2027 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) in the Netherlands
Are you an exceptionally high-achieving international student aiming to earn a Master’s degree at one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions? The 2027 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) in the Netherlands is officially open for applications.
Leiden University established this merit-based scholarship to attract brilliant global minds into its full-time postgraduate cohorts. Designed to significantly offset the cost of international fees, this competitive fund recognizes individuals who graduated at the absolute top of their undergraduate classes.
Below is everything you need to know about the LExS rewards, faculty requirements, crucial deadlines, and a complete breakdown of how to embed your scholarship request into your admission application.
2027 Leiden University LExS Summary
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Host Institution: Leiden University
- Study Level: Postgraduate / Master’s Degree (Full-time)
- Financial Value: Tuition fee reductions ranging from €10,000 up to €19,000
- Eligible Nationalities: Non-EU/EEA nationals (Exceptions apply for specific advanced tracks)
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 (Note: Some master’s faculties accept submissions up to February 1, 2027—verify your specific course page).
Financial Rewards & Award Tiers
The LExS is a highly prestigious tuition relief fund. Depending on the strength of your academic profile and your faculty’s specific budget allocations, successful candidates are awarded one of five financial tiers:
- Tier 1: €10,000 contribution toward your tuition fee
- Tier 2: €15,000 contribution toward your tuition fee
- Tier 3: €17,500 contribution toward your tuition fee
- Tier 4: €18,500 contribution toward your tuition fee
- Tier 5: Up to €19,000 max contribution toward your tuition fee
Important Financial Notice: The LExS is a partial tuition waiver, not a full cost-of-living stipend. Under Dutch immigration law, selected scholars must still provide official “proof of sufficient funds” to cover their personal living expenses and accommodation for their student visa/residence permit application.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, you must fulfill these rigorous requirements:
- Academic Performance: You must have achieved outstanding results in your previous undergraduate studies. As a baseline gauge of competitiveness, applicants should ideally rank in the top 10% of their graduating class (formal proof of ranking is not required, but transcripts must reflect peak grades).
- Nationality Parameters: You must hold a valid non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and must not be eligible for standard Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering).
- Global Exceptions: Students of all nationalities (including EU/EEA citizens) are fully eligible if they apply for an Advanced LL.M. program at the Law School or the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
- Program Exclusions: The scholarship covers almost all full-time Master’s tracks at Leiden, except for standard, non-advanced LL.M. or MSc tracks at Leiden Law School.
How to Apply for the 2027 Leiden University LExS Step-by-Step
The LExS application is entirely digital and integrated directly into the university’s main student database portal.
1.Select an Eligible Master’s Program
Browse the Leiden University master’s catalog and pick a full-time program starting in September 2027 that is eligible for the LExS award.
2.Launch Your Admission Application
Create an account on the online application portal, input your personal information, upload your academic transcripts, and pay the mandatory application processing fee.
3.Access the Hidden Scholarship Menu
Submit your complete academic program application first. Once submitted, return immediately to your main profile “Apply” screen and click on the newly unlocked Scholarships tab.
4.Upload Your LExS Motivation Letter.
Select the check-box for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) and upload your targeted motivation letter. This must be a clean PDF file of maximum 500 words explaining precisely why your academic background deserves this award.
5.Finalize Before December 1
Review your scholarship packet and lock it in before the December 1, 2026 hard deadline. No changes can be made via email or web forms after clicking submit.
Direct Official Application Link
Are you ready to elevate your academic career in the Netherlands? Use the direct portal below to review official program listings and access the portal:
www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/sea/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs
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