Introduction
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is designed to support outstanding students enrolling in a full-time Master’s program at Leiden University. With various levels of financial support available, this scholarship aims to attract top-tier international students, particularly from non-EEA/non-EFTA countries, to study in the Netherlands.
Quick Summary
- Scholarship: Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Eligibility: Non-EEA/non-EFTA students enrolling in a full-time Master’s program (excluding some LLM and MSc programs)
- Value: €10,000, €15,000, or full tuition minus statutory tuition fees
- Application Deadlines: February 1 for programs starting in September; October 1 for programs starting in February
- Application Process: Apply online for a Master’s program and submit a scholarship application through the Leiden University portal
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the LExS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Study Program Requirements: The scholarship is available for all Master’s programs at Leiden University, except:
- LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs at Leiden Law School
- Programs starting in February at the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Sciences, and Leiden Law School
- Nationality Requirements: Applicants must hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and not be eligible for Dutch government student finance. However, students applying for the following programs are eligible regardless of nationality:
- All LLM Advanced Studies programs
- MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy
- Academic Requirements: Applicants should have excellent academic results, typically placing them among the top 10% of graduates in their previous study programs. While proof of ranking is not required, this criterion highlights the competitive nature of the scholarship.
Exclusions and Obligations
- Exclusions: The LExS cannot be awarded to students who:
- Have already obtained a Leiden University Master’s degree (with some exceptions)
- Are applying for an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc program at Leiden Law School
- Are starting a program in February at the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Sciences, or Leiden Law School
- Do not meet the nationality requirements
- Combination with Other Scholarships: The LExS cannot be combined with a full scholarship from an external provider. However, it may be combined with a partial scholarship, subject to conditions.
- Obligations: Recipients must agree to the terms and conditions of the scholarship and notify the scholarships department if they receive a full scholarship from another source.
Scholarship Amounts
The LExS offers three levels of financial support:
- €10,000 of the tuition fee
- €15,000 of the tuition fee
- Total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee
It’s important to note that the LExS is not a full scholarship. Non-EEA LExS recipients must provide proof of sufficient funds for their student visa/residence permit application.
Application Process
To apply for the LExS, follow these steps:
- Apply for Admission: Submit an online application for your desired Master’s program at Leiden University and pay the application fee if required. Start your application well before the LExS deadline.
- Scholarship Application: After submitting your admission application, return to the Apply screen in your online application and click on Scholarships. If eligible, the LExS option will appear. Indicate your interest and upload a motivation letter (PDF, max. 500 words) explaining why you should be considered for the scholarship.
- Deadline: Submit both your admission and scholarship applications before the LExS deadline (February 1 or October 1, depending on your program start date). Late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Faculty selection committees will review applications and nominate LExS recipients within six weeks of the deadline. Notifications will be sent via email by the end of November (for February start programs) or the end of April (for September start programs).
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) offers substantial financial support to exceptional students from around the world. By following the application process carefully and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship and advancing your academic career at Leiden University.
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