The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Programme (LExS) is a prestigious opportunity for exceptional international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries who plan to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
This scholarship is available for all full-time master’s programs offered at Leiden University, except LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School and Programs commencing in February within the Faculties of Humanities, Sciences, and Leiden Law School.
Scholarship Value
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship offers three award categories:
- €10,000 towards tuition fees
- €15,000 towards tuition fees
- Total tuition fee coverage, excluding the statutory tuition fee
Please note that this scholarship does not cover all expenses, and recipients from non-EEA countries are still required to provide “proof of sufficient funds” for their student visa/residence permit application.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their previous educational pursuits, particularly relevant to the master’s program they are applying for.
Typically, this means being in the top 10% of graduates from their previous academic program. It’s important to note that you do not need to provide proof of ranking; this information is used as a guideline to assess the level of competitiveness.
Applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and should not be eligible for financial support under the Dutch study grants and loans system (Studiefinanciering).
However, there are exceptions for students applying for the LLM Advanced Studies programs or the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, as nationality restrictions do not apply to these programs.
Application Instructions
To apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), you must first submit an online application for admission to a master’s program at Leiden University.
Once you have applied for admission, you can check if you are eligible for the LExS scholarship in the scholarships section of the online application system.
You should clearly express your interest in applying for the LExS scholarship and upload your motivation letter for the scholarship.
FAQs About Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a scholarship program offered by Leiden University in the Netherlands to support outstanding international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree at the university. It aims to attract top-tier talent from around the world.
Who is eligible for the LExS scholarship?
- Applicants must be non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals (exceptions apply for certain programs).
- Applicants should have a record of excellent academic performance, typically ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their previous educational program.
- Some programs have nationality exceptions. Please refer to the official website for specific details.
What programs are eligible for the LExS scholarship?
Most full-time master’s programs at Leiden University are eligible for the LExS scholarship. However, there are some exceptions, including non-advanced LLM and MSc programs at Leiden Law School, as well as programs starting in February in specific faculties. Be sure to check the eligibility of your chosen program on the official website.
What does the LExS scholarship cover?
The LExS scholarship offers three award categories:
- €10,000 towards tuition fees
- €15,000 towards tuition fees
- Full tuition fee coverage, excluding the statutory tuition fee
Please note that this scholarship does not cover all living expenses, and recipients from non-EEA countries are still required to provide “proof of sufficient funds” for their student visa/residence permit application.
How can I apply for the LExS scholarship?
To apply for the LExS scholarship, follow these steps:
- First, submit an online application for admission to a master’s program at Leiden University.
- Check your eligibility for the LExS scholarship in the scholarships section of the online application system.
- Clearly indicate your interest in applying for the LExS scholarship and upload your motivation letter for the scholarship.
- Deadlines for applications vary based on the program start date (February 1st for programs starting in September and October 1st for programs starting in February).
Is the LExS scholarship a full scholarship?
No, the LExS scholarship is not a full scholarship. While it provides significant financial support, it may not cover all expenses, and recipients from non-EEA countries must still demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their student visa/residence permit application.
