Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2025

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree at a prestigious European university? Leiden University, a leading international research institution in the Netherlands, might just have the perfect opportunity for you. The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 2025 offers outstanding international students like yourself the chance to significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition fees for your Master’s program.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the LExS 2025, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and the amazing benefits it provides. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to advance your education, this scholarship could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your academic goals in the heart of Europe.

Benefits of The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages that come with being an LExS recipient:

• Financial Support: The most significant benefit is the financial aid towards your tuition fees. LExS boasts three award levels:
  
  • €10,000: This award makes a substantial contribution towards your tuition, reducing the overall financial burden.
  • €15,000: This mid-tier level offers even greater support, covering a significant portion of your tuition fees.
  • Full Tuition (excluding statutory fee): The most prestigious level covers your entire tuition fee, minus a minimal statutory fee. This allows you to focus on your studies without worrying about the financial strain.
• Reduced Financial Stress: With a portion or all of your tuition covered, the LExS scholarship allows you to concentrate on your academic journey without the burden of hefty tuition fees. This financial freedom can be a major factor for international students considering the additional costs of living abroad.
  
• Prestigious Recognition: Being awarded the LExS scholarship is a testament to your academic excellence. It showcases your outstanding achievements to the Leiden University faculty and the wider academic community.
  
• Investment in Your Future: The financial support provided by the LExS scholarship allows you to invest in your future by pursuing a top-tier Master’s degree at a world-renowned university. This prestigious qualification can open doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria For The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Nationality:
  
  • LExS is primarily for non-EEA/non-EFTA* nationals applying for a Master’s program at Leiden University. (EEA and EFTA are European economic blocs).
  • There are exceptions for specific programs, like the LLM Advanced Studies programs and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, where students of all nationalities can apply.
• Academic Excellence:
  
  • You must have achieved outstanding academic results in your previous degree program(s) relevant to the Master’s program you’re applying for.
  • While Leiden University doesn’t require official proof, they recommend aiming to be among the top 10% of graduates in your previous program.
• Program Applicability:
  
  • The scholarship applies to most Master’s programs at Leiden University with some exceptions.
  • LLM (non-advanced) and MSc programs offered by Leiden Law School are not included.
  • Master’s programs starting in February at the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Sciences, or Leiden Law School are also not eligible.
• Previous Degrees:
  
  • The scholarship is not available for students who already hold a Master’s degree from Leiden University, with exceptions for specific programs requiring a prior Master’s degree (e.g., LLM Advanced Studies programs).
• Additional Scholarships:
  
  • You cannot receive a full Leiden University scholarship alongside the LExS. However, you can combine it with partial scholarships, with approval needed beforehand.
• Academic Performance:
  
  • For programs lasting more than one year, you’ll need to obtain a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in the first year to retain the scholarship for subsequent years (ECTS stands for the European Credit Transfer System).

Application Process For The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to follow:

1. Master’s Program Selection:
   
   • The first step is to choose the Master’s program you wish to pursue at Leiden University. Ensure the program is eligible for the LExS scholarship (refer to the eligibility criteria for exclusions).
2. Standard Application for Admission:
   
   • Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s program through Leiden University’s online application system. This application may involve submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, and other program-specific documents.
3. LExS Application Within Online Portal:
   
   • Once you’ve submitted your Master’s program application, return to the online portal and access the “Scholarships” section.
4. Indicating LExS Interest:
   
   • Within the “Scholarships” section, clearly indicate your desire to apply for the LExS scholarship.
5. Motivation Letter Submission:
   
   • Prepare a compelling motivation letter (maximum 500 words) explaining why you deserve the LExS scholarship. Highlight your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and future goals aligning with the chosen program.
6. Submitting Your Application:
   
   • Ensure all required documents for both the Master’s program application and the LExS scholarship are complete and uploaded before the deadline (usually October 1st, 2024 for February 2025 intake). Double-check for any program-specific deadlines.
7. Awaiting the Decision:
   
   • Leiden University will assess your application for both the Master’s program and the LExS scholarship. You can expect notification regarding the scholarship outcome
     • by the end of November for programs starting in February 2025, and
     • by the end of April for programs starting in September 2025.

Application Deadline For The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

• The application deadline for the LExS 2025 is October 1, 2024. This applies to students seeking to begin their Master’s program in February 2025.

Double-Check Deadlines:

• While the information above applies to the February 2025 intake, Leiden University also offers Master’s programs starting in September.
• If you’re interested in a September 2025 start date, there might be a different application deadline. It’s vital to check the official Leiden University website for confirmation on program-specific deadlines.

Conclusion 

By following these steps diligently and submitting a well-prepared application, you’ll be well on your way to securing the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship and embarking on your academic journey at this prestigious university. Remember, plan ahead, meet the deadlines, and showcase your academic excellence for a strong chance at becoming an LExS recipient.

FAQs On Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

1.Does Leiden University offer fully funded scholarships?

Leiden University’s Excellence Scholarship (LExS) program can cover the entire tuition fee for a Master’s program, minus a minimal statutory fee. While it wouldn’t necessarily cover all your living expenses, it can be considered a full scholarship in terms of tuition.

2.  What is the minimum GPA for Leiden University?

Leiden University’s website provides detailed information for each Master’s program. Look for the “Admission requirements” section within your desired program description. This section might mention a specific GPA requirement or refer to the general good academic record expectation.

3. Does Leiden University require IELTS?

Yes, Leiden University does require IELTS for most international students applying to their Master’s programs if English is not your native language. They accept the Academic modules only, on paper or on computer (they don’t accept online or other formats).

4. Is Leiden University hard to get into?

The difficulty of getting into Leiden University depends on several factors, but overall it can be considered a selective university. 

Leiden University is a well-respected institution and attracts applications from talented students worldwide. This can make admissions competitive, especially for sought-after programs. 

5. How much is the application fee for Leiden University?

The application fee for Leiden University is €100. This fee is non-refundable and applies to most degree programs, with the exception of Leiden University College which has a separate €50 application fee.

6. Does Leiden University accept international students?

Absolutely, Leiden University welcomes international students! In fact, they have a large and vibrant international community.