Leiden University

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 is one of the most prestigious master’s scholarships in the Netherlands for outstanding international students. Offered by Leiden University, this competitive scholarship provides partial tuition fee support to academically exceptional applicants enrolling in selected full-time Master’s programmes.

Each year, only around 25 scholarships are awarded, making the LExS highly selective. If you have an excellent academic record and plan to study at one of Europe’s leading research universities, this scholarship can significantly reduce your tuition expenses while opening the door to world-class education and research opportunities.

Students from eligible countries are encouraged to prepare their applications early due to the limited number of awards and the competitive selection process.

Scholarship Overview

About Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and consistently ranks among Europe’s leading research institutions. It is recognized for academic excellence, innovative research, and a global learning environment with students and researchers representing more than 120 nationalities.

The university offers internationally recognized Master’s programmes across multiple disciplines including law, medicine, governance, natural sciences, archaeology, social sciences, and public policy. Graduates from Leiden are highly valued by employers, research institutions, and international organizations worldwide.

Eligible Faculties for the LExS Scholarship

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is available only for selected Master’s programmes offered by the following faculties:

Faculty of Archaeology

Eligible Master’s programmes offered within the Faculty of Archaeology qualify for the scholarship.

Faculty of Medicine (LUMC)

Selected Master’s programmes offered through the Leiden University Medical Center are eligible.

Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Students applying to eligible governance and public affairs programmes may apply for the scholarship.

Faculty of Law

Only Advanced LLM programmes are eligible.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Qualified Master’s programmes within this faculty are included.

Faculty of Science

Eligible science-related Master’s programmes are covered under the scholarship.

Programmes That Are Not Eligible

Applicants should note that the scholarship does not apply to every Master’s programme.

The following programmes are excluded:

• Master’s programmes offered by the Faculty of Humanities
• Non-Advanced LLM programmes
• MSc programmes offered by Leiden Law School
• Master’s programmes starting during the February intake

Applicants should carefully verify programme eligibility before submitting their scholarship application.

Scholarship Benefits

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship provides partial tuition fee funding. Depending on the selection committee’s decision, successful applicants may receive one of the following awards:

• €10,000
• €15,000
• €17,500
• €18,500
• €19,000

Important Information About the Funding

• The scholarship amount is fixed and cannot be negotiated.
• The award covers only part of the tuition fee.
• Living expenses, accommodation, travel, insurance, and personal costs are not included.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to meet Dutch visa and residence permit requirements.
• The scholarship generally cannot be combined with a full external scholarship, although some partial funding combinations may be permitted.

Eligible Nationalities

The scholarship is primarily open to students from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

This includes applicants from countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America, South America, and Oceania.

Nationality Exceptions

Nationality restrictions do not apply to applicants admitted to:

• Advanced LLM programmes
• MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

UK citizens are also eligible because the United Kingdom is classified as a non-EEA country, subject to specific residency conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy all applicable admission and scholarship requirements.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold a non-EEA or non-EFTA passport (unless covered by programme exceptions)
• Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s programme
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, generally ranking within the top 10% of their graduating class
• Meet all admission requirements of their selected programme
• Submit a motivation letter of no more than 500 words

Applicants Who Are Not Eligible

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Students applying for Humanities Master’s programmes
• Applicants to non-Advanced LLM programmes
• Applicants to MSc programmes at Leiden Law School
• Students applying for the February intake
• Most applicants who already hold a Leiden Master’s degree

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting their application:

• Completed Master’s admission application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Passport copy
• English language proficiency documents (if required)
• Curriculum Vitae (if requested by the programme)
• Motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
• Additional programme-specific documents

Submitting complete and accurate documentation improves the chances of a successful application.

How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026

Follow these steps carefully to complete your application.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Submit your application to an eligible Master’s programme at Leiden University through the university’s online admissions system.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee

If your programme requires an application fee, complete the payment. Processing your application may take several working days.

Step 3: Access the Scholarship Section

Once your admission application has been processed, return to your application portal and open the Scholarships section. Eligible applicants will see the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship option.

Step 4: Upload Your Motivation Letter

Prepare a strong motivation letter in PDF format with a maximum length of 500 words explaining why you deserve the scholarship.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete and submit both your admission and scholarship applications before 1 February 2026.

Applicants applying to multiple Master’s programmes must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each programme.

Selection Process

The scholarship selection process is highly competitive.

Faculty Evaluation

Each participating faculty reviews eligible applications based on academic excellence, motivation, and overall application quality.

Final Selection

Faculty committees nominate outstanding candidates for the scholarship.

Results Announcement

Successful applicants are usually notified by the end of April 2026.

Since only around 25 scholarships are awarded each year, applicants should ensure every part of their application is carefully prepared.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Maintain Excellent Academic Performance

A strong academic record remains the most important selection factor.

Write a Compelling Motivation Letter

Explain your academic goals, career plans, research interests, and why Leiden University is the best place to achieve them.

Apply Early

Submitting your application well before the deadline allows time to resolve any document or technical issues.

Double-Check Programme Eligibility

Many applicants are rejected simply because they apply for programmes that are not covered by the scholarship.