Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a study scholarship offered by Leiden University 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. The scholarship is described as not covering the full cost of studies.

Applicants are for the Master level. It applies to non-EEA/non-EFTA students, with exceptions that include all nationalities for Advanced LLMs and for MSc International Relations and Diplomacy. The listed faculties are Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Science.

Selection is carried out by faculty selection committees, which nominate LExS recipients within a specified time window after the LExS deadline. Applicants receive an email notifying them whether they have been awarded a LExS before a stated end-of-period.

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. Recipients must comply with and confirm in writing their agreement with the Terms and conditions attached to the scholarship prior to the awarding of the scholarship. Non-EEA recipients must still submit proof of sufficient funds for their student visa/residence permit application.

• Programme level: Master.Must be joining a full-time Leiden University Master's degree programme, except LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.Start: applicants for Master's programmes starting in September.Nationality requirement: must have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.Student finance: may not be eligible for student finance via the Dutch government (Studiefinanciering), with exceptions for students applying for all LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, for which no nationality restrictions apply.Academic requirement: must have achieved excellent academic results in previous study programme(s) relevant to the Master's programme; as an indication, must be amongst the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programme.Proof of ranking: proof of ranking is not required; the top-10% statement is for competitiveness indication.Exclusions: cannot be awarded to applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree, except where a specified previous Master programme or work experience is mandatory (e.g., LLM Advanced Studies programmes).Exclusions: cannot be awarded to students who will follow an LLM (non-advanced) or an MSc programme at Leiden Law School.Exclusions: cannot be awarded to students who will follow a study programme starting in February.Exclusions: cannot be awarded to students who do not meet the nationality requirements stated above.Combination rule: cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider; recipients must notify the scholarships department if they receive a full scholarship from another source.Combination rule: may be combined with a partial scholarship from an external provider in some circumstances; contact the Scholarships Team for details.Student visa funds: Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit proof of sufficient funds for their student visa/residence permit application.

• Tuition-fee award levels (award amount set at time of award and non-negotiable): € 10,000; € 15,000; € 17,500; € 18,500; or € 19,000.Coverage duration: awarded for the duration of the study programme.The LExS is not a full scholarship and does not cover the full cost of studies.Non-EEA recipients: must submit proof of sufficient funds for the student visa/residence permit application.

1. Apply online for admission to a Master's programme at Leiden University and pay the application fee if applicable.
2. Allow up to 3 working days to create/submit the admission application.
3. After submitting the admission application, return to the Apply screen in the online application and click on Scholarships.
4. If eligible, select to apply for the LExS in the scholarships section.
5. Upload an LExS motivation letter as a PDF file of max. 500 words explaining why the applicant wants to be considered for the award.
6. Submit the scholarship application before the LExS deadline.
7. After submitting the scholarship application, do not expect to make changes online or by sending additional items by email.
8. If applying for more than one study programme/specialisation and wanting to apply for a LExS for each, submit an LExS application and motivation letter within each separate online admission application.
9. Late scholarship applications will not be considered; ensure both the admission application and the scholarship application are submitted before the LExS deadline.

• LExS motivation letter (PDF, max. 500 words).Leiden University Excellence Scholarship - Terms and conditions (agreement required prior to awarding).LExS Awardees 2022 (provided as a document on the page).