Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027

Overview

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is Leiden University’s merit award for top-performing non-EEA and non-EFTA students joining a full-time Master’s programme. The award is a partial tuition waiver of EUR 10,000 to EUR 19,000 (average around EUR 17,500), applied directly to the tuition invoice. About 25 scholarships are awarded per academic year across all Leiden faculties. Leiden consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally. The scholarship does not cover living costs or visa fees; students must secure supplementary funding for those. Applications for September 2027 entry close 1 February 2027.

Benefits

• Partial tuition waiver of EUR 10,000 to EUR 19,000 (exact amount set at the time of award).
• Award covers the full length of the Master’s programme, renewed annually subject to satisfactory progress.
• No impact on your tuition-fee liability to other scholarships you may hold.

Note: LExS does not cover living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, or visa fees.

Eligibility

• Non-EEA and non-EFTA nationality (African, Asian, Latin American, and other international students qualify).
• Applying for a full-time on-campus Leiden Master’s programme starting September 2027.
• LLM non-advanced programmes and some Leiden Law School MSc programmes are not eligible - check the Leiden scholarship portal.
• Top 10% of graduates (or equivalent high-distinction standing) in your previous degree programme.
• Previous degree closely relevant to the chosen Master’s programme.
• University admission application and application fee must be submitted before the LExS deadline.

How to apply

1. Submit your Leiden University admissions application for your chosen Master’s programme via the Leiden online portal by 1 February 2027.
2. After submitting the admissions application, return to the portal and click “Scholarships.” If you meet the LExS eligibility criteria, the option will appear.
3. Complete the LExS scholarship section: a short personal statement covering your academic excellence, motivations, and how this award will support your studies.
4. Submit the full application (admissions and scholarship) before 1 February 2027.
5. Results are typically communicated between April and June 2027, before tuition invoices are issued.