Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 in the Netherlands

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 is a highly competitive award designed for outstanding international students pursuing a full-time Master’s degree at Leiden University, Netherlands. With only around 25 scholarships granted each year, the LExS is one of the most prestigious partial funding opportunities in Europe, attracting applicants worldwide.

Established to support talented scholars, the LExS covers a significant portion of tuition fees, helping exceptional students gain access to one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities.

Host University: Leiden University
Location: Netherlands
Degree Level: Master’s (full-time only)
Application Deadline: 1 February 2026

About Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a world-renowned institution for research and innovation. The university is home to a diverse academic community with students and staff representing over 120 nationalities.

Leiden offers a wide range of Master’s and PhD programmes across disciplines such as law, governance, medicine, natural sciences, archaeology, and social sciences. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and societal impact, it remains a top choice for ambitious international scholars.

Eligible Faculties and Programmes

The LExS scholarship is available for specific Master’s programmes at the following faculties:

• Faculty of Archaeology

• Faculty of Medicine/LUMC

• Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

• Faculty of Law (Advanced LLMs only)

• Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Faculty of Science

Important Notes:

• The scholarship is not available for Master’s programmes in the Faculty of Humanities.

• It does not apply to Leiden Law School’s non-advanced LLM or MSc programmes.

• February intake programmes are not eligible.

Scholarship Benefits

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 provides partial tuition fee coverage at one of the following levels:

• €10,000

• €15,000

• €17,500

• €18,500

• €19,000

Key Points to Remember:

• The scholarship amount is final and non-negotiable.

• It does not cover living costs or the full tuition fee. Students must provide proof of sufficient funds for visa and residence purposes.

• The LExS cannot be combined with another full external scholarship, though it may be combined with partial awards under certain conditions.

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to all non-EEA/non-EFTA students (countries outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

Exceptions (no nationality restrictions):

• All Advanced LLM programmes

• MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

UK students are eligible as the UK is a non-EEA country, with restrictions for those residing in the Netherlands before 1 January 2021.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a non-EEA/EFTA passport (except for Advanced LLMs or MSc International Relations & Diplomacy).

• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, typically within the top 10% of their graduating class.

• Apply for an eligible Master’s programme starting in September 2025.

• Submit a strong motivation letter (maximum 500 words).

Exclusions:

• Humanities programmes applicants

• Non-advanced LLM or MSc applicants at Leiden Law School

• Students applying for February intake

• Current holders of a Leiden Master’s degree (with limited exceptions)

Application Process

1. Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at Leiden University. Pay the application fee (if applicable). Allow at least 3 working days for processing.

2. After submitting your admission application, return to the Apply screen and select Scholarships. (The LExS option will appear if eligible.)

3. Upload your motivation letter (PDF, max. 500 words) in the scholarship section.

4. Submit your application before 1 February 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

5. If applying for multiple Master’s programmes, submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each.

Selection Process

• Faculty selection committees review applications and nominate candidates.

• Results are announced by the end of April 2026.

• Only around 25 students are awarded annually, making the LExS highly competitive.

FAQs about the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026

1. What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?
It is a partial funding scholarship for top international students pursuing eligible Master’s programmes at Leiden University, Netherlands.

2. Does the scholarship cover full tuition fees?
No, the LExS only provides partial tuition coverage ranging from €10,000 to €19,000. Students must arrange additional funding.

3. Who can apply for the LExS?
Non-EEA/EFTA students applying for eligible Master’s programmes. Exceptions apply for Advanced LLMs and MSc International Relations & Diplomacy.

4. Are UK students eligible?
Yes, UK students are eligible as the UK is a non-EEA country.

5. Can the LExS be combined with other scholarships?
It cannot be combined with a full external scholarship but may be combined with partial scholarships under certain conditions.

6. What are the academic requirements?
Applicants must be among the top 10% of graduates from their previous degree programme.

7. Which programmes are excluded?
Humanities programmes, non-advanced LLMs, MSc programmes at Leiden Law School, and February intake programmes are excluded.

8. What documents are required for the application?
A completed Master’s application, payment of the application fee, and a motivation letter (max. 500 words).

9. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 1 February 2026.

10. How competitive is the scholarship?
Extremely competitive — only about 25 students are awarded each year from thousands of applicants worldwide.