Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 Announced for International Students – Apply for a Master’s Degree in the Netherlands
Great news for students dreaming of studying in Europe! The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027 has officially been announced for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands.
The scholarship offers generous tuition fee support to academically exceptional students from around the globe, making world-class education more affordable.
About Leiden University
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, innovative research, and diverse student community. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe and welcomes thousands of international students each year.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Netherlands
- University: Leiden University
- Scholarship Name: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Eligible Applicants: International students (primarily non-EEA/non-EFTA applicants, with some programme exceptions)
- Funding Type: Partial tuition fee scholarship
- Study Mode: Full-time Master’s programmes
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 for many Master’s programmes beginning in September 2027. Always confirm the deadline for your chosen programme on the official scholarship page.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive one of the following tuition fee awards:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the Master’s programme, depending on the faculty and available funding.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold an excellent academic record.
- Apply for admission to an eligible full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University.
- Generally be a non-EEA/non-EFTA student (some programmes accept applicants from all nationalities).
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, typically equivalent to being among the top students in their previous degree programme.
- Meet all admission requirements for the selected Master’s programme.
Required Documents
Although requirements may vary by programme, applicants typically need:
- Completed online admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (or expected graduation proof)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport copy
- English language proficiency certificate (if required)
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
- Programme-specific documents, where applicable.
How to Apply
Applying for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is straightforward:
- Submit an online application for admission to an eligible Master’s programme.
- Complete your admission application before the scholarship deadline.
- Return to the scholarship section in the application portal.
- Select the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) if it appears as an available option.
- Upload your 500-word motivation letter.
- Submit your scholarship application before the deadline.
Applicants should begin the process early, as creating and submitting an admission application can take several days.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by faculty selection committees based on academic excellence and overall application quality. Successful candidates are usually informed several weeks after the application deadline. Competition is extremely high, so applicants should submit a strong academic profile and a compelling motivation letter.
Why Study at Leiden University?
Studying at Leiden University offers numerous advantages:
- Internationally recognized degrees
- Excellent research opportunities
- Modern teaching facilities
- Diverse and multicultural campus
- Strong career prospects
- Access to Europe’s academic and professional networks
Visit the official Leiden University website: www.universiteitleiden.nl
Final Thoughts
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is an outstanding opportunity for talented international students who aspire to earn a Master’s degree in the Netherlands. If you have an excellent academic background and are looking for financial support to study at one of Europe’s leading universities, this scholarship is well worth applying for.
As application deadlines and eligibility requirements may vary by programme, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the latest information on Leiden University’s official scholarship webpage before submitting their application.
