives and the impact you hope to make.
- Why receiving the LExS would support your studies.
- A concise closing statement.
Applicants should avoid general claims such as “I deserve this scholarship because I am hardworking.” Instead, provide specific evidence, examples and measurable achievements.
Important Financial Considerations
The LExS can significantly reduce tuition costs, but it does not eliminate all expenses. Applicants should prepare a realistic financial plan covering:
- Any remaining tuition fees.
- Accommodation in the Netherlands.
- Food and daily living expenses.
- Transportation.
- Health insurance.
- Residence permit and visa-related costs.
- Study materials and personal expenses.
- Travel costs.
Non-EEA recipients must still meet the financial requirements for the relevant visa or residence permit application. Therefore, receiving the LExS does not necessarily mean that a student can study without additional funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship 2027?
The stated deadline is 1 December 2026.
How much is the LExS award worth?
The tuition-fee reduction may be €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000.
Is the LExS fully funded?
No. It is a partial tuition-fee reduction and does not cover all tuition and living expenses.
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the study programme, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Do I apply for the scholarship before applying for admission?
The process requires applicants to first submit an application for admission to an eligible master’s programme. The scholarship option then becomes available in the online application system if the applicant is eligible.
Is a motivation letter required?
Yes. Applicants must upload a PDF motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
Can I submit a late application?
No. Leiden University states that late scholarship applications will not be considered.
How competitive is the scholarship?
It is highly competitive. The official information indicates that approximately 25 awards may be available each year, with more than 1,000 applicants.
Final Reminder
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 offers eligible high-achieving international students the opportunity to receive a tuition-fee reduction of up to €19,000 while studying for a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
However, applicants should not describe it as a fully funded scholarship. The award does not cover all education and living expenses, and students must satisfy the university’s admission, scholarship and financial requirements.
Before applying, review the official requirements and submit both your master’s admission application and LExS application before 1 December 2026.
Official scholarship information: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Application information provided: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027
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