Don’t let your desires and capabilities be defeated by financial burden, Education should be your wings, not your weight.

For many bright students across the world, pursuing a Master’s degree in a top-ranked global university feels like a dream. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs often stop them before they even begin. But scholarships like the Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS) ensure that ambition doesn’t go unheard and talent doesn’t go unseen.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2025 is one of the most prestigious programs in the Netherlands, designed to support exceptional non-EU/EFTA students. With tuition fee awards ranging from €10,000 to €19,000, this opportunity is a golden key to unlock world-class education at Leiden University.

More about: scholarship for master’s degree in Netherlands for international students, Apply now.

Why Choose Leiden University?

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities. Ranked consistently among the top institutions worldwide, it offers students:

  • Global exposure through a diverse, international student community.
  • High academic standards with world-renowned professors and researchers.
  • Specialized Master’s programs in disciplines that shape the world, from law and governance to medicine and science.

Benefits of Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)

The scholarship is designed to ease the tuition burden and give students access to life-changing opportunities. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Scholarship levels divided into five fixed amounts:

  • €10,000 of the tuition fee
  • €15,000 of the tuition fee
  • €17,500 of the tuition fee
  • €18,500 of the tuition fee
  • €19,000 of the tuition fee

2. Awarded for the entire duration of the Master’s program.
3. Provides international exposure and networking opportunities.

4. Available for nearly all Master’s programs in disciplines like:

  • Archaeology
  • Medicine/LUMC
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Law
  • Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • Science

Exceptions: The scholarship is not available for:

  • Humanities programs
  • LLM (non-advanced)
  • MSc programs at Leiden Law School

Read about: How to Stay Motivated to Finish Your Degree While Earning from Skills

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure fair competition, the scholarship has strict criteria.

  • Nationality: all the non-EU/EFTA students can apply for the scholarship. There is no nationality restriction for the aspirants of LLM Advanced Studies programmes and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Academic requirements: Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission.
  • Must have an outstanding academic record—typically being among the top 10% of graduates.
  • The applicant must enroll for the full-time master’s program in the selected disciplines.

Who Is NOT Eligible?

  • who previously received a Leiden University master’s program.
  • Students who apply for masters in the faculty of humanities
  • Who apply for LLM (non-advanced) or MSc program at Leiden Law School
  • Who intends a scholarship for February semester program
  • Who already receives another scholarship from an external provider. Applicants have to inform the scholarship teams for the details.

How to Apply?

The process requires careful preparation and strict attention to deadlines:

  • Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s program at Leiden University.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable).
  • Once your admission application is submitted, go back to the Apply screen in your online account.
  • Select Scholarships option – LExS will appear if you qualify.
  • Upload your letter of motivation (PDF, max 500 words) explaining why you deserve the scholarship.

Important notes:

  • If the LExS option doesn’t appear, you may be ineligible, your admission isn’t complete, or you missed the deadline.
  • If you apply for multiple Master’s programs, you must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each.
  • Once submitted, you cannot edit your application or send extra materials by email.

Required documents for Scholarships

Note: submit all the documents in PDF form.

Deadline

  • 1st February 2025 for programs starting in the September intake.
  • Late applications are not accepted.

FAQs 

Q:Is it easy to get selected for the Leiden Scholarship?
A: No. It’s highly competitive. Out of thousands of applicants, only around 25 seats are awarded each year.

Q: Who are the target applicants?
A: All non-EU/EFTA students applying for eligible Master’s programs.

Q: What does EEA/EFTA mean?
A: It includes all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Q: Can I apply for Advanced LLM programs?
A: Yes, advanced LLM programs are included and open to all nationalities.

Q: Do I need to provide proof that I’m in the top 10% of my class?
A: No, you don’t need official proof. This requirement highlights the academic competitiveness of the scholarship.

Q: Does the scholarship cover all costs?
A: No. The scholarship is not fully funded; it only covers part of your tuition fee. You will need to arrange funding for living and other expenses.

Read: How to Make Money as a Student Without a Job

Q: Can I apply for LExS if I already have partial funding from another source?

A: Yes, but you must disclose all other scholarships or grants. If you are fully funded by another provider, you will not be eligible.

Q: Can I reapply if I’m not selected the first time?

A: No, you cannot reapply for the same program intake. However, you may apply again if you submit a fresh admission and scholarship application for a new academic year.

Q: How important is the motivation letter?

A: Extremely important. Since only a small number of students are selected, the 500-word motivation letter often makes the difference. It should clearly explain your academic achievements, career goals, and why you are an ideal candidate.

Q:Does Leiden University offer other scholarships besides LExS?

A: Yes. Apart from LExS, there are other scholarships and grants, such as the Holland Scholarship and country-specific funding programs.

Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Leiden University?

A: Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship. However, some scholarships cannot be combined, so you must carefully review the rules before applying.

Official website

Visit the official website of Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS) for more information and updates.

You can also Apply for Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships for Master’s degree.

Updated by Z on Sep 23, 2025