Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands - Up to €19,000
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 (LExS) is a highly competitive scholarship opportunity for outstanding international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands. The scholarship provides substantial tuition fee support to academically excellent students admitted to eligible Master’s programmes at Leiden University.
For students searching for Netherlands scholarships 2027, fully funded scholarships in Europe, Master's scholarships for international students, study abroad scholarships, and tuition fee scholarships in Europe, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is an opportunity worth considering.
The application deadline for the September 2027 intake is 1 December 2026.
Important: The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is not a fully funded scholarship in the strict sense. It provides tuition-fee support, while students remain responsible for living costs and other expenses. Leiden University itself states that living expenses are not included.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 – Quick Details
| Scholarship | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) |
|---|---|
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Study Level | Master's Degree |
| Scholarship Type | Tuition Fee Scholarship |
| Target Group | International Students |
| Main Eligibility | Primarily Non-EEA/Non-EFTA students |
| Scholarship Award | Up to €19,000 toward tuition fees |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Duration | Duration of eligible Master's programme |
| Selection | Highly Competitive |
| Application Method | Online |
What Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship programme designed to attract academically outstanding international students to Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The scholarship is particularly attractive for students looking for affordable Master's degrees in Europe, international scholarships in the Netherlands, and opportunities to reduce the cost of postgraduate study abroad.
According to Leiden University's scholarship conditions, applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent academic results relevant to their intended programme. As an indication of the required academic level, applicants are generally expected to rank among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme. Proof of ranking is not necessarily required.
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of Europe's established research universities and offers a wide range of Master's programmes for international students.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Benefits 2027
The LExS can substantially reduce the tuition cost of studying for a Master's degree in the Netherlands.
The scholarship awards can include different levels of tuition-fee support. Current published information lists awards of:
€10,000 tuition fee support
€15,000 tuition fee support
€17,500 tuition fee support
€18,500 tuition fee support
Up to €19,000 tuition fee support
The exact scholarship amount depends on the award granted by Leiden University.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The main financial benefit is tuition-fee support.
Successful students may also benefit from the international academic environment, university support services, networking opportunities and the academic reputation associated with studying at Leiden University.
However, applicants should carefully plan their finances because the scholarship does not automatically cover accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa costs or other living expenses. Leiden University's own information states that living expenses are not included in the LExS.
Is Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
This is an important point for international students searching for fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands.
Although some websites describe LExS as a "funded" or "fully funded" scholarship, Leiden University describes the award as tuition-fee support and specifically states that living expenses are not included.
Therefore, applicants should consider LExS a major tuition-fee scholarship, rather than a scholarship that completely pays for tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
This distinction is especially important when preparing a Netherlands student visa financial plan.
Who Can Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The scholarship is primarily intended for academically excellent students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) who are applying for an eligible Master's programme.
There are special nationality rules for certain programmes. For example, Leiden University's conditions state that LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are open to applicants of all nationalities.
Applicants should therefore check the eligibility requirements of their specific Master's programme before applying.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2027
To be competitive for the LExS scholarship, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
1. Apply for an Eligible Master's Programme
Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time Master's degree programme at Leiden University.
Admission to the Master's programme and scholarship selection are separate considerations, so applicants should carefully complete both parts of the application.
2. Excellent Academic Record
Academic excellence is one of the most important factors.
Leiden University indicates that applicants should have achieved excellent study results relevant to their proposed Master's programme. Being among the top 10% of graduates is given as an indication of the expected academic level.
3. Meet Nationality Requirements
For most eligible Master's programmes, LExS is aimed at non-EEA/non-EFTA students who are not eligible for Dutch student finance.
Some programmes have different nationality rules, so applicants should verify the requirements for their chosen programme.
4. Submit the Scholarship Application on Time
Applicants must complete the required scholarship application before the applicable deadline.
A late or incomplete application may not be considered.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Deadline 2027
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship deadline for the September 2027 intake is 1 December 2026.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Students planning to study in the Netherlands in 2027 should not wait until the final days to prepare their applications.
You may need time to:
Research eligible Master's programmes
Prepare academic documents
Prepare your CV
Write a strong motivation letter
Complete the university admission application
Arrange English-language proficiency documentation where required
Submit the scholarship application
Documents Required for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Applicants should prepare the documents required for both the Master's admission application and scholarship consideration.
