The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a great chance for excellent international students who want to study a full-time Master’s degree in the Netherlands. This scholarship is offered by Leiden University, one of the oldest and best universities in Europe.
This scholarship is for students who have very strong academic results. It helps them pay for their Master’s studies at Leiden University. But it is not for every program. You cannot apply if you want to study in:
Humanities programs
LLM (non-advanced) programs
MSc programs at Leiden Law School
If your program is not in the list above, and you have great grades, you can apply for this scholarship.
Leiden University is located in the Netherlands, a safe and modern country in Europe. The university offers high-quality education in English and welcomes students from all over the world.
To apply, you must first apply for a Master’s degree at Leiden University. Then, you can apply for the LExS scholarship.
Who Can Apply for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2025?
Programs Eligible
All Master’s programs except:
Humanities programs
LLM (non-advanced)
MSc at Leiden Law School
Nationality Requirements
Must have a non-EEA/EFTA passport
Not eligible for Dutch government student finance
No Nationality Restrictions For:
All LLM Advanced Studies programs
MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
UK Students
Eligible to apply (if not living in the Netherlands before Jan 2021)
LExS Scholarship 2025: Key Rules You Must Know
Academic Requirements
Must have outstanding grades in previous studies
Be in the top 10% of graduates (ranking proof not required)
Past study must match the chosen Master’s program
Obligations
Must sign and agree to the LExS terms & conditions
Must report if awarded any other full scholarship
Who Can’t Apply?
Already hold a Leiden Master’s degree (with few exceptions)
Applying to:
Faculty of Humanities
LLM (non-advanced) or MSc at Leiden Law
February-start programs
Don’t meet nationality rules
Already have a full external scholarship (can combine only with a partial)
How Much is the Leiden Excellence Scholarship?
The Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) helps with tuition fees, but it does not cover all study costs. It is given for the full length of your Master’s degree.
There are five possible award amounts:
€10,000
€15,000
€17,500
€18,500
€19,000
The amount is fixed once awarded. It cannot be changed.
Please note:
This is not a full scholarship
You still need to pay the rest of your tuition and living costs
You must show that you have enough money for your visa and stay in the Netherlands
Only 25 students get this scholarship each year
Over 1,000 students apply, so it is highly competitive
Are you planning to study at Leiden University in the Netherlands? Want to apply for the prestigious Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)? Follow this clear guide to submit your application successfully and on time.
1. Apply for a Master’s Program First
You must first apply for admission to a full-time Master’s program at Leiden University.
Visit the university’s official website.
Select your desired Master’s program.
Complete the online application form.
Pay the application fee, if required.
Important: This process may take up to 3 working days. Start early to avoid missing deadlines.
2. Access the Scholarship Section
Once your Master’s application is submitted, go back to your online application dashboard. Click on the “Scholarships” section. If you are eligible for LExS, it will appear on the list.
If you don’t see LExS:
Your application may not be submitted yet.
You may have missed the deadline.
You might not be eligible.
3. Submit Your Scholarship Application
Click on the LExS option.
Upload your motivation letter (PDF, max 500 words).
Explain why you want the scholarship and what makes you a strong candidate.
Submit before the official deadline.
No changes are allowed after submission. You cannot send updates by email either.
4. Applying for Multiple Programs?
Planning to apply for more than one Master’s program? You must submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter for each program.
5. Don’t Miss the Deadline
Late applications are not accepted. Make sure both your admission and scholarship applications are submitted before the LExS deadline.
Note: For more information and registration, visit the official website of Leiden University.
