About the Scholarship
Leiden University invites outstanding students to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a prestigious award designed to support highly talented individuals joining a full-time Master’s programme. This scholarship recognises academic excellence, providing partial funding to students who are among the top 10% of their previous study programmes. Open to non-EEA/non-EFTA students, the LExS fosters international mobility and global academic engagement, helping students pursue advanced education in fields such as Humanities, Archaeology, Governance, Medicine, Law, Science, and Social Sciences. By offering financial support, the scholarship enables recipients to focus on their studies, develop research skills, and prepare for impactful careers in academia, governance, or industry. With only 25 scholarships awarded annually, it is highly competitive and prestigious.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship Name: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Institution/Provider: Leiden University
- Administering Organisation: Leiden University Scholarships Team
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
- Level of Study: Master’s
- Field of Study: Humanities, Archaeology, Governance, Medicine, Law, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Science
- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Duration: Full Master’s programme duration
- Start Date (Expected): September 2026
- Application Mode: Online
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based / Partially-funded
Research Areas Supported
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine / LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- Advanced LLM Studies
- MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Excellent academic results, top 10% of previous study programme
- Nationality/Residency: Non-EEA/non-EFTA students (UK students eligible; EEA/EFTA excluded, except Advanced LLM and MSc IRD)
- Language Proficiency: English (required for Master’s admission)
- Enrollment Status: Incoming Master’s students
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership experience, research achievements, or community engagement may strengthen the application
Not Eligible
Students pursuing: LLM (non-advanced), MSc at Leiden Law School, previous Leiden University Master’s (unless specific programme requirement), February intake, or those holding another full scholarship
Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Partial coverage (€10,000 – €19,000)
- Travel Grant: –
- Accommodation Support: –
- Health Insurance: –
- Books & Materials: –
- Additional Perks: Recognition, academic networking opportunities, eligibility to enhance career prospects
Scholarship Benefits
Tuition coverage, academic recognition, enhanced research and networking opportunities, international exposure, and partial funding for living costs
Key Responsibilities
Maintain academic excellence, comply with scholarship terms, and participate in faculty activities if required
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply online for admission to a Master’s programme at Leiden University, then submit the LExS motivation letter via the scholarship section of the application portal
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- CV / Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency
- Passport copy
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Upon the Master’s programme application
- Application Deadline: 2 February 2026 (submit by 30 January recommended)
- Interview/Review Period: 6 weeks post-deadline
- Result Announcement: Before the end of April 2026
- Program Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Leiden University
- Official Notification: Leiden University Scholarships
- Apply Here: Online via the Master’s application portal
📧 Contact for Querie – Email: scholarships@leidenuniv.nl
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