Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) In Netherlands 2026 (Funded)

Applications are now open for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026, one of the most prestigious master’s scholarships in the Netherlands for international students. This highly competitive award aims to attract brilliant and high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest and most reputable research institutions.

The Leiden Excellence Scholarship 2026 offers partial yet substantial financial support, covering €10,000 to €15,000 of the tuition fee, making it one of the top high-value European scholarships for international students. The program includes a wide range of master’s degree fields, except Advanced LLM Studies, providing global learners access to world-class education in one of the safest and most innovative countries in Europe.

Founded in 1575, Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence, influential research contributions, and outstanding international student environment. The LExS Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students seeking a top-ranked Dutch university scholarship, international scholarship, and a pathway to advanced studies in Europe.

Leiden University Netherlands Scholarship 2026

• Host University: Leiden University
• Host Country: Netherlands
• Scholarship Coverage: Tuition Fees
• Course Level: Netherlands Master Scholarship
• Eligibility: All International Student
• program Start: 1 Feb for programs starting 1 Sept / 1 Oct for programs starting 1 Feb

Also Check: University of Oxford Skoll Scholarship In USA 2026 (Fully Funded)

Exclusions

Scholarships will not be awarded to candidates who have already obtained a master’s degree from the University of Leiden. Scholarships cannot be awarded to students who will follow an LLM (non-advanced) program at the University of Leiden.

Combining the LExS with another scholarship funded by the University of Leiden is impossible. Combining the LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider is impossible.

Eligibility Criteria

Study Program Requirements: Candidates for all master’s programs at the University of Leiden, except LLM (non-advanced) programs.

Nationality Requirements

For non-EEA / EFTA citizens * who apply for a master’s degree program at the University of Leiden. See additional notes for UK students below.

For students of all nationalities who enroll in the LLM or MSC Advanced Studies program in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Academic requirements: Students must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous study program.

Also Check: University of Exeter Global Excellence Scholarships In UK 2026 (Funded)

Scholarship amount

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study program. There are three available levels of awards:

• € 10,000 of the tuition fee
• € 15,000 of the tuition fee
• Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee

The LExS is not a full scholarship. Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit ‘proof of sufficient funds’ for their student visa/residence permit application.

Application process

Apply online for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University and pay the application fee if applicable. In the scholarship section of your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for a LExS.

Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in your online application. This is a PDF file of max. 500 words, in which you explain why you would like to be considered for the award.

Submit your online application, containing your LExS application, before the LExS application deadline. If you apply for more than one study program and wish to apply for an LExS for each, indicate this clearly in each application and upload an LExS motivation letter.

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Also Check: Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) 2026/27 (Fully Funded)