Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 – Study in the Netherlands
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 is a distinguished partial scholarship program aimed at academically outstanding international students pursuing a full-time Master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. With only around 25 awards granted annually, this scholarship is highly competitive and attracts top-tier students from across the globe.
The primary goal of LExS is to support bright students with excellent academic records by reducing the financial barriers to studying at one of Europe’s most respected institutions.
Host Institution: Leiden University
Location: Netherlands
Degree Level: Full-time Master’s Programmes
Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
About Leiden University
Established in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, renowned for its research excellence and academic tradition. It hosts a vibrant and international academic community, welcoming students and staff from over 120 countries.
Leiden offers a wide array of graduate programs across disciplines such as law, science, medicine, archaeology, governance, and social sciences. The university is known for fostering critical thinking, innovation, and societal impact.
Eligible Faculties and Programmes
The LExS is available for specific Master’s programmes within the following faculties:
- Faculty of Archaeology
- Faculty of Medicine / LUMC
- Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Law (Advanced LLMs only)
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Faculty of Science
❗ Notable Exclusions:
- Programmes under the Faculty of Humanities
- Non-Advanced LLMs and MSc degrees at Leiden Law School
- February intake Master’s programmes
Scholarship Coverage
The LExS offers partial tuition fee support in one of the following fixed amounts:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000
⚠️ Important Notes:
- The scholarship amount is non-negotiable and does not cover living costs.
- Applicants must show proof of financial means for visa and residence purposes.
- Cannot be combined with any fully funded external scholarships, though may be combined with partial funding.
Who Can Apply?
The LExS is primarily open to non-EEA/non-EFTA nationals (countries outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland).
Exceptions – No Nationality Restrictions Apply To:
- All Advanced LLM programmes
- MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
UK students are also eligible since the UK is considered non-EEA. However, restrictions apply to those already living in the Netherlands prior to 1 January 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the LExS, applicants must:
- Hold a non-EEA/EFTA passport (except for eligible exceptions)
- Be in the top 10% of their graduating class academically
- Apply for an eligible Master’s programme starting in September 2025
- Submit a motivation letter (maximum 500 words) as part of the application
Not Eligible:
- Applicants to Faculty of Humanities
- Students applying to non-Advanced LLM or MSc at Leiden Law School
- Candidates for February intake programmes
- Current students already enrolled in a Leiden Master’s programme (with limited exceptions)
How to Apply
- Apply online for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at Leiden University and pay the application fee (if applicable). Allow at least 3 working days for your application to process.
- After submitting your admission application, go back to the “Apply” portal and select “Scholarships”.
- If eligible, you’ll see the LExS option—select it and upload your motivation letter (PDF, max. 500 words).
- Submit the completed scholarship application by 1 February 2026.
- Applying for more than one Master’s programme? You’ll need to submit separate scholarship applications and motivation letters for each one.
Selection and Notification
- Each faculty at Leiden University reviews eligible applications and nominates their top candidates.
- Final decisions are announced by the end of April 2026.
- With only about 25 scholarships awarded each year, competition is extremely intense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the LExS cover?
It offers partial tuition fee support, ranging from €10,000 to €19,000.
2. Can it be combined with other scholarships?
Only with partial scholarships—not with fully funded awards.
3. Are UK applicants eligible?
Yes, as the UK is no longer part of the EEA.
4. What’s the academic requirement?
Applicants should be among the top 10% of their graduating class.
5. Can I apply if I start in February?
No, only September 2025 intake is eligible.
6. Do I need to submit a motivation letter?
Yes, a PDF of up to 500 words outlining your academic goals and motivations is required.
7. What programmes are excluded?
Master’s in Humanities, non-Advanced LLMs, MScs at Leiden Law School, and February intakes.
8. Is the LExS a full scholarship?
No, it covers part of the tuition fee. You must secure additional funding.
Final Thoughts
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 offers a unique opportunity for academically excellent students from around the world to study at one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. While it does not offer full financial coverage, the scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and provide a gateway to top-tier education in the Netherlands.
With limited awards available, early preparation and a compelling application are essential. If you’re aiming for excellence and want to make a mark at a world-class university, the LExS could be your stepping stone.
