2025 Leiden University Excellence Masters Scholarships in the Netherlands | International Students: (Deadline:  1 October 2025)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for international students to pursue a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. For the 2025-2026 school year, this scholarship provides an annual tuition benefit of about €15,000. It is a great option for talented and ambitious students.

International applicants are invited to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, awarded to outstanding individuals with exceptional academic achievements. The availability and type of scholarships are determined by the budget allocated to each faculty department.

Established in 1575, Leiden University is renowned as one of Europe’s top research universities. It fosters academic excellence and innovation across diverse disciplines.

1 Summary of Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

• Study in: Netherlands
• Study for: Masters
• Scholarship Provider: Leiden University
• Deadline:  1 October 2025

2 Scholarship Coverage of Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) provides the recipient with the following benefits:

• € 15,000 of the tuition fee
• € 10,000 of the tuition fee
• Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee

3 Eligibility Criteria for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) 2025

To qualify for a Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS), candidates must fulfil all of the following requirements below:

• • Required Language: English
  • Eligible Countries: Non-EU/EEA international students
  • In their previous education, the student must have earned good grades that relate to the program they want to join. As an indication, the student will be among the top 10% for the relevant program followed abroad.
  • Students must have good study results from their previous education. This is important for the Master’s program they are applying to. As an indication, the student is among the top 10% of graduates in his/her previous study program. Note: Proof of ranking is not required—this information is purely to indicate the level of competitiveness.
  • The student will have a non-EU/EEA passport. They will not qualify for support from the Dutch study grants and loans system called “Studiefinanciering.” For more information please refer to: www.duo.nl. This does not apply to the Advanced Masters. The application for the LExS program is open to all nationalities.
  • If a student changes their degree program during their studies, the continuation of the LExS is not guaranteed. Requests will be looked at one by one. The Faculty Selection Committee will make the final decision. If the change happens before the student registers for the study program, the LExS scholarship will be taken away. The student will need to re-apply for the scholarship.
  •  The LExS is only valid while the student is registered as a full-time student at Leiden University. This applies during the study program’s time frame.

• A LExS given for the academic year in the decision letter cannot be moved to another year. It also cannot be transferred to a later intake in the same year. If a student gets a LExS for the September or February intake, they can choose to delay their studies. However, if they do, the LExS will be cancelled. Requests will be looked at one by one. The Faculty Selection Committee will make the final decision.
• The student cannot get another full scholarship for the same program. This rule does not apply to partial scholarships. However, partial scholarships must be confirmed in writing beforehand. The student should inform Leiden University if they receive another full scholarship. This includes scholarships like the Netherlands Fellowship Program or Jean Monnet. They should also state which scholarship they have accepted.
• For a program that lasts more than one year, students must earn at least 60 ECTS in their first year. This is necessary to keep the right to LExS for the next academic year. In cases where there is any uncertainty as to the number of ECTS standards for satisfactory progress the time and manner in which progress will be measured will be set by the Leiden University Selection Committee.
• A student is allowed to submit several applications for scholarships at one time. However, it is not possible to combine scholarships which are provided or sponsored by Leiden University. This concerns the following scholarship programs: Orange Tulip – China and CEU Praesidium Libertatis. It is not possible to combine the LExS with scholarships from bilateral agreements with educational institutions. This also applies to any other scholarships that Leiden University may offer in the future
•  The student must comply with Dutch visa regulations.
• The LExS will not be given to students who are admitted to a second Master’s program at Leiden University. The only exception is for students applying to a Master’s program. This applies if the program requires a specific previous Master’s degree or work experience.
• Leiden University should be informed quickly about any changes in nationality, residence permit type, or “Studiefinanciering” support during the academic year.
•  If the student ends the study early, they must request tuition fee reimbursement from Leiden University. This follows the rules in the “Regeling inschrijving, college- en examengeld” for that academic year. The student should submit the de-registration form to Leiden University. If applicable, the student will subsequently receive a reimbursement of the tuition fee less the part-time study options scholarship on a pro-rata basis.
•  During the study at Leiden University, the student will take an active part in activities to promote the LExS.
•  The student has to accept the granted LExS scholarship by filling out the ‘Acceptance Form LExS’.