Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 – Study in the Netherlands

Leiden University, The Netherlands Master's Degree Netherlands (Leiden / The Hague)

Scholarship Description

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious scholarship for excellent non-EEA/non-EFTA students joining a full-time Leiden University Master's degree programme. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to €19,000 for the duration of the study programme.

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's leading research universities. It is renowned for excellence in international relations, law, science, archaeology, humanities, and social sciences. The university has campuses in Leiden and The Hague, offering students a vibrant international academic community.

The LExS is a highly competitive scholarship — each year, Leiden University has approximately 25 scholarships available, while over a thousand students apply. Successful applicants are among the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programmes.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Leiden University in the Netherlands, with campuses in Leiden and The Hague. Students will study in a world-class academic environment at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities.

Scholarship Deadline

The LExS application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Notification: Before the end of March 2027

Recommendation: Start your application for admission well before the deadline — it can take up to 3 working days to create/submit an application.

Host Institution

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. It is a world-class research university with a strong international reputation, particularly in law, international relations, humanities, archaeology, science, and social sciences. The university is a member of the prestigious League of European Research Universities (LERU).

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree (full-time).

Eligible faculties:

Archaeology
Humanities
Medicine/LUMC
Governance and Global Affairs
Social and Behavioural Sciences
Science

Not eligible:

Leiden Law School's LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes
Programmes starting in February

Exceptions (no nationality restrictions):

All LLM Advanced Studies programmes
MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

Target Group

Non-EEA/non-EFTA students (all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are EEA/EFTA). Applicants must not be eligible for student finance via the Dutch government (Studiefinanciering).

UK students: As the UK is a non-EEA country, UK students are eligible to apply for the LExS. This does not apply to applicants who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in their Dutch municipality's BRP before 1 January 2021.

Exceptions (all nationalities eligible):

All LLM Advanced Studies programmes
MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

Scholarship Duration & Amount

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. There are five levels of tuition fee reduction:

€10,000 of the tuition fee
€15,000 of the tuition fee
€17,500 of the tuition fee
€18,500 of the tuition fee
€19,000 of the tuition fee

Important notes:

The LExS is not a full scholarship — it does not cover the full cost of your studies. A significant personal contribution will be required.
Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit 'proof of sufficient funds' for their student visa/residence permit application.
Only around 25 LExS scholarships are available each year.
The level of the award is final and non-negotiable.

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Tuition Reduction: €10,000 – €19,000
Duration: Full programme duration
Availability: ~25 scholarships per year
Not a full scholarship: Personal contribution required

Scholarship Eligibility

Study programme requirements:

Applicants must be applying for a full-time Master's programme at Leiden University starting in September.
The following programmes are excluded: Leiden Law School's LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes.

Nationality requirements:

Applicants must have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.
Applicants may not be eligible for student finance via the Dutch government (Studiefinanciering).
Exceptions (no nationality restrictions): All LLM Advanced Studies programmes and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
UK students: Eligible as the UK is a non-EEA country (with exceptions for those already registered in the Netherlands before 1 January 2021).

Academic requirements:

Excellent academic results in previous study programme(s).
Previous study must be relevant to the Master's programme being applied for.
As an indication, the student should be among the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programme.

Exclusions:

Students who have already obtained a Leiden University Master's degree (exceptions apply for programmes where a specified previous Master or work experience is mandatory).
Students applying for an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programme at Leiden Law School.
Students applying for a programme starting in February.
Students who do not meet the nationality requirements.
Students who receive another full scholarship from an external provider (partial scholarships may be combined in some cases).

✅ Eligible Candidates

Non-EEA/non-EFTA students (with exceptions for Advanced LLM and MSc Int. Relations).
Excellent academic record (top 10% of graduates).
Applying for a full-time Master's programme starting in September.
Previous study relevant to the chosen Master's programme.
Not eligible for Dutch student finance.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

EEA/EFTA students (with exceptions for specific programmes).
Students applying for Leiden Law School LLM (non-advanced) or MSc.
Students applying for a programme starting in February.
Students who already hold a Leiden University Master's degree.
Students receiving another full scholarship from an external provider.

Application Procedure

Apply online for admission – Submit your application for admission to a Master's programme at Leiden University through the online application portal. Pay the application fee if applicable.
Wait for system processing – It can take up to 3 working days to create/submit an application for admission. Start your application well before the LExS deadline.
Access the scholarships section – After submitting your application for admission, return to the Apply screen in your online application and click on Scholarships. If you are eligible, the LExS will be visible in the scholarships section.
Indicate your interest – Indicate that you want to apply for the LExS.
Upload your motivation letter – Submit a PDF file of max. 500 words explaining why you would like to be considered for the award.
Submit before the deadline – Submit your scholarship application before the December 1, 2026 deadline.
Wait for notification – Faculty selection committees nominate recipients within 10 weeks of the deadline. All applicants will be notified before the end of March.

Important notes:

After submitting your scholarship application, you cannot make changes to it online or by sending additional items by email.
If you are applying for more than one study programme/specialisation and wish to apply for a LExS for each, you must submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter within each online application.
Late scholarship applications will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure both your admission application and scholarship application are submitted before the deadline.

Official Website & Application Links

Leiden University – LExS Official Page

Contact: For questions, contact the Scholarships Team via the Leiden University website.

Scholarships groups Join Facebook Group Join Telegram Channel

💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for outstanding non-EEA/EFTA students to study at one of Europe's oldest and most respected universities. With tuition fee reductions of up to €19,000, the scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden of studying in the Netherlands.

Key strategies for a successful application:

Ensure you meet the nationality requirements — non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (with exceptions for Advanced LLM and MSc Int. Relations programmes).
Demonstrate excellent academic results — you should be among the top 10% of graduates in your previous study programme.
Start your application for admission well before the deadline — it can take up to 3 working days to process.
After submitting your admission application, do not forget to apply for the LExS in the scholarships section.
Write a compelling motivation letter (max. 500 words) explaining why you should be considered for the award.
Submit your scholarship application by December 1, 2026 — late applications will not be considered.
Remember that the LExS is not a full scholarship — you will still need to cover living expenses and a personal contribution.

Important reminders: Only around 25 scholarships are available each year, while over a thousand students apply. The scholarship is not available for February-start programmes or for Leiden Law School's LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes. If you already hold a Leiden University Master's degree, you are generally not eligible unless the programme requires a previous Master's degree. The scholarship cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026 – FAQ

What is the value of the LExS scholarship?

The LExS provides a tuition fee reduction of €10,000 to €19,000 for the duration of the study programme. There are five award levels.

Who is eligible to apply?

Non-EEA/non-EFTA students with excellent academic records (top 10% of graduates) applying for a full-time Master's programme at Leiden University starting in September. Exceptions apply for Advanced LLM and MSc International Relations and Diplomacy (open to all nationalities).

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is December 1, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

How many scholarships are available?

Only about 25 LExS scholarships are awarded each year, while over a thousand students apply.

What do I need to submit?

You need to apply for admission to a Master's programme, then submit a LExS application with a motivation letter of max. 500 words in PDF format.

Can I combine the LExS with other scholarships?

The LExS cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider. It may be combined with a partial scholarship in some cases — contact the Scholarships Team for details.

Is the LExS a full scholarship?

No. The LExS is not a full scholarship. It provides a tuition fee reduction, but a significant personal contribution is still required. Non-EEA students must still show proof of sufficient funds for their visa application.