Leiden University · Application cycle 2027/2028

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027/2028

Applications open Partially funded?

About this scholarship

A scholarship that pays part of the tuition fee for international master's students from outside the European Economic Area at Leiden University in the Netherlands. You ask for it inside your admission application. About 25 students get it each year and more than 1,000 apply.

Funding type

Covers: part of the tuition fee. The amount is 10,000, 15,000, 17,500, 18,500 or 19,000 euros. You learn your level when you win, and it does not change. It lasts for the length of the programme. In a two-year programme you need at least 60 EC in the first year to keep it. Does not cover: the rest of the fee, living costs or travel. You must show proof of funds for your visa. You cannot hold it with another full scholarship. A partial one is sometimes allowed.

Tuition fees: Partially covered
Living costs: Not covered
Travel: Not covered
Insurance: Not specified

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities: All nationalities
Residence condition: No residence condition

A passport from outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland Not eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering) Applying to a full-time master's at Leiden that starts in September 2027 Excellent results in a relevant previous degree. As a guide, the top 10% of your class. No proof of ranking is needed Not open to: the LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School, programmes that start in February, or anyone who already holds a Leiden master's, unless the programme needs a previous master's

Minimum grade: Not stated
Work experience asked for: Not stated
Return condition: Return condition not stated
How to apply: Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test not mentioned

It depends on the master's programme you apply to. The scholarship page does not set a language requirement of its own.

University admission details

Admission included in application?

Apply for admission to a Leiden master's first. Then open the Scholarships section on the Apply screen, choose LExS and upload your motivation letter. The deadline is 1 December 2026. Late applications are not read, and you cannot change the application after you send it. If you apply to more than one programme and want the scholarship for each, send a separate letter inside each application. Faculty committees choose within 10 weeks of the deadline, and you get an email before the end of March 2027.

Required documents

Admission application to a Leiden master's, with the fee paid if there is one Motivation letter as a PDF, up to 500 words Written agreement to the scholarship terms, if you win Proof of funds for your visa or residence permit, if you win

Application steps

Choose a Leiden master's that starts in September 2027 and check that it is not excluded. Apply for admission online and pay the application fee if there is one. Allow up to 3 working days to create and send the application. On the Apply screen open the Scholarships section, choose LExS and upload your motivation letter. Send the scholarship application before 1 December 2026.

Requirement checklist

Admission application to a Leiden master's Required

Apply first. The Scholarships section then shows if you are eligible.

Motivation letter Required

A PDF of up to 500 words, saying why you should get the award.

Agreement to the terms Required

You confirm it in writing before the award is made.

Proof of funds Conditional?

For your visa or residence permit, if you win.

Scholarship contacts

Leiden Scholarships Team: [email protected]

Universities and contacts