The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 is a prestigious tuition fee scholarship for international students, offering a substantial annual award of €15,000. With the help of this scholarship, gifted students can enroll at Leiden University, one of the most prominent universities in Europe, in the Netherlands, to pursue a Master’s degree.
Being a fully financed scholarship, its goal is to assist talented and driven individuals who exhibit outstanding academic promise from all over the world. To ensure that the most deserving applicants get financial aid according to their field of study, the scholarship amount varies based on the funding available within each academic department.
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is one of the oldest and most respected research universities in Europe. Known for its pioneering research and lively global community, Leiden University has provided students from all over the world with an exciting and encouraging academic atmosphere that emphasizes quality.
The seven faculties that make up the university offer a diverse range of academic programs in social sciences, arts, and sciences. The faculties are located on the campuses in Leiden and The Hague. With more than 6,700 employees and more than 28,130 students, the community at Leiden University is vibrant and diverse, which provides an excellent opportunity for research and intellectual interchange.
Important Points for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2025
Here’s the detailed information in a clear table format:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Courses Offered | All Master’s programs in the following faculties: Humanities, Archaeology, Medicine/LUMC, Law, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Governance and Global Affairs, Science, ICLON (Interfacultair Centrum voor Lerarenopleiding, Onderwijsontwikkeling en Nascholing), African Studies Centre, International Institute for Asian Studies. |
| Program Period | – 1-year program: Maximum study period of 12 months. – 2-year program: Maximum study period of 24 months. |
| Application Deadline | – 1 February: For programs starting 1 September. – 1 October: For programs starting 1 February. |
Eligibility Criteria for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
To be eligible for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Required Language: Proficiency in English.
- Eligible Countries: Open to non-EU/EEA international students only. For the Advanced Masters programs, applications are accepted from all nationalities.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements in their previous studies, directly relevant to the Master’s program they intend to pursue. As a guideline, applicants should be in the top 10% of their graduating class. Proof of ranking is not mandatory; this is to indicate the applicant’s competitiveness in their field.
- Non-EU/EEA Status: The applicant must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and be ineligible for Dutch study grants or loans (Studiefinanciering). This does not apply to the Advanced Masters programs, where the scholarship is open to all nationalities. For more details on eligibility for Dutch study grants, visit www.duo.nl.
- Scholarship Continuation: The continuation of the LexS is not guaranteed if the student changes their degree program during their studies. In such cases, each request will be assessed by the Faculty Selection Committee. If a student changes their program before enrolling, the scholarship will be revoked, and the student must reapply.
- Duration: The LexS is valid only during the time the student is enrolled as a full-time student at Leiden University, within the prescribed duration of their degree program. Scholarships are non-transferable and cannot be carried over to another academic year or intake. If the student defers their program, the scholarship will be revoked.
- Scholarship Restrictions: Students receiving a full scholarship for the same program cannot combine the LexS with other full scholarships (such as the Netherlands Fellowship Program or Jean Monnet scholarships). If a student is awarded another full scholarship, they must notify Leiden University and choose which one they will accept. However, partial scholarships may be combined with LexS if confirmed in writing.
- ECTS Requirement for Extended Programs: For programs longer than one year, students must earn at least 60 ECTS credits in their first year to maintain eligibility for the LexS in the following academic year. The Leiden University Selection Committee will establish the required ECTS standards for satisfactory progress.
- Multiple Applications: Students may apply for multiple scholarships at the same time; however, combining LexS with other scholarships offered or sponsored by Leiden University is not permitted. This includes programs like Orange Tulip – China, CEU Praesidium Libertatis, and any scholarships provided under bilateral agreements.
- Visa and Immigration Compliance: Students must adhere to Dutch visa regulations throughout their stay in the Netherlands.
- Second Master’s Programs: The LexS is not available for students admitted to a second Master’s program, except for those applying to programs where a previous Master’s or relevant work experience is required.
- Change in Status: If there is any change in the student’s nationality, residence permit, or eligibility for Dutch study grants during the academic year, the student must inform Leiden University immediately.
- Early Termination of Studies: If a student leaves their program prematurely, the tuition fee reimbursement will be processed by Leiden University in accordance with their Regeling inschrijving, college- en examen-geld policies. The student may receive a pro-rata reimbursement, minus the scholarship.
- Active Participation: During their studies at Leiden University, scholarship recipients are expected to participate in activities that promote the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
- Acceptance: To accept the awarded Lex’s scholarship, students must complete and submit the Acceptance Form provided by Leiden University.
Also Read: Fully Funded University of Minnesota Fellowship
Scholarship Coverage
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) provides recipients with the following benefits:
- €15,000 towards the tuition fee.
- €10,000 towards the tuition fee.
- Coverage of the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee.
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How to Apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)?
To apply for the Scholarship (LexS), please follow the steps below:
- Apply Online for Admission:
Begin by applying for a Master’s program at Leiden University. Make sure to submit all required documents and pay the application fee, if applicable. - Indicate Interest in LexS:
During the application process, you will be prompted to select the scholarship section. Here, indicate that you wish to apply for the Leiden University Scholarship (LexS). - Submit Your Motivation Letter:
Upload your LExS motivation letter as part of your online application. The letter should be a Word document with a maximum length of 500 words. In this letter, clearly explain why you would like to be considered for the scholarship, highlighting your academic achievements and motivation to study at Leiden University. - Submit Your Complete Application:
Ensure that you submit your full application, including your LExS application, before the scholarship deadline. This will ensure your application is considered for the award. - Multiple Applications for Different Programs:
If you are applying for more than one Master’s program at Leiden University and wish to apply for the LExS for each program, you must indicate this clearly in each application. For each program, upload a separate LExS motivation letter.
By carefully following these steps, you will be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS), helping support your studies at one of Europe’s top universities.