Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026 | Netherlands. Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity for outstanding international students. This prestigious scholarship supports talented students pursuing a master’s degree at one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities.
MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship 2026 in USA (Funded)
Scholarship Summary
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Level of Study: Masters
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Institution(s): Leiden University
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Study in: Netherlands
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Courses Offered: All master’s programmes in the following faculties:
- Humanities
- Archaeology
- Medicine / LUMC
- Law
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Science
- ICLON (Teacher Training, Educational Development, and Continuing Education)
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
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Programme Duration:
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1-year programs → 12 months
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2-year programs → 24 months
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Deadline:
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1 February 2026 (for programs starting 1 September 2026)
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1 October 2026 (for programs starting 1 February 2027)
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Chang Gung University Scholarship 2026 in Taiwan (Fully Funded)
Scholarship Coverage
The LExS is a partially funded scholarship that offers:
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€10,000 of tuition fee reduction, or
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€15,000 of tuition fee reduction, or
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Up to full tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee
💡 Important: The scholarship does not cover living costs.
Eligibility Criteria (Explained Simply)
You are eligible to apply if:
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You are a non-EU/EEA student applying for a full-time master’s programme at Leiden University.
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You have excellent academic performance (usually ranking among the top 10% of your class).
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You meet the admission requirements of the chosen programme.
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You have not received any other full scholarship (such as Erasmus Mundus or Holland Scholarship) that already covers tuition fees.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for Admission: First, apply for your chosen master’s programme via Leiden University’s Online Application Portal (Studielink).
- Indicate Scholarship Interest: While completing the admission application, select that you want to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS).
- Upload Documents: Submit your motivation letter for LExS, explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
- Submit Before Deadline: Make sure your application and documents are submitted before the deadline.
- Await Results: If selected, you will be notified along with your admission offer.
Said Foundation Scholarship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded)
Required Documents
- Completed admission application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter for LExS (separate from program SOP)
- Two recommendation letters
- Valid passport copy
- English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/CAE, if required)
Important Dates
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Deadline for September 2026 intake: 1 February 2026
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Deadline for February 2027 intake: 1 October 2026
FAQs – Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026
Q1: Is this scholarship fully funded?
No, it is partially funded. It covers tuition fee reductions but not living expenses.
Q2: Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Yes. You must indicate interest in the LExS during your master’s application and upload a scholarship motivation letter.
Q3: Can EU/EEA students apply?
No. The LExS is only available for non-EU/EEA students.
Q4: Can I combine this scholarship with another one?
Yes, but not with another scholarship that already fully covers tuition.
Q5: What is the main selection criterion?
Academic excellence (usually being in the top 10% of your graduating class).
Final Thoughts
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2026 (LExS) is an excellent opportunity for ambitious international students aiming to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands. While it does not cover living costs, it significantly reduces tuition fees, making education at a top European university more affordable.
If you are an academically strong student with big ambitions, don’t miss this chance to study at Leiden University.