Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS): Netherlands141 Views

• • A powerful and well-structured motivation letter
  • The relevance and rigor of your prior academic background
  • Alignment between your undergraduate education and the chosen Master’s program
  • Your overall potential for success at Leiden and beyond

Applicants are strongly advised to submit all supporting documents in English and ensure consistency across all materials.

💰 Scholarship Value: What Does LExS Cover?

Unlike fully-funded scholarships that include living expenses and accommodation, LExS is a partial tuition waiver. However, the financial support it offers is significant and depends on your program and academic profile.

Here’s a breakdown of the award amounts:

• • €10,000
  • €15,000
  • €17,500
  • €18,500
  • Up to €19,000

This tuition grant applies for the entire duration of the Master’s program, typically one or two years, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance.

🔔 Please note: LExS does not cover housing, insurance, visa fees, or living expenses. Students are advised to budget accordingly and explore other funding sources.

🏆 How Competitive Is the LExS Program?

In a word—very. Each year, only about 25 scholarships are awarded, even though hundreds of top-tier applications are received globally.

To maximize your chances:

• • Submit a motivated, structured, and personal letter
    (max 500 words) aligned with Leiden’s core values.
  • Clearly link your background, interests, and future goals to the academic program.
  • Highlight research accomplishments, leadership roles, academic honors, or notable publications if available.
  • Ensure your application is complete and error-free before submitting. Missing documents may result in automatic disqualification.

⏰ Key Deadlines for 2025–2026 Admission Cycle

Depending on your preferred intake, you must meet the following deadlines:

Remember, your scholarship application is not separate from your academic application. You must indicate your interest in the LExS within your Master’s program application and submit both by the deadline.

📌 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Program

Begin by selecting a Master’s program that is eligible for LExS funding. Visit the official Leiden University Master’s programs page and confirm eligibility under the program details.

Step 2: Register via Studielink

Go to the Studielink portal, the Dutch national application system for higher education, and register

Step 3: Apply on Leiden’s Portal

Once registered through Studielink, you’ll receive access to Leiden University’s application system. Here you will:

• • Upload your academic transcripts, CV, diplomas, and relevant certifications
  • Provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required
  • Indicate that you wish to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
  • Submit your motivation letter, specifically written for LExS (max 500 words)

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure your complete application—including the LExS motivation letter—is submitted before the corresponding deadline. There is no separate form or second-stage process for the scholarship.

✍️ How to Write a Strong LExS Motivation Letter

Your motivation letter is arguably the most critical component of the application. It allows the admissions committee to understand who you are beyond your academic scores.

Here’s how to write an impactful letter:

• • Open powerfully: Begin with a compelling statement about your academic interests and personal drive.
  • Be authentic: Avoid generic statements. Instead, personalize your letter with experiences and achievements that make your story unique.
  • Show alignment: Explain why Leiden University is your ideal destination and how your background fits the program’s objectives.
  • Demonstrate impact: Describe how this Master’s and the scholarship will help you contribute meaningfully to your field, society, or future research.
  • Stay within the word limit: The maximum is 500 words. Keep it sharp, clear, and professional.

✅ Is LExS Right for You?

If you are a high-performing student with international aspirations and a passion for academic excellence, the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is undoubtedly worth pursuing. While it does not offer full financial coverage, it can significantly reduce tuition costs, freeing up your budget for living expenses, research, or other academic pursuits.

Winning this award is not just about the financial benefit. It also signals your academic distinction and global readiness—attributes highly valued by employers, research institutions, and doctoral programs worldwide.

📣 Final Words: Take the First Step Today

With the deadline for the September 2025 intake approaching fast, now is the time to begin preparing your documents, fine-tuning your motivation letter, and confirming your program eligibility.

Your academic future at Leiden University could be one bold application away. If you need expert assistance with proofreading, editing, or reviewing your application materials, explore additional tools and resources at CareerAidHub.com to guide your scholarship journey.

📚 Citation: For program details and latest updates, refer to the Leiden University official scholarship page

Here is the Quick Summary Table formatted for insertion right after the “About the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)” section:

📌 Quick Summary Table

🔗 Official References

1. Leiden University – LExS Scholarship Program
2. Studielink Application Portal – Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)