Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026

If you are an exceptional international student dreaming of pursuing a Master's degree at one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities—Leiden University in the Netherlands. The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 could be your gateway. This competitive, partial tuition scholarship supports outstanding applicants from around the world, offering both financial relief and academic prestige. Here's your complete guide to seize this opportunity.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Leiden University, Netherlands

• Study Level: Full-time Master’s degree (September intake)

• Target Group: Non-EEA/Non-EFTA international students (with exceptions for certain programmes)

• Eligible Faculties: Archaeology, Medicine/LUMC, Governance & Global Affairs, Law (excluding non-advanced LLM and MSc at Law School), Social & Behavioural Sciences, Science

• Value & Coverage: Partial tuition fee waiver—fixed amounts per year: €10,000; €15,000; €17,500; €18,500; or €19,000—non-negotiable and granted for the full duration of the programme

• Duration: Duration of the Master’s programme

• Number of Awards: Highly competitive; approximately 25 scholarships available annually

• Application Deadlines:

  • February 1, 2026 (for programmes starting in September 2026)

  • October 1 (for programmes starting February)

📚 LExS Scholarship Overview

The LExS rewards academic excellence among top-performing students worldwide who apply to Leiden University’s Master’s programmes in targeted faculties. While not a full scholarship, it provides substantial support toward tuition and enhances student profiles with academic prestige and a strong international experience.

Scholarship or loan amount

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. There are five available levels of awards:

• € 10,000 of the tuition fee

• € 15,000 of the tuition fee

• € 17,500 of the tuition fee

• € 18,500 of the tuition fee

• € 19,000 of the tuition fee

If and when awarded a LExS, the level of the award is final and non-negotiable. The LExS is not a full scholarship and does not cover the full cost of your studies. Always keep in mind that a significant personal contribution will be required. Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit ‘proof of sufficient funds’ for their student visa/residence permit application.

🎁 Benefits

• Significant tuition support: Annual tuition fee reduction ranging between €10,000 and €19,000

• Prestige: Endorsement from a highly selective scholarship enhances CV and academic standing

• Stability: Fixed support throughout the study period, reducing financial uncertainty

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for LExS, applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Programme Requirements: Applied to a full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University starting in September; exceptions apply for certain Law School programmes (non-advanced LLM/MSc) and programmes in Humanities (excluded entirely)

2. Nationality Requirements: Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (i.e. not EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) and be ineligible for Dutch government student finance—except for Advanced LLM or MSc in International Relations & Diplomacy, where any nationality is accepted

   • UK students now qualify, provided they weren't registered in the Dutch municipal system before January 1, 2021

3. Academic Excellence: Among the top 10% of graduates in previous degrees; formal proof is not required but indicates high competitiveness

4. Exclusions:

   • Applicants who already hold a Leiden University Master’s (unless programme requires prior Master or work experience, e.g., Advanced LLM)

   • Programs starting in February (in certain faculties), Humanities, LLM (non-advanced) or MSc at Law School

   • Cannot combine with another full scholarship (partial scholarships may be possible)

📝 Application Procedure

1. Apply for Admission: Submit your online application for a Master’s programme at Leiden University and pay any required fees. Processing can take up to 3 working days, so start early .

2. Access Scholarship Section: After submitting your admission application, return to the application portal, click on Scholarships, and the LExS option will appear if you're eligible .

3. Submit Motivation Letter: Upload a PDF motivation letter (max 500 words), describing why you deserve the scholarship

4. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure application and scholarship documents are submitted before February 1, 2026 (for September intake). Late applications are not accepted .

5. Multiple Programmes: If applying to multiple Master’s programmes, submit a separate LExS application (including motivation letter) for each programme .

📆 Selection Timeline

• Nomination: Faculty selection committees nominate recipients within 6 weeks after the February 1 deadline .

• Notification: Applicants are informed by end of April via email whether they were awarded the scholarship (for September start) .

🔍 Obligations & Important Notes

• Acceptance: Must agree in writing to scholarship’s terms and conditions before disbursement .

• Regulatory Compliance: Must adhere to Dutch visa/residence permit requirements—including submission of “proof of sufficient funds” for visa, even if LExS is granted .

• Continuity: Scholarship applies only while registered as a full-time student and may be revoked if you change programmes or de-register .

• No Full Scholarship Overlap: Cannot hold another full scholarship simultaneously; however, partial awards may be permissible in consultation with the Scholarships Team .

💡 Final Thought

If you're an internationally mobile, high-achieving student aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands, the LExS 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity to ease your financial burden and enhance your academic profile. Though competitive and partial, it still significantly reduces tuition costs and underscores your academic merit.

🔗 Official Link

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