Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2025

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious scholarship program designed to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue a Master's degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. With a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence, Leiden University offers this scholarship to help talented individuals achieve their educational goals while promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus.

Overview of the LExS Scholarship

The LExS is specifically aimed at students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have the potential to make significant contributions to their chosen field of study. The scholarship is available for most Master's programs at Leiden University, with a few exceptions. It is important to note that this scholarship is not a full scholarship but is designed to cover a significant portion of the tuition fees.

Scholarship Benefits

The LExS offers three different levels of financial support:

1. €10,000 of the tuition fee.
2. €15,000 of the tuition fee.
3. Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee (for certain programs).

The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the study program, which typically lasts one to two years. Recipients of the LExS are responsible for covering any remaining tuition fees and living expenses. Non-European Economic Area (EEA) recipients must also provide proof of sufficient funds to obtain a student visa or residence permit in the Netherlands.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

The LExS is primarily targeted at non-EEA/non-EFTA students. However, there are exceptions for certain programs:

• All LLM Advanced Studies programs: Students from all nationalities are eligible to apply.
• MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy: Students from all nationalities are eligible to apply.

It is important to note that UK students are now eligible to apply for the LExS following Brexit, except for those who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in their Dutch municipality's BRP before January 1, 2021.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have achieved outstanding academic results in their previous studies, making them among the top 10% of graduates in their respective programs. While proof of ranking is not required, this benchmark provides an indication of the level of competition for the scholarship.

Program Requirements

Applicants must be accepted into a full-time Master's degree program at Leiden University, with the exception of:

• LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School.
• Study programs starting in February at the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Sciences, and Leiden Law School.

Students who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree are generally not eligible to apply for the LExS, except for those enrolling in a program where a previous Master’s degree or specific work experience is mandatory, such as the LLM Advanced Studies programs.

Obligations of LExS Recipients

Recipients of the LExS must comply with the terms and conditions attached to the scholarship. These conditions include maintaining academic performance, adhering to Leiden University's regulations, and informing the scholarship department if they receive additional scholarships from external providers. Failure to meet these obligations can result in the termination of the scholarship.

Application Process

The application process for the LExS is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure all steps are completed on time.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Prospective students must first apply for admission to a Master's program at Leiden University. This involves submitting an online application and paying the application fee, if applicable. It is crucial to start this process well before the LExS deadline, as it can take up to two days to complete the application.

Step 2: Apply for the LExS

After submitting the application for admission, applicants should return to the "Apply" screen in their online application portal and click on "Scholarships." If eligible, the LExS option will appear in this section.

Applicants must indicate their interest in the LExS and upload a motivation letter. This letter, which must be a PDF file no longer than 500 words, should explain why the applicant deserves the scholarship and how it aligns with their academic and professional goals.

Step 3: Submit the Scholarship Application

The scholarship application must be submitted through Leiden University official website before the LExS deadline. Once submitted, no changes can be made to the application, either online or by email. Therefore, it is essential to ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.

Step 4: Selection Process

The faculty selection committees will review all LExS applications and nominate recipients within six weeks of the scholarship deadline. All applicants will receive an email notification informing them of the outcome:

• End of November: For programs starting in February.
• End of April: For programs starting in September.

Exclusions and Special Considerations

While the LExS is open to a wide range of students and programs, there are specific exclusions and special considerations:

• Leiden University Graduates: Students who have already completed a Master's degree at Leiden University are generally not eligible, with some exceptions.
• Ineligible Programs: LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School, as well as certain programs starting in February, are not eligible for the LExS.
• Multiple Scholarships: The LExS cannot be combined with a full scholarship from an external provider. However, it may be combined with a partial scholarship, depending on the circumstances. Applicants must notify the scholarships department if they receive external funding.

Application Deadlines

The LExS has two main application deadlines:

• February 1st: For programs starting on September 1st.
• October 1st: For programs starting on February 1st.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that both the application for admission and the scholarship application are submitted by these deadlines. Late applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the LExS is highly competitive, with faculties reviewing applications based on academic excellence, the quality of the motivation letter, and the applicant's potential to contribute to their chosen field of study.

Successful applicants are those who not only meet the eligibility criteria but also demonstrate a strong alignment between their academic and professional goals and the objectives of their chosen program at Leiden University.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) offers a unique opportunity for exceptional students from around the world to pursue a Master's degree at one of Europe's most prestigious universities. By providing significant financial support, the LExS enables students to focus on their studies and make the most of their time at Leiden University.

For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to academic excellence, the LExS is a pathway to achieving their educational and professional goals while experiencing the rich cultural and academic environment of the Netherlands.

Prospective students are encouraged to start their application process early, ensuring all requirements are met and that their scholarship application is submitted before the deadline. With careful preparation and a strong motivation letter, applicants can increase their chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship.

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