Financial Aid
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Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: Guide for Students

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Shoaib Mehdi

Published August 7, 2026 · Last reviewed August 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Should you apply?

Check the essential facts before investing time in this application.

Review due · checked 41 days ago
Pakistan eligibility
Not eligible
Funding
Partial Funding
Deadline
Not confirmed
Study level
Undergraduate, Masters
Destination
Netherlands
Application fee
Not confirmed
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship 2027: Guide for Students

Can Pakistani students apply?
Not eligible

Pakistan is a non-EEA/non-EFTA country, and the scholarship is explicitly for non-EEA/non-EFTA students.

Full eligibility, funding and application guide+

Turn this article into an application plan

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Scholarship Overview

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is a partially funded award designed for talented international students seeking to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. This program provides financial assistance to students with exceptional academic records. Please note that this is not a fully funded scholarship and does not cover the full cost of living or total tuition fees.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, provided they meet the non-EEA/non-EFTA status requirements. The scholarship is specifically open to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Certain specific programs, such as Advanced LLM courses and the MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy, are open to all applicants regardless of nationality.

Funding and Benefits

LExS provides tuition fee awards ranging from partial coverage to significant deductions. The available award amounts include:

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

The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the chosen master's program. Recipients are responsible for covering any remaining tuition balances and all living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate an excellent academic background. The scholarship is available for programs in the following faculties:

  • Archaeology
  • Humanities
  • Medicine (LUMC)
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Law (excluding non-advanced LLM and MSc programs)
  • Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • Science

Required Documents

Not confirmed in the available source. Candidates should check the official Leiden University website for program-specific documentation requirements.

Application Timeline

The application process is competitive, with approximately 25 scholarships awarded annually. Interested candidates are advised to apply early.

Selection Process

Selection is based on the candidate's academic achievements and potential. Because this is a highly competitive program, only the most outstanding students are chosen.

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the official Leiden University website to apply for their desired master's program and indicate interest in the LExS scholarship as per the university's internal instructions.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani students should ensure their academic transcripts are notarized or translated as per standard university requirements. Ensure your non-EEA status is clearly stated in your application documents. Use the Scholarshiply passport resources to prepare for your visa process once admitted.

Important Terms and Limitations

The LExS is not available for non-advanced LLM and MSc programs at the Leiden Law School. Because funds are limited, applicants should explore supplementary financial aid options to manage the remainder of their expenses.

Shoaib Mehdi

About the author

Shoaib Mehdi

Scholarshiply Editor

Source checked

Shoaib Mehdi is the editor behind Scholarshiply. He holds a bachelor's degree in Informatics from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague in Czechia. Combining his technology background with first-hand experience of studying abroad, he researches international scholarships and turns complex announcements into practical, Pakistan-focused application guidance. His goal is to help students find credible opportunities, understand requirements, and approach the application process with confidence.

For partnerships, advertising, promotions, and other business inquiries, email shoaibuu@aol.com.

1 source referencedReviewed August 7, 2026Data completeness: 50%

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