Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: Apply and Get Up To €19,000
Leiden University offers up to €19,000 Excellence Scholarship for international master’s students
Students planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands now have the opportunity to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027, a prestigious award designed to support outstanding international students with tuition fee grants of up to €19,000.
Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research institutions, has opened applications for the scholarship, which is available to eligible students enrolling in selected full-time master’s programmes. The award is aimed at attracting academically exceptional candidates from around the world and helping reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Applications remain open until December 1, 2026, giving prospective students several months to prepare their admission and scholarship materials.
What Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship awarded to outstanding students admitted to eligible master’s programmes at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Rather than covering all study expenses, the scholarship provides a significant contribution toward tuition fees. Depending on the applicant’s academic profile and faculty nomination, recipients may receive grants ranging from €10,000 to €19,000.
The scholarship is available for the full duration of the selected master’s programme.
Scholarship Value and Available Award Levels
Successful applicants can receive one of five tuition grant levels:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000
The exact award amount is determined during the faculty selection process based on academic excellence and programme competitiveness.
Eligible Master’s Programmes and Faculties
The scholarship applies to a wide range of master’s programmes offered across several Leiden University faculties.
Eligible faculties include:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine (LUMC)
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
However, some programmes are excluded, including non-advanced LLM programmes and certain MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
Who Can Apply for the Leiden University Scholarship?
The scholarship is primarily intended for:
- Non-EEA and non-EFTA students applying for eligible master’s programmes.
- Students of all nationalities applying for Advanced LLM programmes.
- Students of all nationalities applying for the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Applicants must also demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in their previous studies.
Leiden University notes that successful candidates are typically among the top 10% of graduates in their previous academic programme, although applicants are not required to submit official class ranking documentation.
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Academic Requirements Applicants Must Meet
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should:
- Apply for admission to an eligible full-time master’s programme.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- Hold qualifications relevant to their intended programme of study.
- Meet the admission requirements for their chosen course.
Selection is highly competitive, with academic merit serving as the primary evaluation criterion.
How the Selection Process Works
Each faculty at Leiden University reviews eligible scholarship applications and nominates outstanding candidates.
The university’s Scholarships Team then informs applicants of the final decisions.
Notification timelines include:
- End of November for students beginning in the February intake.
- End of April for students beginning in the September intake.
Because awards are limited, only the strongest applicants are selected.
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Students do not submit a separate scholarship application outside the admissions process.
Instead, applicants should:
- Apply online for admission to an eligible master’s programme.
- Pay the application fee if required.
- Indicate within the application portal that they wish to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
- Upload a motivation letter of no more than 500 words explaining why they should be considered.
- Submit all required documents before December 1, 2026.
Applicants applying to multiple master’s programmes must submit a separate scholarship motivation letter for each application.
Why the Scholarship Is Highly Competitive
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship has earned international recognition because it supports talented students at one of Europe’s leading research universities while significantly reducing tuition costs.
Although the scholarship does not cover all living expenses, grants of up to €19,000 can substantially lower the cost of obtaining a world-class postgraduate education in the Netherlands.
For students with strong academic records seeking international study opportunities, the scholarship represents a valuable pathway to advanced education, global networking, and future career development.
With the deadline approaching later this year, prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their admission documents and scholarship motivation letters well in advance to maximize their chances of selection.
FAQ
What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship that provides tuition fee grants of up to €19,000 for outstanding students enrolling in eligible master’s programmes at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship is partially funded and provides a tuition fee grant ranging from €10,000 to €19,000. Students are generally responsible for remaining tuition and living expenses unless they receive additional funding.
Who can apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The scholarship is primarily open to non-EEA/non-EFTA international students applying for eligible master’s programmes. Certain Advanced LLM and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy programmes are open to applicants of all nationalities.
How much is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship worth?
Successful applicants may receive one of five award levels:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000
What programmes are eligible?
The scholarship covers many master’s programmes in faculties such as Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine, Law, Science, Governance and Global Affairs, Social and Behavioural Sciences, African Studies Centre, and the International Institute for Asian Studies.
Which programmes are excluded?
Non-advanced LLM programmes and certain MSc programmes offered by Leiden Law School are not eligible for the scholarship.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 close on December 1, 2026.
How do I apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible master’s programme through Leiden University’s online portal, indicate that they wish to be considered for the scholarship, and upload a motivation letter of no more than 500 words before the deadline.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Scholarship consideration is completed through the university’s online admission application.
What academic qualifications are required?
Applicants should have excellent academic records and are typically expected to rank among the top 10% of graduates from their previous degree programme.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Faculty selection committees review applications and nominate the strongest candidates based on academic excellence and programme competitiveness.
When will applicants receive scholarship results?
Applicants for the February intake are usually notified by the end of November, while September intake applicants typically receive decisions by the end of April.
Can I apply for more than one master’s programme?
Yes. However, if you apply for multiple programmes, you must submit a separate scholarship motivation letter with each application.
Why is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship popular?
The scholarship offers substantial tuition support at one of Europe’s leading research universities, making it an attractive opportunity for high-achieving international students seeking a globally recognized master’s degree in the Netherlands.