The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a highly competitive, merit-based international scholarship offered by Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious research universities in the Netherlands.
I’ve closely reviewed Leiden’s admission and scholarship process while helping international students shortlist European master’s programs, and LExS consistently stands out for students with strong academic records who are looking to reduce the high tuition costs of studying in Europe.
If you’re an international student aiming to study in the Netherlands, LExS is an excellent option to reduce tuition costs at a world-class university. If your academic profile is strong and well-aligned with your chosen program, this scholarship is absolutely worth applying for.
Quick Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Degree Level | Master’s Programs |
| Eligible Students | Non-EU / Non-EEA International Students |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based (Partial Tuition Waiver) |
| Award Amount | €10,000 – €19,000 (partial tuition reduction) |
| Coverage | Tuition fee only (not fully funded) |
| Application Mode | Automatic after admission |
| Deadline | Feb 2 (Sept intake) / Oct 1 (Feb intake) |
Another big opportunity, Cambridge Scholarship for International Students (Fully Funded & Partial) – Study Abroad
What Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is designed to attract academically excellent students from outside the EU/EEA to study at Leiden University. Unlike government scholarships, LExS focuses purely on academic merit, not financial need.
From my experience reviewing successful profiles, students who receive LExS usually:
- Rank among the top students in their bachelor’s degree
- Have a strong academic match with their chosen master’s program
- Demonstrate clear academic and career goals in their motivation letter
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is primarily available to:
- Non-EU / Non-EEA / Non-EFTA international students
Important Exceptions
- All nationalities are eligible for:
- Advanced LLM programs
- MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
Not Eligible
- Students applying to non-advanced LLM programs
- Certain MSc programs at Leiden Law School
- Humanities programs starting in February
- Students who already hold a Leiden University master’s degree
⚠️ Based on past application cycles, eligibility rules can vary by faculty, so I always recommend double-checking your specific program on Leiden’s official website before applying.
Academic Eligibility Criteria
To be considered competitive for LExS, applicants must meet very high academic standards.
Key Requirements
- You must be admitted to an eligible full-time master’s program at Leiden University
- You should rank in the top 10% of your previous bachelor’s degree
- Your academic background must be relevant to the chosen master’s program
From what I’ve seen, students with:
- High GPAs
- Strong research experience
- Clear academic progression
have a much better chance of securing the scholarship.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Amount
LExS offers partial tuition fee waivers, not full funding.
Scholarship Value Levels
Successful candidates may receive one of the following awards for the entire duration of the program:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses (housing, food, insurance)
- Visa and residence permit costs
📌 Important for visa applicants:
You must still prove sufficient funds to cover remaining tuition and living expenses when applying for a Dutch student visa (MVV).
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
One thing many students misunderstand is that you cannot apply for LExS before admission.
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Program
Submit your application for an eligible master’s program at Leiden University through the official application portal.
Step 2: Indicate Interest in LExS
After receiving admission, select Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) in the scholarship section of the portal.
Step 3: Upload Motivation Letter
You must submit a motivation letter (maximum 500 words, PDF format) explaining:
- Why you deserve the scholarship
- How your academic background fits the program
- Your future academic or career goals
👉 From experience, generic motivation letters fail. Strong letters clearly link:
past academic achievements → chosen program → future impact.
Also, apply for Maastricht University Scholarship (NL-High Potential) for International Students
Application Deadlines
Based on recent cycles (always reconfirm before applying):
- February 2 – for programs starting in September
- October 1 – for programs starting in February
Scholarship results are usually announced after the application deadline, and selection is extremely competitive.
How Competitive Is LExS?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive. Many academically strong students apply each year, but only a limited number are selected.
From reviewing past cases:
- Academic excellence is non-negotiable
- A weak motivation letter can ruin an otherwise strong profile
- Early and complete applications have better outcomes
FAQs
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is not fully funded. It provides a partial tuition fee reduction ranging from €10,000 to €19,000. Students must arrange funds for remaining tuition fees and living expenses.
Who is eligible for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?
The scholarship is available to non-EU/EEA international students admitted to eligible full-time master’s programs at Leiden University. Applicants must rank in the top 10% of their previous academic program.
Can EU or EEA students apply for LExS?
No, EU/EEA students are generally not eligible for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, except for specific programs such as Advanced LLMs and MSc International Relations and Diplomacy, where all nationalities may apply.
Do I need to apply separately for the LExS scholarship?
No separate application is required. After receiving admission to an eligible master’s program, you must indicate your interest in LExS in the Leiden University application portal and upload a 500-word motivation letter.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses in the Netherlands?
No, LExS does not cover living costs, accommodation, health insurance, or visa expenses. International students must show proof of sufficient funds when applying for a Dutch student visa.
When will I receive the LExS scholarship result?
Scholarship decisions are usually announced after the application deadline. The selection process is competitive, and only a limited number of admitted students receive the award.