Accepting applications Partial

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

Deadline

2026-12-01

Country

Netherlands

Level

masters

Organization

Leiden University

Field

Applied Sciences & Professions, Art, Business, Economics, Engineering & Technology, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences

Funding

partial

Overview

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based award for outstanding international students pursuing a full-time Master's degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. It is designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Coverage

The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction ranging from €10,000 to €19,000. It does not cover living expenses, travel, insurance, or visa costs. It is not a fully funded scholarship; recipients must be prepared to cover remaining tuition and living costs.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport. Ethiopian students are eligible. Applicants must be applying for a full-time Master's program starting in September 2027. The scholarship is not available for programs starting in February or for most LLM/MSc programs at Leiden Law School.

Requirements

Applicants must have achieved excellent academic results, typically ranking in the top 10% of their previous graduating class. A 500-word motivation letter is required as part of the application.

How to apply

1. Apply for admission to an eligible Master's program at Leiden University via the official website. 2. After submitting the admission application, log back into your application portal. 3. Navigate to the 'Scholarships' section. 4. Indicate your interest in the LExS and upload your motivation letter. 5. Submit the application by the deadline.

Notes

This is a highly competitive scholarship with a limited number of awards available annually. It cannot be combined with other full scholarships. The deadline is December 1, 2026.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Leiden University

Original source: Scholarships365

Official application page: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/sea/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.