Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 is a merit-based tuition fee reduction scholarship offered by Leiden University in the Netherlands. It is designed for outstanding international students pursuing a full-time Master's degree program starting in September 2027. Leiden University is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities.

The LExS provides a significant tuition fee reduction, ranging from €10,000 to €19,000, for the full duration of the Master's program. The scholarship is not fully funded and does not cover living expenses, travel costs, insurance, visa expenses, or residence permit financial proof. Even with the scholarship, a substantial personal contribution will be required from the student. Non-EEA recipients must still demonstrate sufficient funds for Dutch immigration purposes.

Ethiopian students are eligible to apply for the LExS as they hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport. The scholarship is primarily for international students from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Exceptions apply for Advanced LLM programs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities. Applicants must be applying for a full-time Master's program at Leiden University starting in September 2027. Candidates must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous studies, typically ranking among the top 10% of graduates in their prior program. The LExS cannot be awarded to applicants who are eligible for Dutch government student finance, have already obtained a Leiden University Master's degree (with exceptions for Advanced LLM programs), or are applying for an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc program at Leiden Law School, or any program starting in February. It cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider, but may be combined with a partial scholarship.

Applicants must submit an online application for admission to a Master's program at Leiden University. A motivation letter, maximum 500 words, explaining why the applicant should be considered for the award, is required as part of the LExS application. While proof of academic ranking is not required, applicants should be among the top 10% of graduates in their previous study program to be competitive.

1. Check your eligibility based on nationality, academic record, and program requirements. 2. Apply online for admission to your chosen full-time Master's program at Leiden University for the September 2027 intake. It is recommended to start this process well before the LExS deadline, as it can take up to three working days to complete. 3. After submitting your application for admission, return to the 'Apply' screen in your online application and click on 'Scholarships'. 4. If you are eligible, the LExS will be visible. Indicate that you wish to apply for the LExS. 5. Upload your LExS motivation letter (maximum 500 words) as instructed. 6. Submit your complete online application, including the LExS application, before the deadline. 7. Faculty selection committees will nominate recipients, and the Scholarships Team will notify all LExS applicants of decisions by the end of April for the September intake.

The LExS is highly competitive, with approximately 25 scholarships awarded each year to over a thousand applicants. The level of the award, once granted, is final and non-negotiable. Late scholarship applications will not be considered. The scholarship is available for all full-time Master's programs at Leiden University, with the exception of LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School, and programs starting in February. Disciplines covered include Applied Sciences & Professions, Art, Business, Economics, Engineering & Technology, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law (Advanced LLM only), Management, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.