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
Level of Study: Masters
Institution(s): Leiden University
Study in: Netherlands
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
Programme Duration:
1-year programs → 12 months
2-year programs → 24 months
Deadline:
1 February 2026 (for programs starting 1 September 2026)
1 October 2026 (for programs starting 1 February 2027)
Chang Gung University Scholarship 2026 in Taiwan (Fully Funded)
Scholarship Coverage
The LExS is a partially funded scholarship that offers:
€10,000 of tuition fee reduction, or
€15,000 of tuition fee reduction, or
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:
You are a non-EU/EEA student applying for a full-time master’s programme at Leiden University.
You have excellent academic performance (usually ranking among the top 10% of your class).
You meet the admission requirements of the chosen programme.
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
Deadline for September 2026 intake: 1 February 2026
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.