The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a competitive tuition-fee award for academically outstanding students who want to pursue an eligible full-time master's degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The scholarship is intended to attract talented international students with excellent academic records and a strong connection between their previous studies and their proposed master's programme. It offers financial assistance towards tuition fees, helping recipients reduce part of the cost of postgraduate education at one of the Netherlands' established research universities.
LExS is particularly relevant to students who have performed exceptionally well during their previous degree and want to continue their education in a research-oriented academic environment. Leiden University indicates that a competitive applicant would typically rank among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme. This is an indication of the expected academic standard, rather than a requirement to submit formal proof of class ranking.
However, prospective applicants should understand that LExS is not a fully funded scholarship. It does not automatically cover accommodation, food, transport, health insurance or other living expenses. Even after receiving an award, students must plan for the remaining tuition balance and demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources for their studies and residence permit.
The scholarship is also not available for every master's programme at Leiden University. Applicants must verify both the programme exclusions and the nationality rules before beginning the application.
Scholarship Benefits
1. Tuition-Fee Contribution
LExS offers one of five tuition-fee award levels:
€10,000 towards tuition fees.
€15,000 towards tuition fees.
€17,500 towards tuition fees.
€18,500 towards tuition fees.
€19,000 towards tuition fees.
The award is intended to reduce the recipient's tuition costs. The amount offered is determined by the university and is final and non-negotiable.
Applicants should not assume that receiving the maximum award means their entire tuition bill will be paid. The amount remaining depends on the tuition fee for the selected programme and the specific scholarship award.
2. Support for International Postgraduate Study
The scholarship can make an eligible master's programme more affordable for academically excellent students who would otherwise need to finance a substantial portion of their tuition themselves.
This may help students allocate their available resources more effectively, although the award does not remove the need for a realistic financial plan.
3. Access to Leiden University's Academic Environment
Recipients join Leiden University's international student community and study within an institution offering research and teaching across a range of academic disciplines.
Depending on their chosen programme, students can benefit from academic supervision, research facilities, subject-specific learning resources and opportunities to engage with scholars and fellow students.
4. Academic and Professional Development
A master's degree can help students deepen their subject knowledge, strengthen research and analytical skills, and prepare for further academic or professional opportunities.
The value of these opportunities depends on the selected programme, the student's engagement and their longer-term goals. The scholarship itself does not guarantee employment, admission to a subsequent degree or a particular career outcome.
Important Financial Consideration
LExS does not provide a general living allowance. Applicants must budget separately for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, study materials and personal expenses.
Non-EEA students must also meet the university's financial requirements for their Dutch visa or residence permit, including providing proof of sufficient funds where required. Do not rely on the scholarship alone to demonstrate that you can finance your stay.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the applicant's nationality, previous academic performance, intended master's programme and compliance with Leiden University's application requirements.
1. Nationality Requirements
For most eligible programmes, applicants must hold a passport from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and must not be eligible for Dutch government student finance.
The EEA includes EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
There are important exceptions: applicants of any nationality may be eligible for LExS when applying to an eligible Advanced LLM programme or the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Nationality rules can be affected by a person's circumstances, including certain existing Dutch residency arrangements. Applicants should consult the official scholarship conditions if their nationality or residency situation is unusual.
2. Excellent Academic Performance
Applicants must have achieved excellent results in their previous studies, and those studies must be relevant to the master's programme for which they are applying.
Leiden University gives the top 10% of graduates in the previous programme as an indication of the expected academic level. Applicants do not need to submit formal proof of ranking solely to demonstrate this indication.
A strong academic record should be supported by accurate transcripts, certificates and any other documents required for admission.
3. Admission to an Eligible Master's Programme
Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time master's programme at Leiden University.
The scholarship excludes several categories of study, including:
All programmes at the Faculty of Humanities.
Non-advanced LLM programmes at Leiden Law School.
MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
Programmes beginning in February.
The published exceptions include eligible Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, for which applicants of all nationalities may apply, subject to the programme and scholarship conditions.
