Leiden University Excellence Scholarship: A Guide for Aspiring Master’s Students
Securing funding for higher education abroad can be a significant challenge, especially for international students. Leiden University in the Netherlands offers a valuable opportunity through its Excellence Scholarship (LExS) program. This scholarship aims to support outstanding students pursuing a full-time Master’s degree at the university. Understanding the details of this scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process, is key for those looking to study in Europe with financial assistance.
About the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, or LExS, is designed to attract talented students from around the globe. It provides financial support to cover a portion of the tuition fees for selected individuals. The scholarship is open to students enrolling in a full-time Master’s degree program at Leiden University. However, certain programs, such as LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School, are excluded. The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the study program, offering a stable financial foundation for academic pursuits.
Scholarship Details and Award Levels
The LExS scholarship offers several award levels, providing varying amounts to help offset tuition costs. These levels range from €10,000 up to a maximum of €19,000. This significant financial contribution can greatly reduce the burden of tuition fees, making a Master’s degree at Leiden University more accessible. The specific award amount a student receives depends on their academic merit and the faculty’s selection process.
Eligibility Criteria for LExS
To be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. Primarily, the scholarship is for non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals who are applying for a Master’s program at Leiden University. Students from all nationalities can apply for an LLM Advanced Studies program or the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy. A crucial requirement is demonstrating excellent academic results in previous studies, with applicants ideally ranking within the top 10% of their graduating class. While formal proof of ranking is not required, this benchmark indicates the high level of academic achievement expected. The applicant’s previous academic background must also be relevant to the Master’s program they are applying for.
Faculties and Programs Covered
The LExS scholarship is available across various faculties at Leiden University, encouraging applications from a wide range of academic disciplines. These include programs within the faculties of Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Science. Additionally, the African Studies Centre and the International Institute for Asian Studies also offer eligible Master’s programs. This broad coverage ensures that students from diverse fields have the opportunity to apply for this prestigious award.
The Application and Selection Process
Applying for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship involves a straightforward, integrated process with the Master’s program application. Prospective students must first apply for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University through their online portal. During the application, there is a specific section for scholarship applications where candidates can indicate their interest in the LExS. Applicants are required to upload a motivation letter, limited to 500 words, explaining their reasons for seeking the scholarship. This letter is a critical component of the application, allowing students to articulate their academic goals and suitability for the award.
The selection process is managed by faculty selection committees, who nominate LExS recipients. These nominations are then forwarded to the Scholarships Team. Applicants are typically notified of the decisions by the end of November for the February intake and by the end of April for the September intake. This timeline allows students to plan their studies and finances well in advance.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
For those interested in applying for the 2027 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, the process is as follows:
- Apply for Admission: Visit the Leiden University admissions page to apply for your chosen Master’s program and complete the necessary admission requirements, including paying any applicable application fees.
- Indicate Scholarship Interest: Within the online application for your Master’s program, find the scholarship section and clearly state that you wish to apply for the LExS.
- Upload Motivation Letter: Prepare a concise motivation letter, no more than 500 words, explaining why you should be considered for the LExS. Upload this document as instructed in the online application.
- Submit Application: Ensure your complete online application, including the LExS application and motivation letter, is submitted before the scholarship deadline.
- Multiple Program Applications: If you are applying for more than one Master’s program and wish to be considered for LExS for each, you must indicate this in each respective application and upload a separate LExS motivation letter for each.
The deadline for the 2027 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship application is December 1, 2026.
