The Leiden University Scholarship (LExS) in the Netherlands 2025 is now open for Master’s students from around the world. It is a fully funded opportunity providing an average amount of €15,000 per year. This article will guide you through the details of this prestigious scholarship program, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process. With this scholarship, you can study at one of Europe’s top research universities.

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of Europe’s leading research universities. It hosts seven faculties in sciences, arts, and social sciences, spread across locations in Leiden and The Hague. With over 6,700 staff members and 28,130 students, the university prides itself to be renowned for its high-quality education and research, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and excellence. The number and type of Leiden University Excellence scholarship awards depends on each faculty.

Scholarship Details of the Leiden University Scholarship (LExS)

• Host Country: Netherlands
• Host Institution: Leiden University
• Program Level: Master’s
• Program Duration: Up to 24 months, depending on the program

Benefits of the Leiden University Scholarship

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship provides recipients with several financial benefits to ease their academic journey. You may get one of the following benefits:

• €15,000 towards tuition fees, which significantly reduces the financial burden.
• €10,000 towards tuition fees for other eligible students, making education more accessible.
• Coverage of the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee, ensuring that the most deserving students can pursue their studies without worrying about costs.

Additionally, Leiden University scholarship recipients get the opportunity to study in a diverse and multicultural environment, interact with leading academics, and access world-class resources and facilities.

Are you interested in applying for more scholarships abroad? Read my article on Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Areas Covered in the Leiden University Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University scholarship covers all Master’s programs in the following faculties:

• Humanities
• Archaeology
• Medicine/LUMC
• Law
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Science
• Interfacultair Centrum voor Lerarenopleiding, Onderwijsontwikkeling en Nascholing (ICLON): Specialize in teacher training and educational development.
• African Studies Centre
• International Institute for Asian Studies

These diverse disciplines allow students to find their niche and excel in their chosen fields.

Eligibility Criteria for the Leiden University Scholarship

To qualify for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA international student: The scholarship is specifically for students outside the European Union and the European Economic Area.
• Excellent academic results: Applicants should have outstanding academic achievements, typically within the top 10% of their previous study program. This ensures that the scholarship supports the brightest minds.
• Non-EU/EEA passport: Candidates must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and be ineligible for Dutch study grants and loans.
• Enrollment in a Master’s program: The scholarship is for those planning to enroll in a Master’s program at Leiden University.
• Compliance with Dutch visa requirements: Students must meet all Dutch visa regulations.
• Maintain academic standards: For multi-year programs, students need to achieve a minimum of 60 ECTS in the first year to retain the scholarship for the following year.

If you are also interested in studying in France, check out the Fully-Funded IDEX Masters Scholarship Grenoble Alpes University

Documents Required for the Leiden University Scholarship

Applicants must provide the following documents to support their application:

• Motivation letter: A detailed motivation letter (max. 500 words) explaining why you deserve the scholarship and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant experience.
• Previous academic transcripts: Certified copies of your previous academic transcripts to demonstrate your academic excellence.
• Proof of English proficiency: Valid proof of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Additional documents: Any other documents specified by the program, such as recommendation letters or a portfolio.

If you are looking for PhD opportunities, you may be interested in Fully Funded Marie Curie Scholarships in Europe.

How to Apply for the Leiden University Scholarship (LExS)

Follow these steps to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship:

1. Online application: Apply online for admission to a Master’s program at Leiden University and pay the application fee if required.
2. Indicate scholarship interest: In the scholarship section of your online application, indicate that you wish to apply for the LExS.
3. Upload motivation letter: Upload your LExS motivation letter as instructed in the online application.
4. Submit application: Submit your online application, including the LExS application, before the deadline.
5. Multiple applications: If applying for multiple programs, ensure to indicate your LExS application in each and upload a separate motivation letter for each.

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Application Deadline

• For programs starting 1 February, 2025: Deadline is 1 October 2024
• For programs starting 1 September, 2025: Deadline is 1 February 2025

Don’t miss the deadline to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship and advance your academic career. Best of Luck with your application!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)