Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 : Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. This partially funded scholarship is designed to support academically excellent students by providing substantial tuition fee assistance toward their master’s studies.
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is primarily available to non-EEA/non-EFTA students applying for eligible master’s programmes. However, students applying for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy can apply regardless of nationality. The scholarship provides tuition fee awards ranging from €10,000 to €19,000, depending on the award level granted.
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Eligibility Criteria for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Applicants should satisfy the following requirements:
- Applicants must apply for a full-time master’s programme at Leiden University starting in September.
- Applicants must meet all admission requirements of their selected master’s programme.
- Applicants should generally hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport.
- The nationality requirement does not apply to applicants for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
- Applicants should have excellent academic results in their previous studies.
- Applicants are expected to have achieved academic results placing them among approximately the top 10% of graduates. This is an indication rather than an absolute requirement, with the relevance and quality of previous academic performance considered by the university.
- Applicants must meet all academic and programme-specific requirements for their chosen master’s programme.
- Students who already hold a Leiden University master’s degree are generally not eligible, except in specific circumstances where a previous master’s degree or relevant work experience is required.
- Students applying for programmes beginning in February are not eligible according to the provided scholarship conditions.
- Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements of their chosen programme before applying.
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Benefits of Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
- Scholarship awards of €10,000 to €19,000 toward tuition fees.
- Five scholarship award levels are available: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 and €19,000.
- The scholarship can provide financial support throughout the eligible period of the master’s programme.
- Students can study at Leiden University, one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities.
- Recipients can gain international academic and cultural exposure.
- Students can develop professional and academic connections within an international learning environment.
- The scholarship can reduce the financial burden associated with tuition fees.
- It provides academically excellent international students with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the Netherlands.
Documents Required for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online admission application for the selected master’s programme.
- LExS motivation letter of a maximum of 500 words in PDF format.
- Academic transcripts.
- Academic certificates.
- Passport copy.
- Any additional documents required for admission to the selected master’s programme.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, accurate and uploaded in the format requested by Leiden University.
How to Apply for Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
- Click on the “Click Here To Apply” button provided at the end.
- Carefully review the Titan Scholarship details provided.
- Complete the application form and ensure all required information is accurately filled out.
- Attach the necessary documents as specified in the scholarship requirements.
- Finally, click the “Submit” button to submit your Titan Scholarship application.
Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 is 1 December 2026.
Contact Details
For queries regarding the Jefferson Scholarship 2027 please contact : scholarships@sea.leidenuniv.nl
Top 5 Common Mistakes While Applying for Scholarship and How to Avoid Them
1. Applying Without Checking Programme Eligibility
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that every master’s programme at Leiden University qualifies for the LExS. Certain programmes and fields are excluded from the scholarship.
How to avoid it: Before applying, carefully check whether your exact master’s programme is eligible for the scholarship and whether any programme-specific restrictions apply.
2. Submitting a Weak Motivation Letter
The LExS motivation letter is an important part of the scholarship application. A generic statement that simply explains why you want to study abroad may not effectively demonstrate your suitability for a competitive scholarship.
How to avoid it: Clearly explain your academic achievements, motivation for choosing the programme, relevant experiences, future goals and why you deserve financial support. Keep the letter within the 500-word limit and proofread it carefully.
3. Ignoring the Academic Performance Requirement
The scholarship is intended for academically outstanding students. Applicants who fail to demonstrate strong academic performance may have a weaker scholarship application.
How to avoid it: Present your strongest academic achievements clearly and make sure your transcripts and certificates are complete and consistent with your application.
4. Leaving the Application Until the Deadline
Waiting until the last day can create serious problems if documents are missing, the application portal experiences technical issues or additional information is required.
How to avoid it: Start several weeks before the deadline. Prepare your academic documents, passport copy and motivation letter early and submit the application well before 1 December 2026.
5. Assuming the Scholarship Covers All Expenses
Another common mistake is treating LExS as a fully funded scholarship. The scholarship provides tuition fee support but does not necessarily cover all tuition costs or living expenses.
How to avoid it: Prepare a realistic financial plan covering the remaining tuition fees, accommodation, food, insurance, transportation, visa-related expenses and other living costs. Leiden University notes that living expenses are not included in the LExS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
No. The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a partially funded scholarship. It provides a tuition fee award of €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000, depending on the scholarship awarded. Students should be prepared to cover any remaining tuition fees and their living expenses in the Netherlands. The university’s published information specifically states that living expenses are not included.
Q2: Can students from countries outside Europe apply for the LExS?
Yes. The scholarship is primarily intended for students holding a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport who are applying for eligible master’s programmes. However, the nationality restriction does not apply to applicants for Advanced LLM programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy. Applicants should always check the requirements applicable to their specific programme before submitting an application.
Q3: Does receiving the LExS guarantee that all tuition fees will be paid?
No. Receiving the LExS does not necessarily mean that the student’s entire tuition fee will be covered. The scholarship provides one of several specified tuition fee awards, and students may still have tuition fees remaining after the scholarship is applied. Applicants should therefore calculate the expected remaining costs before accepting an offer.
Q4: Can a student keep the scholarship if they change their master’s programme?
Continuation of the scholarship is not automatically guaranteed if a student changes their degree programme. Leiden University’s scholarship terms state that such requests can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant faculty selection committee. Students should therefore avoid changing programmes without first confirming the effect on their scholarship.
Q5: Can the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship be combined with another full scholarship?
Generally, students cannot receive another full scholarship for the same programme while holding the LExS. Leiden University’s scholarship terms state that partial scholarships may be possible in certain circumstances, but prior written permission may be required. Students who receive another full scholarship should inform Leiden University.
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Overview of Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
| Scholarship id | CPSA26090901064 |
| Scholarship Name | Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027 for PG Students |
| Scholarship Open for | Boys & Girls |
| Scholarship Offered by | Leiden University, Netherlands |
| Who can Apply ? | Outstanding international students with non-EEA/non-EFTA passports applying for eligible full-time master’s programs at Leiden University, with excellent academic records, generally ranking among the top 10% of graduates. |
| Location of Students eligible | All Over India |
| Scholarship Benefits | Upto €19,000 Per Student |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 December 2026 |
