Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: LExS Deadline, Value and Eligibility
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) |
| Funded by | Leiden University |
| Study level | Full-time master’s programmes |
| Coverage | €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000 tuition award |
| Main deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Nationality | Mostly non-EEA/non-EFTA applicants; exceptions for Advanced LLMs and MSc International Relations and Diplomacy |
| Official URL | https://www.staff.universiteitleiden.nl/scholarships/sea/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs |
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a competitive master’s scholarship for excellent applicants joining Leiden University in September 2027. It is not full funding, but the higher award levels can substantially reduce tuition costs.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition award levels | €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000 |
| Duration | Duration of the study programme |
| Award count | Around 25 LExS scholarships per year according to Leiden |
| Coverage limits | Not a full scholarship; personal contribution and visa proof of funds may still be required |
| Selection basis | Excellent academic results; top 10% indication for competitiveness |
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Apply for an eligible full-time Leiden University master’s programme starting in September.
- Hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport for most programmes.
- Not be eligible for Dutch government student finance.
- Show excellent academic results relevant to the master’s programme.
- Submit both admission and scholarship steps before 1 December 2026.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are applying to Leiden Law School’s LLM non-advanced or MSc programmes.
- Your programme starts in February.
- You miss the LExS deadline.
- You assume the award covers all costs; Leiden states significant personal contribution may still be required.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Apply online for admission
Start your master’s application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Step 2: Do not wait until the deadline
Leiden says creating or submitting an admission application can take up to three working days.
Step 3: Return to the application portal
After submitting the admission application, go back to the Apply screen and click Scholarships.
Step 4: Select LExS if visible
If you are eligible, LExS should appear in the scholarships section.
Step 5: Submit the scholarship application and motivation letter
If applying for more than one programme or specialisation, submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter for each.
Comparison: Netherlands 2027 Scholarships
| Scholarship | Level | Value | Deadline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leiden LExS | Master’s | €10,000–€19,000 tuition award | Dec 1, 2026 | Excellent Leiden master’s applicants |
| Maastricht NL-High Potential | Master’s | Tuition + living support | Feb 1, 2027 | Non-EU/EEA applicants needing fuller funding; see /maastricht-university-nl-high-potential-scholarship-2027-guide |
| UM Global Studies Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Tuition + living support | Admission Dec 10; scholarship Feb 1 | Undergraduate Global Studies applicants |
| University of Twente NL Scholarship | Master’s | €5,000 | Apr 1, 2027 | Twente master’s applicants |
Insider Tips
1. Start more than three working days early
Leiden explicitly warns that creating and submitting an admission application can take up to three working days.
2. Do not rely on ranking proof alone
Leiden says proof of top-10% ranking is not required, but your grades, CV, and motivation should still demonstrate excellence.
3. Check programme exclusions carefully
Some Leiden Law School programmes are excluded, while Advanced LLMs have special nationality rules.
4. Prepare proof of funds
Non-EEA recipients still need proof of sufficient funds for visa or residence-permit purposes.
5. Make each motivation letter programme-specific
Separate programmes require separate LExS applications. Generic scholarship text is risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leiden LExS fully funded?
No. Leiden states that LExS is not a full scholarship and does not cover the full cost of study.
What is the deadline for September 2027 entry?
The official deadline is 1 December 2026.
How many awards are available?
Leiden says there are around 25 LExS scholarships each year.
Are UK students eligible?
Leiden notes that UK students are generally eligible as non-EEA applicants, with an exception for those already registered in a Dutch municipality before 1 January 2021.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Now | Choose eligible Leiden master’s programme |
| Oct–Nov 2026 | Submit admission application and prepare motivation letter |
| 1 Dec 2026 | LExS deadline |
| Within 10 weeks after deadline | Faculty committees nominate recipients |
| End Mar 2027 | Applicants receive outcome email according to Leiden |
| Sep 2027 | Eligible master’s programmes begin |
Your Action Plan
1. Confirm your programme is not excluded.
2. Start the Leiden admission application early.
3. Draft a programme-specific LExS motivation letter.
4. Submit before 1 December 2026.
5. Compare Dutch alternatives at /fully-funded-dutch-university-scholarships-2027-guide and /orange-tulip-scholarship-2027-guide.
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