AK Travels Limited

Applications are now open for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 in the Netherlands.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious merit-based award offered to outstanding international students applying for eligible full-time Master’s degree programmes at Leiden University. The scholarship is designed to recognise exceptional academic achievement and help reduce tuition costs for talented students from around the world.

Depending on the faculty and available funding, recipients may receive a tuition award of €10,000, €15,000, or an amount equal to the tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee, which for some programmes is approximately €19,000.

Summary

• Scholarship Name: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
• Host Institution: Leiden University
• Host Country: Netherlands
• Study Level: Master’s Degree
• Scholarship Type: Merit-Based Tuition Scholarship
• Eligible Applicants: International Students (Primarily Non-EEA/Non-EFTA)
• Scholarship Value: €10,000, €15,000, or tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (up to approximately €19,000 depending on the programme)
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 1 December 2026

About the Scholarship

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship supports academically outstanding students who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University.

The scholarship is available for most Master’s programmes beginning in September, except certain programmes offered by Leiden Law School. Specific nationality restrictions also apply, although Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy have broader eligibility. The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants may receive one of the following awards:

• €10,000 towards tuition fees
• €15,000 towards tuition fees
• Tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (approximately €19,000 for eligible programmes)

The scholarship applies only to tuition costs and does not cover living expenses, accommodation, insurance or visa-related costs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Apply for admission to an eligible full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, typically ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme.
• Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and not be eligible for Dutch student finance, except for applicants to Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, where all nationalities may apply.
• Meet all admission requirements for the chosen Master’s programme.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online admission application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate (where applicable)
• Motivation letter for the LExS (maximum 500 words)
• Passport
• Any programme-specific admission documents required by Leiden University

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Apply online for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at Leiden University.

Step 2

During your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.

Step 3

Upload your LExS motivation letter (maximum 500 words) through the scholarship section of the application portal.

Step 4

Submit your complete admission and scholarship application before the scholarship deadline.

Step 5

Faculty selection committees evaluate eligible applications and nominate scholarship recipients after the application deadline.

Important Deadline

• Application Deadline: 1 December 2026

Applicants should submit both their Master’s admission application and scholarship request before the official deadline, as late scholarship applications are not considered.

Related Opportunities

• France IDEX Master’s Scholarship (Université Grenoble Alpes) 2026–27
• Sapienza University Scholarships in Italy for International Students
• Georgetown University GHD Scholarship in USA 2027

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is awarded primarily on academic merit. Since competition is intense, your motivation letter should clearly demonstrate not only your academic achievements but also why your chosen Master’s programme at Leiden University aligns with your long-term academic and professional goals. A focused and compelling application can significantly improve your chances of being selected.

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