Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands | Up to €19,000 Tuition Support
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 (LExS) offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue an eligible Master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands with substantial tuition fee support. The scholarship is particularly attractive for high-achieving students from outside the EEA/EFTA who want to study at one of the Netherlands’ oldest universities.
The LExS is a partial tuition scholarship, not a fully funded scholarship. Depending on the award, selected students can receive €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000 toward tuition fees. Students must still plan for remaining tuition, accommodation, living costs, insurance, travel and other expenses. (Leiden University Student Portal)
For the 2027 intake, current scholarship listings report an application deadline of 1 December 2026. Because scholarship deadlines can change by intake and programme, applicants should verify the deadline shown in the official Leiden application portal before submitting. (YouthExpat)
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: Quick Details
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Funding Type | Partial Tuition Funding |
| Award Amount | €10,000–€19,000 |
| Study Start | September 2027 |
| Main Target Group | Eligible non-EEA/non-EFTA students |
| Application | Online |
| Motivation Letter | Maximum 500 words |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026* |
*Applicants should confirm the final deadline in the official Leiden University application system because dates can vary by programme and intake.
Official scholarship information: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
What Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based tuition scholarship intended for excellent students applying for eligible full-time Master’s programmes at Leiden University.
The university states that applicants should have achieved excellent academic results in previous studies relevant to their intended Master’s programme. As an indication of the expected academic level, applicants are generally expected to be among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme. However, Leiden University says that proof of ranking is not required; the top-10% reference indicates the level of academic competitiveness expected. (Leiden University Student Portal)
The scholarship is highly competitive, so meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
How Much Funding Does LExS Provide?
The LExS has five award levels:
- €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
Leiden University confirms that the scholarship is awarded for the duration of the eligible study programme. The exact award level is decided by the university and is final and non-negotiable. (Leiden University Student Portal)
It is important to understand that the scholarship does not automatically cover the entire cost of studying in the Netherlands. Recipients may still have to pay part of their tuition and must cover their living expenses.
For example, tuition fees for non-EEA students vary significantly between Master’s programmes. Leiden University lists programme-specific tuition fees, so applicants should check the fee for their chosen course rather than assuming that the scholarship will cover the complete amount. (Universiteit Leiden)
Is the Leiden Excellence Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
The LExS is a partial scholarship focused on tuition fees. It does not generally provide a complete package covering accommodation, food, travel, insurance and all living expenses.
Non-EEA scholarship recipients must also demonstrate sufficient funds when required for their student visa or residence permit process. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Therefore, students should create a realistic financial plan before applying.
Who Can Apply for LExS 2027?
The scholarship is primarily intended for international students who meet the nationality and academic requirements.
Applicants generally need to:
- Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s programme.
- Plan to start the programme in September.
- Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Have a previous degree relevant to the chosen Master’s programme.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected programme.
- Demonstrate the academic standard expected for the scholarship.
Leiden University notes that applicants must generally have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and must not be eligible for Dutch government student finance. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Nationality Exceptions
There are important exceptions to the standard nationality requirement.
The LExS nationality restriction does not apply to applicants for:
- LLM Advanced Studies programmes
- MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
These programmes can accept applicants of all nationalities under the scholarship rules. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Students should still check the specific admission requirements of their selected programme.
Which Fields of Study Are Covered?
The LExS is available for eligible programmes in several academic areas. Leiden University identifies faculties including:
- Archaeology
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
The scholarship rules exclude Humanities programmes and Leiden Law School’s non-advanced LLM and MSc programmes. Students should therefore verify the eligibility of their exact Master’s programme before preparing the scholarship application. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Who Is Not Eligible?
The scholarship generally cannot be awarded to applicants who:
- Apply for an excluded Master’s programme.
- Apply for a programme starting in February.
- Do not meet the required nationality conditions.
- Do not meet the admission requirements.
- Have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree, except in specified cases such as programmes where a previous Master’s degree or relevant work experience is mandatory.
