Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for International Students 2025

Leiden University offers the prestigious Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding international students looking to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in September 2025. This scholarship provides financial support to exceptional students with remarkable academic achievements, aiming to make a global impact. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for the LExS for the upcoming intake.

What is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?

The LExS is available to excellent students applying for most Master’s programmes at Leiden University. However, some programmes are not eligible, including:

• All Humanities programmes
• LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School

The scholarship is primarily aimed at non-EEA/non-EFTA students. However, there are some exceptions for students applying for Advanced LLMs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the LExS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Programme Requirements: You must be applying for a Master’s programme at Leiden University starting in September. Humanities and non-advanced LLM/MSc courses at Leiden Law School are excluded from eligibility.
2. Nationality Requirements: The scholarship is open to non-EEA/non-EFTA students. Applicants must not be eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering). However, exceptions are made for students applying for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
3. Academic Excellence: You must have excellent academic results from previous studies, typically ranking within the top 10% of your graduating class. Although proof of ranking is not required, it demonstrates your competitiveness for the scholarship.

Scholarship Amounts

The LExS is a partial scholarship, meaning it does not cover the full cost of your studies. The scholarship offers the following award levels:

• €10,000
• €15,000
• €17,500
• €18,500
• €19,000

The scholarship award amount is fixed and non-negotiable. Recipients are expected to contribute to the remaining tuition fee costs.

How to Apply for the LExS

Follow these steps to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship:

1. Apply for Admission: Submit your application for admission to a Master’s programme at Leiden University through their official application portal. Apply Here
2. Scholarship Application: Once you have submitted your admission application, return to the “Apply” screen and go to the Scholarships section. If eligible, the LExS will be visible for application.
3. Submit a Motivation Letter: You will need to upload a motivation letter (max. 500 words) explaining why you deserve the LExS. Use this opportunity to highlight your academic achievements and aspirations.
4. Complete Submission: Ensure that all your applications and documents are submitted before the application deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

Deadline for Application

The deadline for submitting your LExS application is February 1, 2025, for programmes starting in September 2025.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to study at one of Europe’s top universities with financial support through the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship. Apply now and take the next step toward your academic and professional future.

For more information, visit the official Leiden University website: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship