Leiden University funds excellent non-EEA Master’s students with a tuition award worth up to €19,000. Here’s who qualifies, what it covers, and how African applicants can put together a strong submission.
If you’re aiming for a Master’s degree in Europe, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, usually shortened to LExS. Deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s funded directly by Leiden University in the Netherlands, one of the oldest universities in the country, and it’s built specifically to reward students who’ve already proven they can perform near the top of their class.
For African students, the appeal is straightforward. The scholarship is aimed at applicants holding a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport, which means nationals from across the continent are squarely within the target group. It rewards strong academic records rather than financial need alone, so if your transcripts are excellent and your chosen programme is a genuine fit, you have a real case to make.
One thing to be clear about from the start: the LExS is a tuition award, not a full ride. It reduces what you pay in fees, but you’ll still need to cover living costs and show proof of funds for your visa. Knowing that early helps you plan your budget honestly instead of being caught short later.
Scholarship benefits
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- A contribution toward your tuition fee, awarded at one of five fixed levels: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000.
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- The award runs for the full duration of your Master’s programme, not just the first year.
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- The level you’re offered is final and can’t be negotiated — but once granted, it’s locked in for your studies.
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- It’s open across a wide range of faculties, including Humanities, Science, Law, Medicine/LUMC, Archaeology, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Governance and Global Affairs.
Keep your expectations realistic. The LExS does not cover the full cost of studying in the Netherlands, and a significant personal contribution will still be required. It’s also highly competitive: Leiden offers roughly 25 of these scholarships each year, while more than a thousand students apply.
Eligibility checklist
- You are applying to a full-time Leiden University Master’s programme starting in September.
- You hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and aren’t eligible for Dutch government student finance (Studiefinanciering). The exceptions, where all nationalities may apply, are the LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy.
- Your previous academic results are excellent and relevant to the Master’s you are applying for as a guide, think top 10% of graduates in your earlier programme. Proof of ranking isn’t required; it’s just an indication of the level of competition.
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- You’re not applying to an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programme at Leiden Law School, as these are excluded.
- Your programme starts in September, not February. February-start programmes can’t be funded.
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- You don’t already hold a Leiden University Master’s degree, unless your new programme specifically requires a prior Master’s or work experience (as some LLM Advanced Studies programmes do).
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- You are not already holding a full scholarship from another external provider, since the LExS can’t be combined with one. (A partial external scholarship may be possible in some cases — check with the Scholarships Team.)
Application tips for African students
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- Start your admission application early. You apply for the scholarship through your online admission application, and the system can take up to three working days to process. The LExS option only appears after your admission application is submitted, so leaving it to the last day is risky.
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- Treat the 500-word motivation letter as the heart of your submission. You’ll upload a PDF of no more than 500 words explaining why you deserve to be considered. With so many strong applicants, this is where you stand out — be specific about your achievements, your goals, and why this exact programme fits them. Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone.
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- Get your transcripts and certificates certified and, where needed, translated. Documents issued by African institutions often need official certification or English translation before a European university will accept them. This can take weeks, so begin the process well ahead of the deadline.
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- Sort out English-language proof in good time. Leiden’s Master’s programmes are taught in English, and admission usually requires an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Test slots and result-processing times vary, so book early — this is general admission advice, and the specific requirement depends on your programme.
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- Line up strong recommenders before you need them. Approach lecturers or supervisors who know your work well and can speak to your academic strength. Give them plenty of notice and a clear summary of what you’re applying for.
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- Plan your proof of funds and visa early. Because the LExS is a partial award, non-EEA recipients must still submit proof of sufficient funds for the student visa and residence permit. Map out how you’ll cover living costs and the remaining tuition before you apply, not after you’re admitted.
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- Submit ahead of the deadline, not on it. Late applications are not considered, full stop. Aim to finish a few days early to absorb any technical hiccups or document delays.
How to apply
Applying for the LExS happens inside your admission application, in a set sequence. First, apply online for admission to a Leiden University Master’s programme and pay the application fee if one applies to you. Once your admission application has been submitted, return to the Apply screen and open the Scholarships section. if you’re eligible, the LExS will appear there. Indicate that you want to apply, then upload your motivation letter as a PDF of up to 500 words. Submit the scholarship application before the deadline, keeping in mind that once submitted, you can’t make changes or send extra documents by email. If you’re applying to more than one programme and want to be considered for each, you’ll need to submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter within each admission application. Faculty selection committees nominate recipients within six weeks of the deadline, and every applicant is notified by the end of April. You can read the full official details on the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship page.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the LExS?
Excellent students joining a full-time Leiden University Master’s programme that starts in September, who hold a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport and aren’t eligible for Dutch student finance. African nationals generally fall within this group. The LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programmes at Leiden Law School are excluded, while the LLM Advanced Studies programmes and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy are open to all nationalities.
How much is the scholarship worth?
It’s awarded at one of five fixed levels toward your tuition fee: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000. The amount is decided for you and is non-negotiable, and it applies for the full length of your programme.
Does it cover all my costs?
No. The LExS is a partial tuition award, not a full scholarship. You’ll still need to fund your living expenses and any remaining tuition, and non-EEA recipients must show proof of sufficient funds for their visa and residence permit.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 20 December 2026. Late applications are not considered.
Is there an English-language requirement?
The scholarship page itself doesn’t set out a separate language test for the LExS. Not specified, so check the official programme page. In practice, admission to Leiden’s English-taught Master’s programmes typically requires proof of English proficiency, and the exact requirement depends on the programme you choose.
How competitive is it?
Very. Leiden has around 25 LExS scholarships available each year, while over a thousand students apply. A focused motivation letter and a strong, relevant academic record are what set successful applicants apart.