Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

About the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is confirmed for the 2026/2027 academic year, and it stays tied to Leiden’s Master’s intakes. The exact application window is not fixed to a single public date, so treat the cycle as active while you confirm the precise closing date on the official site. This Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, known as LExS, rewards students who ranked among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme.

The award targets talented international students who want to study a full-time Master’s degree at a long-established Dutch research university. It is merit-based, so your academic record carries real weight in the decision.

Who Runs the Scholarship

Leiden University hosts and funds the scholarship directly. Founded in 1575, it is the oldest university in the Netherlands and runs teaching across several faculties. The university manages the LExS through its admissions process, so your scholarship request is handled alongside your programme application rather than through a separate outside body.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The scholarship supports Master’s study only. It applies to full-time Leiden University Master’s degree programmes, which span many fields across the university’s faculties. However, two paths carry specific arrangements: the LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are treated as exceptions. Because eligible programmes shift by intake, check that your chosen Master’s is listed before you rely on it.

How Many Awards Are Offered

The number of scholarships available is not specified. Leiden University does not state a fixed quota for this award in the details provided here. Since the scholarship is competitive and merit-driven, a strong academic ranking matters more than any published slot count. Confirm current numbers with the admissions office if that figure affects your planning.

Who Can Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at non-EEA and non-EFTA passport holders. In practice, that means students from outside the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association, including many applicants from Africa and Asia. You also need to be starting a qualifying full-time Master’s programme, and your past results must place you near the top of your graduating class.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides a partial tuition-fee reduction rather than a full cost package. The precise value per award is not stated in the details here, and Leiden sets the exact amounts by intake. Because it is partial support, plan for remaining tuition and living costs in the Netherlands. For example, you may still need proof of additional funds for your student visa, so confirm the current award tiers on the official pages before you commit.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet each of the following conditions:

• Hold a non-EEA or non-EFTA passport.
• Apply for a full-time Leiden University Master’s degree programme.
• Rank among the top 10% of graduates in your previous study programme.
• Start a programme in September, since February-start programmes are excluded.

You are not eligible if any of these apply:

• You already hold a Leiden University Master’s degree, unless your case falls under the named exceptions.
• You are applying for an LLM (non-advanced) or an MSc at Leiden Law School.
• Your programme begins in February.

The LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy carry their own exception rules, so read the programme page carefully if either applies to you.

Application Process for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Your scholarship application is linked to your Master’s application, so start with the degree programme itself. The steps below cover the general route for the 2026/2027 academic year:

1. Choose an eligible full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University.
2. Submit your admission application through Leiden’s online system.
3. Indicate your interest in the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship as part of that process.
4. Provide the supporting evidence the university requests, especially proof of your academic ranking.

Documents you are likely to need include:

• Academic transcripts showing your top-10% standing.
• Your degree certificate or proof of expected graduation.
• A copy of your non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.
• Any programme-specific documents Leiden lists for admission.

The deadline is set by intake and is confirmed for the 2026/2027 academic year, but the exact closing date is not fixed here. Because late applications are usually not considered, verify the precise date on Leiden’s admission pages early. For queries, use the contact channel on the official admission and application website below.

Official Website

Apply and confirm current details through the official page: Leiden University admission and application.