Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands (€19,000 Tuition Support)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 (LExS) is now open for applications from outstanding international students. Offered by Leiden University, one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities, this merit-based scholarship provides significant tuition fee reductions ranging from €10,000 to €19,000 for full-time Master's programs starting in September 2027. This scholarship in Netherlands is primarily for non-EEA/non-EFTA students, with exceptions for Advanced LLM programs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy (open to all nationalities). Applicants should be among the top 10% of graduates in their previous studies. The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Living expenses, travel, and insurance are not covered - the scholarship reduces tuition fees only. Read on for complete details about eligibility, award levels, application process, and important deadlines.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands (€19,000 Tuition Support)

For many international students, the Netherlands is not the hard part. Getting admitted to a strong Dutch university is not even the hard part. The real wall is usually the tuition bill. That is exactly where the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027, commonly known as LExS, enters the picture. Leiden University, one of Europe's oldest and most academically respected universities, has opened this competitive scholarship route for outstanding international students planning to begin a full-time Master's degree in September 2027.

This is not a casual discount scheme. LExS is a merit-based scholarship for applicants whose academic records already place them among the strongest candidates in their field. For the right student, it can cut the international tuition burden by as much as €19,000, making a high-ranking Dutch Master's degree far more financially realistic.

However, applicants should not confuse this with a fully funded package. LExS reduces tuition fees only. It does not cover living costs, travel, insurance, visa expenses, or residence permit financial proof. For non-EEA students, this means the scholarship can strengthen affordability, but it does not remove the requirement to show sufficient funds for Dutch immigration purposes.

If you have an outstanding academic record and want to study at one of Europe's top universities, the LExS could be your pathway to an affordable Dutch Master's degree. In this guide, we will cover everything about the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: award levels, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the step-by-step application process.

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Netherlands Scholarship Details at a Glance

Scholarship Name: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Host University: Leiden University
Host Country: Netherlands
Degree Level: Full-time Master's programs (starting September 2027)
Scholarship Type: Merit-based tuition fee reduction
Award Levels: €10,000 | €15,000 | €17,500 | €18,500 | €19,000
Duration: Covers the full duration of the Master's program

Award Levels (Tuition Fee Reduction)

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

Award Level: Tuition Fee Reduction

Level 1 - €10,000
Level 2 - €15,000
Level 3 - €17,500
Level 4 - €18,500
Level 5 (Highest) €19,000

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. Even with the scholarship, a significant personal contribution will be required.

Read: Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026 [HAN University]

What is Eligibility Criteria for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?

1. Study Programme Requirements

Applicants must be applying for a full-time Master's program at Leiden University starting in September 2027.

Excluded programmes:

LLM (non-advanced) programmes at Leiden Law School
MSc programmes at Leiden Law School

2. Nationality Requirements

For most Master's programmes, applicants must meet the following nationality requirements:

Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (i.e., from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland)
Not be eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering)

Exceptions - open to all nationalities:

All LLM Advanced Studies programmes
MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

UK applicants: As the UK is a non-EEA country, students from the UK are eligible to apply for the LExS. However, this does not apply to applicants who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in their Dutch municipality's BRP before 1 January 2021.

3. Academic Requirements

Students must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous study programme(s), which must be relevant to the Master's programme for which they are applying.

Indication: The student is amongst the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programme. Note that proof of ranking is not required - this information is purely to indicate the level of competitiveness.

Read: Canada Scholarships for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD [Fully Funded]

4. Exclusions

The LExS cannot be awarded to applicants who:

Have already obtained a Leiden University Master's degree (with exceptions for Advanced LLM programmes where a previous Master's is mandatory)
Are applying for an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programme at Leiden Law School
Are applying for a study programme starting in February
Do not meet the nationality requirements

5. Combining with Other Scholarships

It is not possible to combine the LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider. Students are obliged to notify the scholarships department if they receive a full scholarship from another source. In some circumstances, the LExS may be combined with a partial scholarship from an external provider - contact the Scholarships Team for further details.

Eligible Programmes / Availble Degree Programs

The LExS is available for all full-time Master's programmes at Leiden University, with the exception of:

LLM (non-advanced) programmes at Leiden Law School
MSc programmes at Leiden Law School

Disciplines covered include:

Applied Sciences & Professions
Art
Business
Economics
Engineering & Technology
Environmental Sciences
Humanities
Law (Advanced LLM only)
Management
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

Note: The LExS is not available for programmes starting in February.

What is Application Process for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?

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

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you meet the nationality and academic requirements.
Ensure your chosen Master's programme is eligible (check exclusions).
Verify you are applying for a September 2027 start (February programmes are excluded).

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Apply online for admission to a Master's programme at Leiden University.
Pay the application fee if applicable.

Important: It can take up to 3 working days to create and submit an application for admission, so start your application well before the LExS deadline.

Step 3: Indicate Your Interest in LExS

After submitting your application for admission, return to the Apply screen in your online application.
Click on Scholarships.
If you are eligible to apply for the LExS, it will now be visible in the scholarships section.

Note: If you cannot see the LExS in your scholarships section, you have either not yet submitted your application for admission, missed the deadline, or are not eligible.

Indicate that you wish to apply for a LExS.

Step 4: Upload Your Motivation Letter

Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in your online application.
This is a document of maximum 500 words in which you explain why you would like to be considered for the award.

If applying for more than one programme: Indicate this clearly in each application and upload a LExS motivation letter for each programme.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit your online application, containing your LExS application, before 1 December 2026.
Late applications are not accepted.

Step 6: Wait for Results

The faculty selection committees will nominate LExS recipients and inform the Scholarships Team, up to 6 weeks after the LExS deadline.
The Scholarships Team will notify all LExS applicants of decisions by the end of April for the September intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply for the LExS?

Non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for a full-time Master's programme at Leiden University. Exceptions apply for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy (open to all nationalities).

Q2: What is the maximum scholarship amount?

The highest award level is €19,000 tuition fee reduction. Award levels range from €10,000 to €19,000.

Q3: Does LExS cover living expenses?

No. LExS covers tuition fees only. Living expenses, travel, insurance, and visa costs are not included.

Q4: When is the application deadline?

1 December 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027.

Q5: How do I apply?

Apply online for admission to a Master's programme at Leiden University, then indicate your interest in LExS in the scholarships section and upload a 500-word motivation letter.

Q6: Do I need to be in the top 10% of my class?

As an indication, applicants should be among the top 10% of graduates in their previous programme. Proof of ranking is not required, but this indicates the level of competitiveness.

Q7: Can UK students apply?

Yes. As the UK is a non-EEA country, UK students are eligible – unless they were already living in the Netherlands and registered in the BRP before 1 January 2021.

Q8: Can I combine LExS with other scholarships?

No. LExS cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider. It may be combined with a partial scholarship – contact the Scholarships Team for details.