Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 | Study in the Netherlands on Partial to Full Tuition Waiver
Are you a highly motivated student from outside the EU/EEA looking to pursue your Master’s degree in Europe? The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to study in the Netherlands on a partial or full tuition waiver.
This competitive program is designed to attract academically outstanding international students to one of the most respected research universities in Europe.
About Leiden University & the LExS Program
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of the oldest and most renowned institutions in Europe, known for its global outlook and commitment to academic excellence. The LExS scholarship is a flagship initiative of the university, designed to support top-performing students in their pursuit of a Master’s degree in a variety of disciplines.
This opportunity ranks among the top study abroad scholarships in Europe and is part of the growing list of master scholarships in the Netherlands tailored for international students.
Scholarship Value & Benefits
Successful recipients of the LExS scholarship receive:
- A tuition fee waiver ranging from €10,000 to €15,000
- In some cases, full tuition coverage (depending on faculty decisions)
- The possibility to combine with other scholarships or external grants
Please note: The LExS does not cover living expenses, visa costs, or insurance. Students are encouraged to seek additional funding or apply for external fully funded scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the LExS 2026:
- You must be a non-EU/EEA international student
- You must apply for a full-time Master’s degree program at Leiden University
- You must demonstrate excellent academic performance (top 10% of previous class preferred)
- You must meet all admission requirements for your chosen program
Check out our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully, especially for international students.
Application Deadline
- Primary Deadline: 1 February 2026
- Secondary Intake (if applicable): Often opens 1 October for programs beginning in February 2027
We advise all students to apply as early as possible and confirm deadlines directly with their faculty or program of interest.
How to Apply
- Choose an eligible Master’s program from Leiden University’s graduate offerings
- Apply for admission via the online application portal
- Upload all required documents including transcripts, CV, and letter of motivation
- Indicate that you wish to apply for the LExS in your application
- Submit before the 1 February 2026 deadline
Visit our Scholarships in Europe section to explore other relevant opportunities.
Click here to apply for the LExS 2026 scholarship via Leiden University
Why Apply to Leiden University?
Leiden is at the forefront of personalized learning, global education, and cutting-edge research. With a focus on academic innovation and a diverse international student community, it offers a vibrant space to grow intellectually and personally.
Pairing that with a scholarship like LExS makes it one of the most desirable destinations for scholarships for international students in 2026.
Looking for more study abroad scholarships in 2026? Browse our Latest Scholarships Page to find the perfect match for your academic goals.
