Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS): Simple Step-by-Step Guide

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a merit-based award for outstanding international students joining a full-time Master's programme at Leiden University — one of Europe's oldest research universities, founded in 1575.

This guide simplifies the entire process: what the scholarship actually pays for, who qualifies, the documents you need, and exactly how to apply through the university portal.

1. How Much Does LExS Actually Cover?

LExS is awarded in fixed tiers toward your tuition fee: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000, depending on your programme and the faculty's available budget for that year. Some programmes also structure the award as the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee.

2. Who Can Apply?

Generally, you need to meet these criteria:

1. Nationality: You hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and are not eligible for Dutch (DUO) student finance.
2. Programme Admission: You are applying for an eligible full-time Master's programme at Leiden University. Most non-advanced LLM programmes and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School are excluded.
3. Academic Excellence: You have achieved excellent results in your prior studies that are clearly relevant to the Master's programme you're applying for.
4. Special Exception: The LLM / MSc Advanced Studies in International Relations and Diplomacy is open to applicants of any nationality, regardless of the general non-EEA rule.

You are not eligible if you already hold a Master's degree from Leiden University, are combining LExS with another full scholarship from an external provider, or are already receiving another Leiden University-funded scholarship.

3. Documents You Need to Prepare

Since LExS is applied for from within your admissions portal, prepare these in advance:

• Academic Transcripts & Diploma: Certified copies of your bachelor's (or relevant prior) degree, translated into English.
• Motivation Letter for LExS: A focused PDF of no more than 500 words explaining why you should be considered for the scholarship specifically — separate from your general admission motivation letter.
• Updated CV: Covering your academic background, research or work experience, and relevant achievements.
• Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or another test accepted by your chosen programme.
• Valid Passport Copy: Identity and photo page.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps carefully — LExS only becomes visible after your admission application is underway:

1 Choose an Eligible Master's Programme

Confirm your target programme, starting in September, is eligible for LExS — check the exclusions for non-advanced LLM and Law School MSc programmes first.

2 Submit Your Admission Application

Apply for admission through Leiden University's online application system and pay the admission application fee where applicable. Building and submitting this application can take up to three working days, so don't leave it until the last moment.

3 Select LExS in the Scholarships Section

Return to the portal after your admission application is submitted. Open the "Scholarships" section, select the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, and upload your 500-word motivation letter as a PDF.

4 Submit Before the Deadline

Complete your scholarship application before 1 December. If you're applying to more than one programme or specialisation, you must submit a separate scholarship application and motivation letter for each.

5. Staying in the Netherlands After Graduation (Zoekjaar)

After completing your Leiden University Master's, you can apply for the Orientation Year permit (Zoekjaar), giving you 12 months to live and work in the Netherlands without needing separate work-permit sponsorship. Securing a job that meets the minimum salary threshold lets you transition into a Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions