Leiden University Opens €19,000 Excellence Scholarships for 2027 Master's Intake | Complete Guide for International Students
Are you planning to pursue a Master's degree in Europe in 2027? One of the Netherlands' top-ranked universities has officially opened applications for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027. The scholarship offers tuition fee awards of up to €19,000 for outstanding international students enrolling in eligible Master's programmes.
Leiden University is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, research innovation, and multicultural learning environment. Every year, the university awards a limited number of Excellence Scholarships to highly talented students from around the world.
If you are looking for a prestigious scholarship to study in the Netherlands, this guide covers everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, application deadlines, required documents, and official application links.
Overview of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
| Scholarship Name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) |
|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands |
| University | Leiden University |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Scholarship Value | Up to €19,000 Tuition Fee Reduction |
| Eligible Applicants | Outstanding International Students |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Study Intake | September 2027 |
Why Study at Leiden University?
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and consistently ranks among Europe's leading research institutions. It attracts thousands of international students from over 120 countries every year.
Some reasons to choose Leiden University include:
World-renowned academic reputation
English-taught Master's programmes
Modern research facilities
Diverse international community
Strong graduate employability
Located close to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague
Scholarships for outstanding international students
Scholarship Benefits
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship does not provide a full scholarship. Instead, selected students receive a tuition fee award at one of the following levels:
€10,000 tuition fee reduction
€15,000 tuition fee reduction
€17,500 tuition fee reduction
€18,500 tuition fee reduction
Up to €19,000 tuition fee reduction
The scholarship only covers part of the tuition fee. Students are responsible for their remaining tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and visa costs.
Eligible Master's Programmes
The scholarship is available for most full-time Master's programmes offered by Leiden University, including:
Humanities
History
Languages
Philosophy
Arts and Culture
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
Data Science
Social & Behavioural Sciences
Psychology
Sociology
Education
Political Science
Governance & Global Affairs
International Relations
Public Administration
Crisis Management
Security Studies
Archaeology
Medicine & Health Sciences
Selected Law Programmes
Please note that some programmes, including most regular LLM and certain MSc programmes at Leiden Law School, are not eligible for the LExS. Always check your programme's eligibility before applying.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, applicants must:
Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport (except for specific eligible programmes)
Apply for an eligible full-time Master's programme starting in September 2027
Demonstrate excellent academic performance
Meet all admission requirements of the chosen programme
Submit the scholarship application before the deadline
Because the scholarship is highly competitive, strong grades, academic achievements, and a compelling motivation letter are important.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need:
Bachelor's degree certificate (or expected completion)
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted equivalent)
Motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
Additional programme-specific documents, if required
Application Deadline
The official deadline for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship for students beginning their studies in September 2027 is:
1 December 2026
Late or incomplete scholarship applications are not accepted, so applicants should begin the admission process well in advance.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step 1
Choose an eligible Master's programme at Leiden University.
Step 2
Prepare all required admission documents.
Step 3
Submit your Master's admission application through Leiden University's online application system.
Step 4
Once your admission application has been submitted, return to the scholarship section in the application portal.
Step 5
Select the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS).
Step 6
Upload your motivation letter (maximum 500 words).
Step 7
Submit your scholarship application before 1 December 2026.
There is no separate scholarship portal. Eligible students apply for the scholarship through the same online admission system.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the faculty selection committees based on:
Academic excellence
Motivation letter
Overall application quality
Programme competitiveness
Successful applicants are normally informed before the end of March.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Maintain an outstanding GPA.
Write a strong and original motivation letter.
Apply well before the deadline.
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
Demonstrate how your academic goals align with your chosen programme.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Scholarship Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Admission Decision | Varies by Programme |
| Scholarship Results | Before the end of March 2027 |
| Classes Begin | September 2027 |
Official Application Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship is a partial tuition fee scholarship, with awards ranging from €10,000 to €19,000. Students must cover any remaining tuition fees and living expenses.
Who can apply?
Outstanding international students applying for eligible Master's programmes. Most awards are intended for non-EEA/non-EFTA applicants, although some programmes have different nationality rules.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. Eligible applicants apply for the scholarship through Leiden University's online admission portal after submitting their Master's application.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive. Around 25 scholarships are awarded each year, while more than 1,000 students typically apply.
Can I apply for more than one Master's programme?
Yes. If you apply to multiple eligible Master's programmes, you must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each programme.
Final Thoughts
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is an outstanding opportunity for talented international students who want to study at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. Although it is not a fully funded scholarship, receiving up to €19,000 in tuition support can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the Netherlands.
Since competition is extremely high and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, applicants should start preparing early, submit a strong motivation letter, and complete their application well before the 1 December 2026 deadline.
If you have the academic profile and ambition to study at a world-class university, don't miss this opportunity to begin your Master's journey at Leiden University.
Important fact-check: The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is not a fully funded scholarship. It is a partial tuition fee scholarship with awards ranging from €10,000 to €19,000, and only about 25 scholarships are awarded each year from more than 1,000 applications. The official application deadline for the September 2027 intake is 1 December 2026.
.png)
0 Comments
Feedback will be Appreciated