Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is awarded to excellent Non-EEA/non-EFTA students (with exceptions for certain programs) enrolling in full-time one- or two-year Master's degree programmes at Leiden University starting in September, excluding LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School and February starts in select faculties. The scholarship provides a tuition fee contribution at one of five levels: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000, covering part of the tuition for the full duration of the programme. It is highly competitive, with only about 25 awards available annually from over a thousand applicants, and is not a full-cost scholarship—recipients must provide proof of sufficient funds for visas and cover living expenses.
Applications require first submitting an admission application to a qualifying Master's programme, then applying for LExS in the scholarships section by uploading a motivation letter (PDF, max 500 words). Faculty selection committees nominate recipients within 6 weeks, with notifications by end of April. Late applications are not accepted, and awards cannot generally be combined with other full scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EEA/non-EFTA nationality (exceptions: all nationalities for LLM Advanced Studies and MSc International Relations and Diplomacy)
- Excellent academic results in prior relevant studies (top 10% indicative, no proof required)
- Applying to full-time Master's starting September (excl. LLM non-adv./MSc Leiden Law School, Feb starts in some faculties)
- Not previously obtained a Leiden Master's (some exceptions)
- Not eligible for Dutch student finance
- UK students eligible post-Brexit (with residency note)
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.