If you've already found a Dutch Master's program you love, chances are the tuition sticker shock is what's stopping you from hitting "apply." Leiden University knows this too, which is why it runs the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, or LExS a tuition-fee reduction built specifically for high-achieving international students who'd otherwise be priced out.
Applications for the September 2027 intake are open now, with a deadline of 1 December 2026. Here's everything you actually need to know, without the fluff.
What LExS Actually Gives You
LExS isn't a flat-rate scholarship the amount depends on how competitive your profile is and which faculty committee reviews it. Awards land at one of five levels:
- €10,000
- €15,000
- €17,500
- €18,500
- €19,000 (top tier)
Whatever level you're offered, it's locked in for your entire program and it's non-negotiable you can't appeal for a higher tier afterward. One important caveat: this covers tuition only. Rent, health insurance, flights, and visa costs are on you, and Dutch immigration will still expect to see proof you can cover living expenses separately.
Who Can Apply
Nationality: You need a passport from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and you must not qualify for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering). British applicants qualify too, since the UK counts as non-EEA unless you were already living in the Netherlands and registered with a Dutch municipality (BRP) before 1 January 2021.
Two programs waive the nationality rule entirely and are open to everyone:
- All Advanced LLM programs
- MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
Academic record: Leiden isn't asking for a formal ranking certificate, but they want to see you're roughly in the top 10% of your graduating cohort. No proof required upfront it's more a benchmark for how competitive the pool is.
Program timing: Only September 2027 intakes qualify. February starters aren't eligible for this round.
Who's Excluded
A few groups won't be eligible no matter how strong the application:
- Anyone applying to a standard (non-advanced) LLM or MSc at Leiden Law School
- Anyone who already holds a Leiden Master's degree (Advanced LLM applicants get an exception here, since a prior Master's is actually required for that program)
- Anyone starting in February
- Anyone who's already receiving a full scholarship from another external source (partial scholarships may be combinable check with the Scholarships Team directly)
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Confirm eligibility first. Check your program isn't on the exclusion list and that you're aiming for the September 2027 intake.
- Submit your Master's admission application online. Do this early Leiden says it can take up to 3 working days just to get an application into the system, and that's before you even start on LExS.
- Opt into LExS inside your application portal. Once your admission application is submitted, go back into the "Apply" screen and look for the Scholarships tab. If you're eligible, LExS will show up there automatically. If it doesn't appear, you've either missed the window, not finished your admission application, or don't meet the criteria.
- Write your motivation letter. Max 500 words, explaining why you should get the award. Applying to more than one program? You'll need a separate letter for each.
- Submit everything before 1 December 2026. Leiden does not accept late submissions with no exceptions.
- Wait it out. Faculty committees review and nominate candidates within roughly 6 weeks of the deadline. Final decisions go out to all applicants by the end of April 2027.
Quick Answers
Is this a full scholarship?
No, it only reduces tuition. You'll still need to fund living costs, insurance, and travel yourself.
What's the maximum award?
€19,000 off tuition, at the top tier.
Can I apply if I'm from the UK?
Yes, unless you were already registered as a Netherlands resident before January 2021.
Do I need an official class ranking to prove I'm in the top 10%?
No formal proof is required; it's a guideline, not a hard requirement.
Can international students apply to Leiden Law School Master's or LLM programs for this scholarship?
Not for standard LLM or MSc Law programs only Advanced LLM programs qualify.
Where do I apply?
Directly through Leiden University's official admissions portal at universiteitleiden.nl.
Ready to Apply?
Deadline is December 01, 2026 00:00. Don't miss it.
Apply on Official WebsiteNo application fee required through our portal.
