Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LexS)
Are you an outstanding student looking to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands? The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Programme (LExS) offers a fantastic opportunity for non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals to study at Leiden University, one of the top-ranked universities in the world.
About the Scholarship: The LExS scholarship is designed to support exceptional students enrolling in full-time Master’s programs at Leiden University. It covers a portion of the tuition fee and is available for various Master’s programs except for LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School. The number and type of awards vary depending on the budget available for each faculty department.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the LExS scholarship, applicants must have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and demonstrate outstanding academic achievements in their previous education, placing them in the top 10% of graduates in their respective study programs. Note that formal proof of ranking is not required, but it serves as an indicator of competitiveness.
Scholarship Value and Duration: The LExS program offers three types of awards:
- €10,000 of the tuition fee
- €15,000 of the tuition fee
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee
While the scholarship provides significant financial support, it is essential to know that it is not a full scholarship. Recipients from non-EEA countries are required to show “proof of sufficient funds” for their student visa/residence permit application.
Application Process: To apply for the LExS scholarship, interested students must first submit an online application for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University. During the application process, candidates should clearly indicate their intention to apply for the LExS scholarship in the designated section and upload a letter of motivation for the scholarship. The application deadline for programs starting in September is 1 February, while programs starting in February have a deadline of 1 October.
Website and More Information: For detailed information on the LExS scholarship and the online application form, please visit the official scholarship website at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/sea/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs.
If you are a high-achieving student seeking an extraordinary educational experience in the Netherlands, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship can pave the way for an enriching academic journey at Leiden University. Start your application process today and take a step closer to your dreams of studying in the Netherlands!
(FAQs) – Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)
What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based scholarship offered by Leiden University in the Netherlands to outstanding international students applying for eligible full-time master’s degree programmes. The scholarship is designed to attract academically exceptional students from around the world by providing a partial contribution toward tuition fees.
Who is eligible to apply for the LExS?
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
- Apply for an eligible full-time master’s programme at Leiden University.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance, typically ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their previous degree.
- Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and not be eligible for Dutch student finance (with some exceptions, such as Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities).
- Meet all admission requirements for their chosen programme.
What does the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship cover?
The LExS is a partial tuition scholarship rather than a fully funded award. Depending on the selection outcome, recipients may receive a tuition fee reduction of €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000 for the duration of their eligible master’s programme. Students are still responsible for remaining tuition costs and living expenses, including accommodation, insurance, and daily living costs.
How do I apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
Applicants must first submit an application for admission to an eligible master’s programme at Leiden University. After completing the admission application, eligible candidates can apply for the LExS through the university’s online application portal by submitting the required scholarship application and a motivation letter before the published deadline. No separate external application is required.
How competitive is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The LExS is highly competitive. Leiden University awards only a limited number of scholarships each year—around 25 awards annually—while receiving well over a thousand applications. Successful applicants typically have outstanding academic records, strong motivation, and a compelling application that demonstrates why they are an excellent fit for their chosen master’s programme.