| Organiser | Leiden University |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Funding | Tuition fee reduction €10,000–€19,000 |
| Level | Master’s |
| Eligibility | Non-EEA/non-EFTA students |
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) 2027 presents a valuable funding opportunity for international students aiming to pursue master’s degree studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Known for its rich academic heritage since 1575 and its motto “Praesidium Libertatis,” Leiden University ranks among Europe’s prominent research institutions, offering a diverse range of master’s programs across sciences, arts, and social sciences. The scholarship awards substantial tuition fee support, encouraging top-performing students from outside the EEA/EFTA to join its vibrant academic community.
A key point for applicants is that the scholarship specifically targets non-EEA/non-EFTA students with excellent academic records, typically placing in the top 10% of their previous programs. It also requires full-time registration and does not permit combining with other full scholarships unless partial awards are pre-approved.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands)
- CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship
- Netherlands Fellowship Program
- Leiden University Advanced Masters Scholarships
Leiden University Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s
- Host Institution: Leiden University
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Funding: Tuition fee scholarship ranging from €10,000 to €19,000
- Deadline: December 1, 2026 for September 2027 intake
- Eligibility: Non-EEA/non-EFTA students with excellent academic results
The scholarship covered in this guide is:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) 2027
Leiden University Scholarships Deadline
The application deadline for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is December 1, 2026, for programs starting in September 2027. This deadline is fixed annually for the main intake, ensuring students have sufficient time to prepare their applications and supporting documents.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) Deadline
Applicants must submit their scholarship applications by December 1, 2026, for the academic year commencing in September 2027. Late applications are typically not accepted, so adherence to this date is crucial.
Leiden University Scholarship Coverage
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)
This scholarship provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for successful candidates. The awarded amount varies depending on the faculty’s budget and the student’s merit.
- Tuition fee reduction amounts of €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000
- Support is for the full duration of the master’s program (up to 12 months for one-year programs or 24 months for two-year programs)
- Applicable across almost all master’s programs except the Leiden Law School’s non-advanced LLM
Eligibility Criteria for Leiden University Scholarships
Applicants must meet both the university admission requirements and specific scholarship criteria to qualify. These include academic excellence, nationality restrictions, and compliance with visa regulations.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) Eligibility
- Must be a non-EEA/non-EFTA student applying for a full-time master’s program at Leiden University (excluding certain programs)
- Have achieved outstanding academic results relevant to the intended master’s program, typically ranking in the top 10% of previous studies
- Must be admitted and registered full-time at Leiden University for the master’s program
- Not eligible for Dutch study grants or loans (“Studiefinanciering”)
- Cannot hold another full scholarship for the same program unless partial scholarships have been approved in writing beforehand
- Must comply with Dutch visa and residence permit regulations
- For multi-year programs, a minimum of 60 ECTS credits must be earned in the first year to maintain the scholarship
- Scholarship is non-transferable to other academic years or intakes and will be revoked if the student defers participation
- Active participation in promotional activities for the scholarship during the study period is required
- Change of degree program after registration may lead to scholarship revocation, subject to faculty committee review
How to Apply for Leiden University Scholarships?
Application procedures vary slightly depending on the scholarship, but for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, the process integrates with the university’s master’s admission application.
How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)?
- Submit an online application for admission to a master’s program at Leiden University and pay any applicable application fee.
- Indicate your interest in the LexS in the scholarship section of the application.
- Upload a motivation letter (maximum 500 words) explaining your suitability and reasons for applying for the scholarship.
- Complete and submit your application before the December 1, 2026 deadline.
- If applying to multiple programs, submit separate applications and motivation letters for each program.
Documents Required for Leiden University Scholarships
Required documents differ per scholarship but generally include academic transcripts, proof of previous rankings, motivation letters, and passport copies.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) Documents
- Academic transcripts and diplomas from previous education
- A motivation letter outlining your reasons for applying (max 500 words)
- Proof of English language proficiency as per university requirements
- Copy of valid passport demonstrating non-EEA/non-EFTA nationality
- Any additional documents requested by the faculty or university during the admission process
Website
For detailed information and to apply, prospective students should visit Leiden University’s official scholarship pages to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.
Tuition Fees for International Students at Leiden University
Master’s programs at Leiden University typically charge tuition fees ranging between €18,000 and €20,000 per year for non-EEA/non-EFTA students. These fees vary slightly depending on the faculty and program.
| Program | Tuition Fee (per year) |
|---|---|
| Master’s programs at Leiden University | €18,000–€20,000 |
Living Expenses in the Netherlands for International Students
Estimated monthly living costs in the Netherlands range from €1,000 to €1,200. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Students should budget accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay during their studies.
MBA and Master’s Programmes and Their Costs in the Netherlands
While Leiden University offers a variety of master’s programs, students interested in MBA studies can consider the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam. The full-time MBA program costs approximately €45,000 for one year.
| Program | School | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Program | Erasmus University Rotterdam | €45,000 | 1 year |
Funding Options to Cover the Gap
In addition to the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, international students can explore other scholarships and funding opportunities to help cover tuition and living expenses:
- Orange Tulip Scholarship: Offers partial tuition fee coverage for non-EEA students studying in the Netherlands. More info
- Holland Scholarship: Provides €5,000 for the first year of study to non-EEA students in the Netherlands. More info
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The scholarship targets non-EEA/non-EFTA international students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance, typically ranking in the top 10% of their previous degree program.
What is the amount of financial support provided by the LexS?
The scholarship offers tuition fee reductions ranging from €10,000 up to €19,000 depending on the faculty’s budget and the applicant’s merit.
Can I apply for the LexS if I am from the EU or EEA?
Generally, no. The scholarship is intended for non-EEA/non-EFTA students, except for Advanced Masters programs, which are open to all nationalities.
Is the scholarship valid for part-time study?
No, recipients must be registered as full-time students for the duration of their master’s program to retain the scholarship.
Can I combine the LexS with other scholarships?
Recipients cannot hold another full scholarship for the same program unless partial scholarships have been approved in writing beforehand.
What happens if I defer or postpone my studies after being awarded the scholarship?
The scholarship will be revoked if participation is postponed or deferred, and the student must reapply if they wish to participate in a later intake.
How do I maintain eligibility for multi-year master’s programs?
Students must earn at least 60 ECTS credits in the first academic year to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years.
Software Engineer & Scholarship Consultant at Travel Travegisa, specializing in international education funding opportunities.
With expertise in guiding students worldwide, I focus on providing clear, accurate scholarship information to facilitate access to global higher education.
Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2026 · Scholarship Roar
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