What the funding covers
- A share of the tuition fee: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000. The level is final.
- It does not cover the full cost of your studies.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | The award covers €10,000 to €19,000; you pay the rest |
| Living costs in the Netherlands | You |
Who can apply
- Applicants to a full-time Leiden master's starting in September, excluding the non-advanced LLM and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School.
- A non-EEA, non-EFTA passport, and no right to Dutch government student finance. All LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc International Relations and Diplomacy have no nationality limit.
- An indication that you are among the top 10% of graduates of a relevant programme; proof of ranking is not required.
- It cannot be combined with another full scholarship from an external provider.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality except citizens of the European Union, the EEA countries outside the EU and Switzerland.
Documents you will need
- Your Leiden admission application and any application fee.
- A PDF motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
How to apply
- Apply online for admission and pay any application fee, allowing up to 3 working days.
- In the Scholarships section of your application, say you want the LExS and upload a PDF motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
- Submit by 1 December 2026. If you apply to several programmes, make a separate LExS application in each.
- Leiden tells applicants by email before the end of March.
Before you apply: things to know
- Late applications are not considered, and you cannot change your application after submitting.
- February-start programmes are excluded.
- You pay whatever the award leaves of the fee, plus your living costs.
Common questions
Does the Leiden Excellence Scholarship cover all my costs?
No. Leiden says the LExS is not a full scholarship. It takes €10,000 to €19,000 off the tuition fee.
What is the LExS deadline?
1 December 2026, for master's programmes starting in September. Late applications are not considered.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Dec 1, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Sep 8, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 22, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Oct 6, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 20, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Nov 3, 2026 · NOWSecond draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 17, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 24, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Dec 1, 2026Deadline