Because the university's programme list and rules determine eligibility, applicants should check the official scholarship page rather than assume that every master's degree qualifies.
4. Relevant Previous Qualification
Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for their selected master's programme. These may include a relevant bachelor's degree, prerequisite coursework, specific academic preparation or English-language proficiency.
The exact requirements vary by programme. Meeting the general scholarship criteria does not guarantee admission to a master's degree.
5. Previous Leiden University Master's Degree
Applicants who have already obtained a master's degree from Leiden University are generally excluded from receiving LExS.
An exception may apply when the next programme specifically requires a previous master's degree or relevant work experience, as can occur with certain Advanced LLM programmes. Applicants should verify the precise terms for their intended programme.
6. Full-Time Study
The scholarship applies to eligible students registered as full-time students for the relevant study programme.
Applicants must comply with the scholarship's terms and conditions throughout the award period.
7. Scholarship Compatibility
LExS cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider for the same programme. Partial external scholarships may be permitted in some circumstances, but applicants must contact the university for guidance and obtain any required prior approval.
Recipients cannot accept more than one scholarship provided by or sponsored by Leiden University.
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The application is made through Leiden University's online admission system. Applicants must first apply for their master's programme and then complete the separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master's Programme
Visit Leiden University's official master's programme catalogue and identify a programme that matches your academic background and goals.
Review the programme's admission requirements, tuition fees, language requirements and application deadlines. Confirm that the programme is eligible for LExS and that you meet the nationality conditions.
Gather the documents required by your chosen master's programme. Depending on the programme, these may include:
Academic transcripts.
Degree certificate or proof of expected graduation.
Curriculum vitae.
Motivation letter.
Proof of English-language proficiency.
Academic references or other supporting documents, where required.
The list above is a general preparation guide, not a universal document checklist. Follow the exact instructions for your selected programme.
Step 3: Submit Your Master's Admission Application
Complete the online application for admission and pay any applicable application fee.
Allow enough time to complete the application. Leiden University warns that creating and submitting an admission application may take up to three working days.
Do not wait until the final day to begin the process. The scholarship application will not appear in the relevant section if you have not first submitted the required admission application or if you are not eligible.
Step 4: Open the Scholarships Section
After submitting your master's admission application, return to the application screen and select the scholarships section.
If you meet the eligibility conditions, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship should appear as an available option.
If LExS does not appear, check whether your admission application has been submitted, whether your chosen programme is eligible, whether you meet the nationality requirements and whether the deadline has passed.
Step 5: Prepare Your LExS Motivation Letter
Applicants must upload a separate motivation letter explaining why they wish to be considered for the scholarship.
The letter must be a PDF file of no more than 500 words, according to the university's published instructions.
A strong motivation letter should explain:
Why your previous academic performance makes you a competitive candidate.
How your academic background relates to the intended master's programme.
Why you have chosen Leiden University.
What you hope to gain from the programme.
How the scholarship would contribute to your ability to pursue your academic goals.
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university. Use specific, truthful examples from your academic experience and explain your reasons for choosing the programme.
Step 6: Submit the Scholarship Application
Indicate that you wish to apply for LExS, upload the motivation letter and complete the remaining scholarship application requirements.
If you apply for more than one Leiden University programme or specialisation and wish to be considered for LExS for each, you must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter within each relevant admission application.
The university states that scholarship applications cannot be changed after submission, including by sending additional materials by email. Review every entry and attachment before submitting.
Step 7: Submit Before the Applicable Deadline
Leiden University's general LExS information lists 1 February for programmes starting in September. However, deadlines can be programme-specific, and the deadline displayed for the intended programme and application cycle should be checked carefully.
For September 2027 entry, confirm the applicable 2027–2028 deadline directly on the official scholarship page and your programme's admission page before relying on a date in a third-party listing.
Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.
Step 8: Monitor Your Email
Faculty selection committees assess eligible applications and nominate scholarship recipients. The university's published information indicates that applicants are normally informed of the outcome towards the end of April.
