The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a prestigious scholarship program designed to attract and support outstanding international students pursuing a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. This scholarship aims to recognize and reward academic excellence, offering financial support to talented individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise in their chosen fields of study.
The LExS is open to non-EU/EEA students who have achieved outstanding academic results and are applying for a full-time master’s program at Leiden University. The selection process is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated based on their academic achievements, the quality of their previous education, and their potential to contribute positively to the university community. Applicants must also meet the specific admission requirements for their chosen master’s program.
Recipients of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship benefit from substantial financial support, which can range from partial to full tuition fee waivers. The scholarship amounts are divided into three tiers: €10,000 of the tuition fee, €15,000 of the tuition fee, or the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee. This financial assistance helps alleviate the burden of tuition costs, allowing students to focus on their studies and academic development.
Leiden University, known for its rich academic tradition and commitment to research excellence, provides a stimulating and supportive environment for LExS recipients. Scholars have access to world-class facilities, libraries, and research centers, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with leading academics and researchers in their fields. The university’s diverse and international student body further enriches the academic experience, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
In addition to financial support, the LExS program offers various enrichment opportunities to its scholars. Recipients are encouraged to participate in academic workshops, conferences, and seminars, which provide platforms for networking and professional development. The university also offers career services and support to help scholars navigate their future career paths and maximize their potential.
The impact of the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship extends beyond the individual recipients. By attracting top-tier international talent, the program enhances the university’s global reputation and contributes to the internationalization of its academic community. Scholars, in turn, benefit from the opportunity to study in a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment, gaining skills and experiences that prepare them for leadership roles in their respective fields.
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a highly regarded program that provides substantial financial support and academic opportunities to exceptional international students. Through this scholarship, Leiden University aims to foster academic excellence, promote diversity, and prepare the next generation of leaders for global challenges.
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarships 20024/25 is for excellent students joining a full-time Leiden University Master’s degree program – except LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School.
Benefits
The LExS is awarded for the duration of the study programme. There are three available levels of awards:
- € 10,000 of the tuition fee
- € 15,000 of the tuition fee
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee
The LExS is not a full scholarship. Non-EEA LExS recipients must still submit ‘proof of sufficient funds’ for their student visa/residence permit application.
Requirements For The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Study programme requirements
Applicants for all Master’s programme at Leiden University, with the exception of :
- Leiden Law School’s LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes.
- Study programmes starting in February at the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Sciences and Leiden Law School.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport, and may not be eligible for student finance via the Dutch government (Studiefinanciering) – with the exceptions of students applying for the programmes listed below for which no nationality restrictions apply:
- All LLM Advanced Studies programmes
- MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
EEA/EFTA: All EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
Additional note for UK students
As the UK is now a non-EEA country, students from the UK are now eligible to apply for the LExS. Note: this does not apply to applicants who were already living in The Netherlands and registered in their Dutch municipality’s BRP before 1 January 2021. More information on Brexit can be found in the Brexit dossier.
- Academic requirements: Students must have achieved excellent academic results in their previous study programme(s), which must be relevant to the Master’s programme for which they are applying. As an indication, the student is amongst the top 10% of graduates in his/her previous study programme. Note that proof of ranking is not required – this information is purely to indicate the level of competitiveness
- Obligations: Students who are granted a LExS 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.
Exclusions
- Scholarships cannot be awarded to applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree, with the exception of students applying for a Master programme for which a specified previous Master programme or work experience is mandatory (e.g. LLM Advanced Studies programmes).
- Scholarships cannot be awarded to students who will follow:
- an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programme at Leiden Law School, or
- a study programme starting in February at the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Sciences or Leiden Law School.
- Scholarships cannot be awarded to students who do not meet the nationality requirements stated above.
- It is not possible to combine the LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider. Students are obliged to notify the scholarships department if they receive a full scholarship from another source. In some circumstances, the LExS may be combined with a partial scholarship from an external provider. Contact the Scholarships Team for further details.
Selection Process
- The faculty selection committees will nominate their LExS recipients within 6 weeks of the LExS deadline.
- All applicants will receive an email notifying them whether they have been awarded a LExS:
- At the end of November (for programmes starting in February)
- At the end of April (for study programmes starting in September)
Method of Application
Visit The Official Website to Apply
- Apply online for admission to a Master’s programme at Leiden University and pay the application fee if applicable.
- Note: it can take up to 2 days to create/submit an application for admission, so start your application well before the LExS deadline.
- After submitting your application for admission, return to the Apply screen in your online application and click on Scholarships. If you are eligible to apply for the LExS, it will now be visible in the scholarships section.
- Note: if you cannot see the LExS in your scholarships section, you have either not yet submitted your application for admission or are not eligible for the LExS.
- Indicate that want to apply for the LExS then upload your LExS motivation letter. This must be a PDF file of max. 500 words, in which you explain why you would like to be considered for the award.
- Submit your scholarship application before the LExS deadline. Please be aware that after submitting your scholarship application, you cannot make changes to it either online or by sending additional items by email.
- If you are applying for more than one study programme/specialisation and wish to apply for a LExS for each, you must submit a LExS application and motivation letter within each separate online application for admission.
Late scholarship applications will not be considered. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure they create/submit both their application for admission and their application for a scholarship before the LExS deadline.
Application Deadline: October 1, 2024.
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