Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) in the Netherlands

For excellent students joining a full-time Leiden University Master’s degree programme – with the exception of LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.

Deadline1 Feb for programmes starting 1 Sept*/1 Oct for programmes starting 1 Feb*/*1 March for all Advanced LLMsTarget groupMasterCountries/nationalities-EEA/Non-EFTA students/Exception: All nationalities for Advanced LLMs & MSc Int. Relations and DiplomacyScholarship typeStudyFacultyArchaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Science, African Studies Centre, International Institute for Asian Studies

Before you apply, we advise that you read through to learn the full details about this scholarship- who is eligible, worth, how to apply, and the application deadline. The table below will give you an overview of what you should expect.

Who is eligible for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship?

1. Study programme requirements

Applicants for all Master’s programmes at Leiden University – with the exception of LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.

2. Nationality requirements

• For non-EEA/non-EFTA* nationals who are applying for a Master’s programme at Leiden University. See additional note for UK students below.
• For students of all nationalities applying for an LLM Advanced Studies programme, or the MSC in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Obligations

Students who are granted a LExS must comply with, and confirm in writing, their agreement with the Rules and Regulations attached to the scholarship prior to the awarding of the scholarship.

Exclusions

• Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree, with the exception of students applying for a Master programme for which a specified previous Master programme or work experience is mandatory (e.g. LLM Advanced Studies programmes).
• Scholarships cannot be awarded to students who will follow an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programme at Leiden Law School, as these programmes do not award LExS scholarships.  
• For LLM Advanced Studies programmes, scholarships are only awarded for programmes starting on 1 September. You cannot be awarded a scholarship for Adv LLM studies starting on 1 Feb.
• It is not possible to combine the LExS with another scholarship financed by Leiden University.
• It is not possible to combine the LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider. Students are obliged to notify the scholarships department if they receive a full scholarship from another source.  In some circumstances, the LExS may be combined with a partial scholarship from an external provider. Contact the Scholarships Team for further details.  

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship- Award Benefit

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. 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.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship- Application process

• Apply online for admission to a Master’s programme 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 programme and wish to apply for a LExS for each, indicate this clearly in each application and upload a LExS motivation letter for each.

To access the application, click on the BUTTON below.

Selection process

• The faculty selection committees will nominate LExS recipients and inform the Scholarships Team, up to 6 weeks after the LExS deadline.
• The Scholarships Team will notify all LExS applicants of the decisions:
   – At the end of November – for the February intake.  
   – At the end of April – for the September intake.

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