Leiden also states that the LExS cannot be combined with another full external scholarship. Some partial external scholarships may be possible with approval, so students should contact the university before accepting another award. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Documents Required for the Scholarship
Applicants should prepare their admission documents well in advance. Depending on the selected programme, these can include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Passport copy
- CV or programme-specific documents
- English-language proof, if required
- Documents requested for the chosen Master’s programme
- LExS motivation letter of maximum 500 words in PDF format
The motivation letter is particularly important because it gives applicants an opportunity to explain why they should be considered for the scholarship.
How to Apply for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027
The application is integrated into the Leiden University admission process.
Step 1: Select an Eligible Master’s Programme
First, choose an eligible full-time Master’s programme beginning in September 2027.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your Master’s application through Leiden University’s online application system. The university advises applicants to start early because creating and submitting an admission application can take several working days. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Step 3: Open the Scholarship Section
After submitting your admission application, return to the application portal and select the Scholarships section.
If you are eligible, the LExS option should become available.
Step 4: Upload the Motivation Letter
Select the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship and upload your maximum 500-word motivation letter in PDF format.
Your letter should clearly explain your academic achievements, motivation, goals and reasons for seeking the scholarship.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Review the complete application carefully and submit it before the applicable deadline.
Late scholarship applications are not considered according to Leiden University’s scholarship information. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Official application and scholarship information:
Apply through Leiden University
How to Write a Strong LExS Motivation Letter
Because the scholarship is highly competitive, applicants should avoid writing a generic statement.
A strong motivation letter should explain:
- Your strongest academic achievements.
- Why you selected your specific Master’s programme.
- Why Leiden University is suitable for your academic goals.
- Your future career or research plans.
- How the programme connects with your previous education.
- Why you are a strong candidate for the LExS.
- How the scholarship would support your study plans.
Keep the letter focused and within the 500-word limit specified by Leiden University. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Why Study at Leiden University?
Leiden University provides an international academic environment with programmes across multiple disciplines. For students interested in research, international education and professional development, studying in the Netherlands can provide exposure to a diverse European academic environment.
The university has welcomed international scholarship recipients from different countries. Leiden has also published stories from LExS recipients, including students from India, demonstrating that the scholarship is pursued by international applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Important Financial Considerations
Before applying, students should calculate the complete cost of studying abroad.
Consider:
- Remaining tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food
- Health insurance
- Local transportation
- Study materials
- Visa/residence permit costs
- Airfare
- Personal expenses
Receiving €10,000–€19,000 in tuition support can significantly reduce educational costs, but students should not assume that it will cover their entire study-abroad budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a partial tuition scholarship and does not automatically cover all tuition and living expenses. (Leiden University Student Portal)
How much is the LExS scholarship worth?
The available awards are €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 and €19,000 toward tuition fees. (Leiden University Student Portal)
What degree level is covered?
The LExS is intended for eligible Master’s degree programmes.
Do I need to be among the top 10% of my class?
Leiden University uses being among the top 10% of graduates as an indication of the academic level expected. Proof of ranking is not required. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Is there a separate scholarship application?
The scholarship application is made through the Leiden University admission application. After submitting the admission application, eligible candidates can access the scholarship section and submit their LExS motivation letter. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Can I apply for more than one Master’s programme?
Yes, but if you want LExS consideration for multiple programmes or specialisations, Leiden University states that you need to submit an LExS application and motivation letter within each separate admission application. (Leiden University Student Portal)
Final Words
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is a valuable opportunity for academically strong international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands. With tuition support of up to €19,000, the scholarship can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying at Leiden University.
However, it is important to remember that LExS is not a fully funded scholarship. Applicants should carefully check programme eligibility, admission requirements, tuition fees and their remaining financial responsibilities before applying.
If your academic record is strong and you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your Master’s admission application and 500-word scholarship motivation letter well before the deadline.
Apply / Check Official Details:
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship – Official Page
Disclaimer: Scholarship rules, deadlines, eligible programmes and funding levels can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Leiden University website and application portal before submitting your application.
