Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a competitive merit-based award for outstanding non-EU/EEA students joining a taught Master's at Leiden. The award comes in three tiers — €10,000, €15,000, or full tuition (covering up to €19,000+ for premium programmes) — applied to the first year of study. A separate scholarship application and a strong motivation letter are required.
Leiden University (Netherlands)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
€10,000 / €15,000 / Full Tuition
Duration
First Year of Master's
Awards
Limited — Highly Competitive
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Non-EU/EEA Citizenship
Open to non-EU/EEA international students paying institutional (non-EU) tuition rates. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka qualify.
Offer for an Eligible Leiden Master's
You must hold an offer for an eligible Leiden taught Master's programme. Not all programmes participate — check the LExS eligible programme list for the current cycle.
Top 10% of Bachelor's Class
Applicants must rank in the top 10% of their Bachelor's class — typically a first-class honours from a recognised Sri Lankan university (Colombo, Peradeniya, Moratuwa, etc.).
Strong Motivation Letter
A focused motivation letter explaining why Leiden, why this programme, and how the Master's connects to your career and impact goals — the most heavily weighted element of the scholarship review.
account_tree Application Process
Apply for the Master's first
Submit your Leiden Master's application via Studielink and the Leiden University application portal. You must apply by 15 January (early deadline) to be considered for LExS.
Submit LExS Application
Apply via the LExS portal by 1 February — submit the official scholarship application form and a motivation letter (typically 500-800 words).
Selection Panel Review
The Leiden scholarship committee reviews applications on academic merit, motivation, and the programme-specific committee's ranking. Outcomes are typically announced in April.
Accept and Enrol
Successful awardees receive the discount applied directly to their first-year tuition. Accept the scholarship and confirm enrolment by the published deadline.
Why Leiden University?
Founded in 1575, Leiden is the Netherlands' oldest university and consistently ranked in the world's top 100. Particularly strong in law, international relations, archaeology, life sciences, and Asian studies. Located in a charming historic city 30 minutes from Amsterdam and The Hague.
#80
QS World Ranking 2026
1575
Founded
16
Nobel Laureates
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