The Leiden University Excellence Leadership (LExL) is a prestigious program designed for highly talented international students who aim to pursue a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. It recognizes academic excellence and leadership potential, offering partial financial support to outstanding students from around the world.

About the Scholarship

The Leiden University Excellence Leadership provides financial aid to exceptional students enrolling in a full-time master’s program (except non-advanced LLM and MSc programs at Leiden Law School). The goal is to encourage academic excellence and international diversity across disciplines.

Host Country

Netherlands

Host University

Leiden University

Scholarship Type

Partial Funded

Degree

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must have excellent academic records, ranking among the top 10% of their previous program.

2. Applicants must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and not be eligible for Dutch government financial aid.

3. Open to all nationalities for Advanced LLMs and MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.

4. Must be admitted to a full-time Leiden University Master’s program.

5. Continuation of the Leadership is not guaranteed if a student changes their degree program.

Fields of Study

• Archaeology

• Humanities

• Medicine/LUMC

• Governance and Global Affairs

• Law

• Social and Behavioural Sciences

• Science

Scholarship Benefits

The Leiden University Excellence Leadership offers financial awards to help cover tuition fees.
The available amounts are:

Note: The award does not cover full tuition or living costs. Students must show proof of sufficient funds for visa application.

Required Documents

• Completed application form

• LExL motivation letter (maximum 500 words)

• Academic transcripts

• Degree certificates

• Passport copy

• English language test result (if required)

Application Process

1. Apply online for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. After submission, go to the scholarship section in your portal and select Leiden University Excellence Leadership.

4. Upload your motivation letter in PDF format.

5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Registration Deadlines

Late applications are not accepted.

Timeline

Selection Process

• Faculty committees select recipients within six weeks after the deadline.

• All applicants are notified via email by the end of April.

• Selection is based on academic merit, motivation, and leadership potential.

Tips to Succeed

• Submit all documents early.

• Write a strong motivation letter showing academic excellence and leadership skills.

• Highlight community involvement or volunteer experience.

• Ensure your application is complete and error-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Choose This Scholarship

Leiden University is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected institutions, offering world-class education, global research opportunities, and a multicultural environment that helps students grow academically and personally.

Career and Future Opportunities

Graduates from Leiden University gain global recognition and access to a strong alumni network. The program helps students build leadership skills, expand their academic knowledge, and prepare for international careers in research, government, or business.

Student Experiences

Many past recipients describe the program as a life-changing journey that opened doors to research collaborations, internships, and international networking. The multicultural environment of Leiden also offers an enriching student life experience.

Contact Information

Leiden University Scholarships Office
Email: scholarships@leidenuniv.nl
Website: Official Scholarship Page

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Conclusion

The Leiden University Excellence Leadership 2026 is a great opportunity for ambitious, high-achieving students to study in the Netherlands and gain world-class education. With partial financial support and a focus on academic excellence, this leadership program empowers future leaders to create global impact.

Useful Links

• Apply Here

• Bachelor’s Admission Guide

• Master’s Admission Guide

• Official Scholarship Page

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