Monitor your email and university application account for decisions and any instructions. If awarded the scholarship, accept it through the university's designated scholarship system by the deadline stated in the award communication.
How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
1. Present a Strong Academic Record
LExS is intended for students with exceptional academic performance. Ensure your transcripts and certificates clearly show your academic achievements and that your previous studies are relevant to your proposed master's programme.
If your institution uses a different grading system, provide accurate official records and follow any instructions for explaining your grades.
2. Make Your Motivation Letter Specific
The 500-word limit means every paragraph should contribute something meaningful.
Explain why you chose the particular programme, which parts of its academic content interest you and how it connects with your previous studies. Demonstrate that you have researched the programme rather than relying on general praise of the university.
3. Explain Your Academic Direction
Describe the questions, problems or subject areas you want to explore during the master's degree. Where appropriate, connect your interests to your previous coursework, research experience, dissertation or other academic work.
Avoid claiming achievements or future plans you cannot support. A focused and credible explanation is more useful than exaggerated promises.
4. Check Programme Eligibility Before Applying
A strong academic profile cannot compensate for an ineligible programme or failure to meet nationality conditions.
Review the exclusions carefully, especially if you are considering a Humanities programme, a non-advanced LLM, an MSc at Leiden Law School or a February intake.
5. Plan Your Finances Beyond the Scholarship
Calculate your expected tuition fee, subtract the possible scholarship contribution and estimate the cost of living in the Netherlands.
You should have a plan for covering the remaining costs, including any funds required for your visa or residence permit. The university does not guarantee that the scholarship will cover all educational and living expenses.
6. Avoid Last-Minute Submission
The application process involves both master's admission and the scholarship application. Complete the admission stage early enough to access the scholarship section, prepare your motivation letter and check all documents before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. LExS is a tuition-fee contribution and does not generally cover living expenses. Recipients must plan for remaining tuition costs and other expenses associated with studying in the Netherlands.
2. How much is the scholarship worth?
The published award levels are €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 and €19,000 towards tuition fees. The amount awarded is final and non-negotiable.
3. Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian applicants may be eligible for programmes subject to the scholarship's non-EEA/non-EFTA nationality rules, provided they meet all other requirements. Applicants should verify the conditions for their chosen programme.
4. Can students of any nationality apply?
The general scholarship is subject to nationality restrictions. The university identifies eligible Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy as exceptions for which applicants of all nationalities may apply.
5. What is the minimum GPA?
The general LExS page does not specify a single universal minimum GPA. Instead, it requires excellent academic results and indicates that competitive applicants are typically among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme. The admission requirements of the chosen master's programme also apply.
6. Does the scholarship cover accommodation and food?
No general living allowance is included in LExS. Applicants must budget separately for accommodation, food, transport, insurance and other living costs.
7. What is the word limit for the motivation letter?
The scholarship motivation letter must be submitted as a PDF of no more than 500 words, according to the university's published application instructions.
8. Can I apply for LExS before applying for the master's programme?
No. Applicants must first submit the admission application. The scholarship option becomes available in the online application system when the applicant meets the relevant conditions.
9. Can I combine LExS with another scholarship?
The university does not permit combining LExS with another full external scholarship for the same programme. Some partial external awards may be permitted with the university's approval. Applicants should ask the Scholarships Team before accepting another award.
10. When is the deadline for September 2027 entry?
The university's general scholarship information lists 1 February for programmes starting in September. Because the 2027–2028 programme-specific deadline must be confirmed, applicants should check the official scholarship and master's admission pages before submitting.
Final Advice
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to reduce the tuition cost of an eligible master's degree in the Netherlands.
Its value lies in the combination of financial assistance and access to Leiden University's academic environment. However, it is a competitive, partial scholarship rather than a fully funded award. Applicants should therefore approach the process with two priorities: preparing a convincing academic application and arranging sufficient funds for the costs that the scholarship does not cover.
Before applying, confirm that your chosen programme is eligible, verify your nationality status, prepare a focused motivation letter of no more than 500 words and submit both the admission and scholarship applications before the applicable deadline.
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