Commonly requested documents may include:
Academic transcripts
Previous degree certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of English-language proficiency, where applicable
Passport or identification document
Other programme-specific documents
The exact document requirements can vary according to the Master's programme.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Motivation Letter
The LExS motivation letter is an important part of the scholarship application.
A strong scholarship motivation letter should clearly explain:
Why you selected Leiden University
Why you selected your particular Master's programme
Your academic achievements
Your career objectives
Your research or professional interests
Your future contribution to your field or community
Why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship
Avoid submitting a generic scholarship essay.
Instead, connect your academic achievements, Master's programme, career plans and long-term goals into one convincing application.
How to Apply for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027?
The application process generally involves applying for an eligible Master's programme and indicating your interest in LExS through the university's application process.
Step 1: Choose a Master's Programme
Search Leiden University's available Master's programmes and identify a programme that matches your academic background and career objectives.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Before applying, carefully review:
Master's admission requirements
LExS eligibility criteria
Nationality requirements
Programme-specific requirements
Application deadlines
Step 3: Apply for Admission
Submit your application for the selected Master's programme through Leiden University's online application system.
Step 4: Apply for LExS
Where eligible, indicate that you want to be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship and complete the scholarship requirements.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload the required academic documents and scholarship materials, including the motivation letter where requested.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure the complete application is submitted before 1 December 2026 for the September 2027 intake.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Decision
LExS is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive the scholarship.
Why Study in the Netherlands in 2027?
The Netherlands is one of Europe's most popular destinations for international students because of its internationally recognised universities, English-taught degree programmes and strong research environment.
For students comparing study abroad destinations in Europe, the Netherlands can provide access to internationally recognised Master's programmes across fields such as:
Business
Engineering
Computer Science
Law
International Relations
Social Sciences
Humanities
Life Sciences
Archaeology
Environmental Studies
A tuition scholarship such as LExS can make the overall cost of a Dutch Master's degree more manageable.
Leiden University Scholarship for International Students
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is particularly relevant to students searching for:
Leiden University scholarships for international students
Netherlands scholarships for international students
Master's scholarships in the Netherlands
Study in Netherlands scholarships
European scholarships for international students
Tuition fee scholarships in Europe
Scholarships for Master's students
International student scholarships 2027
Study abroad funding
Postgraduate scholarships in Europe
Scholarships without full funding requirements
Because the scholarship is competitive, students should focus on building a strong overall admission and scholarship application rather than relying solely on meeting the basic eligibility criteria.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
No. LExS is primarily a tuition-fee scholarship. Leiden University states that living expenses are not included.
How much is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship worth?
Published scholarship levels include €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 and €19,000 toward tuition fees.
What is the deadline for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027?
The deadline for the September 2027 intake is 1 December 2026.
Who is eligible for LExS?
LExS is primarily intended for excellent non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for eligible Master's programmes. Certain programmes have different nationality requirements.
What academic level is expected?
Leiden University indicates that applicants should have excellent academic results. Being within the top 10% of graduates is given as an indication of the expected level.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students who meet the applicable nationality, programme and academic requirements can apply.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No. Living expenses are not included in the LExS award. Students should budget separately for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other expenses.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Leiden University's scholarship conditions allow students to submit multiple scholarship applications, but students may not accept more than one scholarship provided by or sponsored by Leiden University.
Can LExS be combined with another scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Leiden University's conditions state that students cannot receive another full scholarship for the same study programme; some partial scholarships may be possible with advance written permission.
Final Verdict
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is a valuable opportunity for academically outstanding international students planning to pursue a Master's degree in the Netherlands.
With tuition-fee awards of up to €19,000, LExS can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with studying abroad. However, applicants should remember that it is not a fully funded scholarship, because living expenses are not covered.
If you have a strong academic record, a clear career plan and a compelling reason for choosing Leiden University, this scholarship should be included in your 2027 European scholarship and study-abroad application strategy.
Deadline: 1 December 2026
Start preparing your Master's admission and scholarship application early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Official Scholarship Information
For the most accurate and updated eligibility requirements, programme exclusions, application instructions and scholarship conditions, always verify the information directly with Leiden University before submitting an application. Leiden University's published scholarship conditions are the authoritative source for LExS requirements.