Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands | Tuition Waver

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 offers a significant tuition fee reduction for outstanding international students pursuing a full-time Master's degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. This merit-based scholarship aims to make a world-class education more accessible by alleviating a substantial portion of the tuition burden. If you possess an exceptional academic record and aspire to study at one of Europe's most esteemed institutions, the LExS program provides a valuable opportunity to advance your postgraduate studies.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Netherlands

• Host University: Leiden University

• Eligible Nationalities: Primarily non-EEA/non-EFTA students. Exceptions for Advanced LLM and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities. UK students are generally eligible.

• Coverage: Tuition fee reduction only (ranging from €10,000 to €19,000)

• Degree Level: Full-time Master's programs

• Application Deadline: December 01, 2026

Financial Benefits

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship provides substantial financial support exclusively towards tuition fees. This is a partial scholarship, not a fully funded opportunity, and does not cover living expenses, travel, insurance, or visa-related costs. The award levels are fixed and non-negotiable:

• Level 1: €10,000 tuition fee reduction

• Level 2: €15,000 tuition fee reduction

• Level 3: €17,500 tuition fee reduction

• Level 4: €18,500 tuition fee reduction

• Level 5 (Highest): €19,000 tuition fee reduction

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the LExS scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be applying for a full-time Master's program at Leiden University, with studies commencing in September 2027.

• Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport. This requirement is waived for applicants to all Advanced LLM programs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities.

• Not be eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering).

• Demonstrate excellent academic performance in previous studies, typically placing within the top 10% of graduates in their relevant field.

• Not have previously obtained a Master's degree from Leiden University, unless applying for an Advanced LLM program where a prior Master's is a prerequisite.

• The scholarship is not available for LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programs at Leiden Law School, nor for any programs starting in February.

• Cannot combine the LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider. Partial external scholarships may be permissible upon consultation with the Scholarships Team.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents as part of their scholarship application:

• Motivation Letter: A concise letter, maximum 500 words, explaining your interest in the LExS award and why you should be considered. If applying to multiple programs, a separate motivation letter is required for each.

• Master's Program Application Documents: Standard admission documents for your chosen Master's program at Leiden University, which typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a curriculum vitae (CV), passport copy, and potentially letters of recommendation or a research proposal, as specified by your program of interest.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027:

• Step 1: Verify Eligibility. Carefully review all nationality, academic, and program-specific requirements to ensure you qualify for the LExS. Confirm your chosen Master's program starts in September 2027.

• Step 2: Apply for Master's Admission. Submit an online application for admission to your desired full-time Master's program at Leiden University. It is crucial to start this process well in advance of the scholarship deadline, as it can take several days to complete.

• Step 3: Indicate LExS Interest. After successfully submitting your Master's admission application, return to the "Apply" screen within your online portal. Locate the "Scholarships" section, where the LExS option should now be visible if you meet the initial criteria. Select that you wish to apply for the LExS.

• Step 4: Upload Motivation Letter. Upload your scholarship motivation letter (maximum 500 words) as directed in the online application system.

• Step 5: Final Submission. Ensure your complete online application, including the LExS scholarship application and motivation letter, is submitted before the December 01, 2026 deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

• Step 6: Await Notification. Scholarship decisions are typically communicated by the end of April for the September intake, approximately six weeks after the LExS deadline.