Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands

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Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 for international Master’s students in the Netherlands.

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands? The Leiden University Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving international students who want to continue their education at Leiden University.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, commonly known as LExS, supports outstanding students applying for eligible full-time Master’s degree programs. Selected students can receive between €10,000 and €19,000 toward their tuition fees.

This scholarship is highly competitive and is mainly intended for talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Overview

InformationDetails
Scholarship NameLeiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Host UniversityLeiden University
Host CountryNetherlands
Degree LevelMaster’s
Scholarship Value€10,000–€19,000 toward tuition fees
Eligible ApplicantsMainly non-EEA/non-EFTA international students
Study ModeFull-time
Scholarship TypePartial Tuition Scholarship
Deadline1 February
Application MethodOnline

About Leiden University

Leiden University is one of the leading research universities in the Netherlands and attracts students from countries around the world.

The university offers a wide range of internationally focused Master’s programs and provides funding opportunities for talented international students.

One of these opportunities is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), which helps academically outstanding students reduce the cost of their tuition fees.

Applicants should understand that LExS is not a fully funded scholarship. Successful students may still need additional funds to cover the remaining tuition fees and living expenses in the Netherlands.

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Benefits

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Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Successful applicants can receive one of the following scholarship amounts:

  • €10,000 toward tuition fees
  • €15,000 toward tuition fees
  • €17,500 toward tuition fees
  • €18,500 toward tuition fees
  • €19,000 toward tuition fees

The final scholarship amount is determined by Leiden University.

The scholarship contributes toward tuition fees rather than covering all study and living expenses. Applicants should therefore carefully plan their finances before studying in the Netherlands.

Who Can Apply?

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected Master’s program as well as the eligibility requirements of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 In general, applicants should:

  • Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s program at Leiden University.
  • Have an excellent academic record.
  • Meet the nationality requirements of the scholarship.
  • Satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen program.
  • Submit their application before the scholarship deadline.

For most eligible programs, applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and should not be eligible for Dutch government student finance.

Different conditions can apply to certain programs, including Advanced Studies LLM programs and the MSc International Relations and Diplomacy.

Applicants should always check the official Leiden University scholarship page to confirm their eligibility.

Academic Requirements

The Excellence Scholarship is intended for students with outstanding academic performance.

As an indication of the academic level expected, applicants should generally be among approximately the top 10% of graduates from their previous relevant study program.

The scholarship is highly competitive, and having strong academic results does not automatically guarantee an award.

Eligible Master’s Programs

LExS is available for eligible full-time Master’s degree programs at Leiden University beginning in September.

However, not every Master’s program is eligible for the scholarship, and exclusions apply to certain faculties and programs.

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Applicants should check the official LExS page and their selected degree program before applying to confirm that the program is eligible.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the English-language requirements of their selected Leiden University Master’s program.

Language requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant’s previous education.

Some applicants may need to provide an accepted English-language proficiency test, while others may qualify for an exemption.

Applicants should therefore check the specific language requirements of their chosen Master’s program before applying.

Documents Required

The exact admission documents depend on the Master’s program selected by the applicant.

Applicants should prepare all academic and supporting documents requested during the Leiden University admission process.

For the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship itself, one particularly important document is the scholarship motivation letter.

The LExS motivation letter must:

  • Be submitted as a PDF.
  • Be no longer than 500 words.
  • Explain why the applicant wants to be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.

Applicants should use the motivation letter to clearly present their academic strengths, achievements, goals and reasons for applying for the scholarship.

How to Apply for Leiden University Scholarship 2027

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship application is connected to the Master’s admission application.

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Program

Visit the official Leiden University website and select an eligible full-time Master’s degree program.

Carefully check the admission and scholarship requirements before starting your application.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Complete the online admission application for your chosen Leiden University Master’s program.

Provide all required information and supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit Your Admission Application

Complete and submit your Master’s admission application.

Applicants are encouraged to start early because preparing and processing an admission application can take time.

Step 4: Open the Scholarships Section

After submitting your admission application, return to the application system and locate the Scholarships section.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship should appear as an available option.

Step 5: Select LExS

Indicate that you want to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS).

Step 6: Upload Your Motivation Letter

Prepare your scholarship motivation letter and upload it in PDF format.

The motivation letter must not exceed 500 words.

Make sure your letter clearly explains why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete and submit your scholarship application before the applicable deadline.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.

Selection Process

The Leiden University Scholarship 2027 is highly competitive.

Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, while many international students may apply.

Eligible applicants are assessed by the relevant faculty selection committees.

Academic excellence is an important part of the selection process, so applicants should prepare both their admission application and scholarship motivation letter carefully.

Leiden University Scholarship 2027 Deadline

For eligible programs beginning with the September intake, the official LExS deadline is:

1 February

Applicants should submit their admission and scholarship applications well before the deadline.

Scholarship deadlines and requirements may be updated, so applicants should always verify the latest information on the official Leiden University website.

Important Points to Remember

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a partial tuition scholarship and should not be described as fully funded.

Successful applicants may still need to pay part of their tuition fees and cover accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other living expenses in the Netherlands.

International students may also need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources as part of Dutch immigration or residence permit requirements.

Applicants should calculate the expected total cost of studying in the Netherlands before accepting an offer.

Why Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?

The Leiden University Scholarship 2027 can significantly reduce tuition costs for academically outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Successful applicants will also have an opportunity to study at an internationally recognised European research university and gain valuable academic and international experience.

Students with an excellent academic background who meet the eligibility requirements should consider preparing their applications early.

Official links Leiden University Scholarship 2027

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Final Thoughts

The Leiden University Scholarship 2027 is an attractive opportunity for high-achieving international students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Selected students can receive between €10,000 and €19,000 toward tuition fees through the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.

Because LExS is highly competitive, applicants should prepare a strong admission application and an excellent scholarship motivation letter.

Interested students should carefully check their chosen Master’s program, confirm their eligibility and submit the complete application before the official deadline.

Disclaimer: Scholarship requirements, eligible programs, award amounts and deadlines may change. Applicants should always verify the latest information on the official Leiden University website before applying.

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