Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a competitive merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students who want to pursue an eligible full-time Master’s degree at Leiden University.

For most eligible programmes, applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and must not be eligible for Dutch government student finance. The nationality restriction does not apply to applicants for LLM Advanced Studies programmes or the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, which are open to all nationalities under the LExS rules.

Academic excellence is central to the scholarship. Leiden University indicates that successful candidates generally have results comparable to being among the top 10% of graduates from their previous programme. Formal evidence of class ranking is not required.

The scholarship provides a contribution towards tuition fees rather than complete financial support. Applicants should therefore plan carefully for any remaining tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel and other costs associated with studying in the Netherlands.

Pakistani passport holders fall within the standard non-EEA/non-EFTA target group and can apply provided they meet the programme, academic and scholarship requirements.

• Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s programme at Leiden University beginning in September.
• Normally hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.
• Not be eligible for Dutch government student finance.
• Have excellent academic results relevant to the chosen Master’s programme.
• Have academic performance generally comparable to the top 10% of graduates from the previous programme.
• Meet all academic requirements for admission to the selected Master’s programme.
• Meet the programme-specific English-language requirements.
• Comply with the official LExS terms and conditions if selected.
• Not already hold a Leiden University Master’s degree, except where specific programme exceptions apply.
• Apply before the LExS scholarship deadline.

• €10,000 contribution towards tuition fees.
• €15,000 contribution towards tuition fees.
• €17,500 contribution towards tuition fees.
• €18,500 contribution towards tuition fees.
• €19,000 contribution towards tuition fees.
• Scholarship support for the duration of the eligible Master’s programme.
• Opportunity to study at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
• Access to an international academic and research environment.

• LExS motivation letter in PDF format.
• Motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
• Academic transcripts required for Master’s admission.
• Degree certificate or proof of previous education.
• Passport or identification documents required for admission.
• English-language proficiency evidence where required by the chosen programme.
• Programme-specific admission documents.
• CV or résumé if required by the selected Master’s programme.
• Additional documents requested by the relevant faculty or programme.

• Excellent academic performance in previous studies.
• Academic achievement relevant to the chosen Master’s programme.
• Performance generally comparable to the top 10% of graduates.
• Compliance with the programme and nationality eligibility requirements.
• Complete and timely scholarship application.
• Submission of the required LExS motivation letter.
• Assessment and nomination by the relevant faculty selection committee.

• Reduce the tuition cost of an eligible Master’s degree by up to €19,000.
• Study in an international academic environment in the Netherlands.
• Join a highly selective scholarship cohort.
• Strengthen your academic and professional profile through postgraduate study abroad.
• Build international academic and professional connections.
• Gain experience studying within the European higher education environment.