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Study in the Netherlands: Leiden University LExS Scholarship 2027 – Receive Up to €19,000

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Europea…
Country
Netherlands
Level
Master
Funding
Partially funded
Deadline
2026-12-01
Apply on the official site

Overview

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) who wish to pursue a full-time Master's degree program at Leiden University in the Netherlands, commencing in September 2027.

LExS is a partially funded scholarship designed to support highly talented students by significantly reducing their tuition fees. While it does not cover all study or living expenses, it offers substantial financial relief. This scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 25 awards granted annually from over a thousand applications.

This scholarship primarily targets non-EEA/EFTA students, including those from Arab and Maghreb countries, who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and aspire to study at a world-class research institution in the Netherlands.

To be considered for the LExS scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Are you eligible?

Check the main criteria before you apply.

  • Applied for a full-time Master's program at Leiden University starting in September.
  • Hold a passport from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
  • Possess excellent academic results (comparable to the top 10% of graduates from previous program).
  • Fulfill all academic and language proficiency requirements for the chosen Master's program.
  • Not have previously obtained a Master's degree from Leiden University (exceptions apply).
  • Ability to cover all expenses not covered by the scholarship.
  • Agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
  • Not eligible for Dutch government student finance.
Apply on the official site

What the scholarship covers

Tuition fees

Included

Monthly stipend

⁦19,000 EUR⁩

Accommodation

Included

Required documents

CV / résumé

Motivation letter

Diplomas & transcripts

Passport

Language certificate

How to apply

  1. 1

    Choose a Program

    Select an eligible full-time Master's program at Leiden University that commences in September.

  2. 2

    Apply for Admission

    Submit your online application for admission to your chosen Master's program. Ensure you complete all required sections and upload necessary documents.

  3. 3

    Pay Application Fee

    If applicable, pay the admission application fee.

  4. 4

    Submit Admission Application

    Ensure your admission application is submitted well before the scholarship deadline, as processing can take up to three working days.

  5. 5

    Access Scholarship Section

    After submitting your Master's admission application, return to your online application portal.

  6. 6

    Select LExS

    Navigate to the 'Scholarships' section within your application and select the 'Leiden University Excellence Scholarship – LExS'.

  7. 7

    Upload Motivation Letter

    Upload your motivation letter (PDF, max 500 words) specifically for the LExS scholarship, detailing your suitability and need for the award.

  8. 8

    Submit Scholarship Application

    Submit your LExS scholarship application before the specified deadline.

Important dates

  1. 1

    2026-12-01

    Deadline

Frequently asked questions

Does the scholarship cover all expenses?

No, the LExS scholarship is partially funded and provides a significant tuition fee waiver. Recipients are responsible for covering remaining tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other personal costs.

How competitive is this scholarship?

The LExS scholarship is highly competitive. Leiden University typically awards around 25 scholarships annually from over a thousand applications received.

Can I apply for multiple programs?

Yes, you can apply for multiple Master's programs. However, you must submit a separate LExS scholarship application and a unique motivation letter for each program you apply to.

Motivation Letter

Generate a personalized letter from your profile.

Sign in to generate your letter.

Apply on the official site