Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇳🇱 Netherlands · Offered by Leiden University · For Master's applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Provider: Leiden University
Degree levels: Master's
Funding: Tuition fee reduction (partial).
Deadline: For September 2027 entry: Master's application and LExS motivation by 1 Dec 2026 (some sources say 1 Feb 2027 for certain programmes).
Expected opening: Open now
Duration: Length of the Master's (1–2 years).
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

For excellent students from outside the EEA admitted to a Leiden master's. Apply for the master's and the scholarship together.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Non-EEA students (Pakistan qualifies) admitted to an eligible Leiden Master's (excludes some humanities, LLM and February-start programmes).

Academic requirements

Top grades (typically top 10% of the class) and admission to an eligible full-time Leiden Master's.

Language requirements

IELTS/TOEFL as the Master's requires.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition fee reduction (partial).

Tuition: Up to about EUR 19,000 off tuition (EUR 10,000–25,000 depending on the award).
Stipend and benefits: No stipend; you must still show funds for the visa.
Duration: Length of the Master's (1–2 years).

Deadline and opening date

For September 2027 entry: Master's application and LExS motivation by 1 Dec 2026 (some sources say 1 Feb 2027 for certain programmes).

Expected opening: Open now.

Required documents

Leiden Master's application
LExS motivation
CV
Transcripts
Recommendation letters
English test score

How to apply

Apply for the Leiden Master's and indicate LExS in the application before the deadline.

Find a professor for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?

Non-EEA students (Pakistan qualifies) admitted to an eligible Leiden Master's (excludes some humanities, LLM and February-start programmes). Top grades (typically top 10% of the class) and admission to an eligible full-time Leiden Master's.

What does the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) cover?

Tuition fee reduction (partial). No stipend; you must still show funds for the visa.

What is the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) deadline?

For September 2027 entry: Master's application and LExS motivation by 1 Dec 2026 (some sources say 1 Feb 2027 for certain programmes). Expected opening: Open now.

Is IELTS required for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?

IELTS/TOEFL as the Master's requires.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)?