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Leiden University Announces the 2024-2025 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for International Master’s Students

Leiden University proudly unveils the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025, offering a golden opportunity for international students to pursue their Master’s studies in the heart of the Netherlands.

This prestigious scholarship is meticulously designed for exceptionally talented individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and are passionately committed to embarking on a transformative educational journey at Leiden University.

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The LExS program stands as a beacon for those driven by academic excellence, providing a gateway to immerse oneself in a full-time Master’s degree program at one of Europe's most esteemed institutions of higher learning.

“Leiden University is dedicated to fostering global talent and nurturing the aspirations of bright minds from around the world,” said Professor at Leiden University. “The LExS program serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence, providing a platform for exceptional students to flourish and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.”

The scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity for recipients to access world-class education across a diverse array of disciplines including Humanities, Science, Law, Medicine/LUMC, Archaeology, Governance and Global Affairs, Social and Behavioral Sciences, African Studies Centre, and the International Institute for Asian Studies.

Prospective students with a fervor for academic advancement and a passion for global engagement are encouraged to apply and unlock the doors to an enriching academic experience at Leiden University.

About Leiden University:

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of Europe's foremost research universities, offering a wide range of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across various disciplines. Renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to excellence, Leiden University stands as a beacon of learning and innovation in the Netherlands and beyond.

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Degree Level

Leiden University Excellence Scholarships 2024-25, Netherlands. (Step by Step Application Process) is available to undertake Masters level programs at Leiden University.

Available Subjects

• rchaeology
• Humanities
• Medicine/LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center)
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Law
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Science
• African Studies Centre
• International Institute for Asian Studies

Benefits

The LExS scholarship covers the entirety of the study program and offers three award levels:

1. €10,000 towards the tuition fee
2. €15,000 towards the tuition fee
3. Covers the total tuition fee, excluding the statutory tuition fee

However, it's important to note that the LExS doesn't cover the entire tuition fee. Recipients from Non-EEA countries must still provide evidence of adequate funds for their student visa/residence permit application.

Eligible Nationalities

The eligibility criteria for the LExS (Leiden Excellence Scholarship) at Leiden University are specific regarding nationality requirements:

1. Non-EEA/EFTA Passport Holders: Applicants must hold a passport from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). EEA includes EU countries along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

2. Exemption Programs: There are exceptions to the non-EEA/EFTA rule for specific programs:

   • All LLM Advanced Studies programs
   • MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy

3. UK Nationals Post-Brexit: After the UK's exit from the EU, UK students are now considered non-EEA/EFTA passport holders for the LExS eligibility. However, there's an exception for applicants who were already living in the Netherlands and registered in their Dutch municipality's BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) before January 1, 2021. These applicants might not be eligible for the LExS due to their residency status.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their previous educational programs relevant to the Master's program they are applying for. Typically, successful candidates rank within the top 10% of graduates from their previous study program. No documentation of ranking is required; this information serves to highlight the level of competitiveness.

Obligations

Recipients of the scholarship (LExS) are required to confirm their acceptance of the Terms and Conditions associated with the scholarship. This acknowledgment must be provided in writing before the scholarship is awarded.

Exclusions

The following criteria disqualify applicants from the scholarship:

• Candidates who have already completed a Master's degree at Leiden University, except for specific circumstances where a previous Master's program or work experience is mandatory (e.g., LLM Advanced Studies programs).
• Applicants pursuing an LLM (non-advanced) or MSc program at Leiden Law School.
• Students enrolling in programs commencing in February at the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Sciences, or Leiden Law School.
• Individuals who do not meet the specified nationality requirements are ineligible for the scholarship.

Moreover, the LExS cannot be combined with a full scholarship from an external provider. Recipients must inform the scholarships department if they receive such full external funding. However, in certain cases, the LExS might be combined with a partial scholarship from an external source. For detailed information on this possibility, applicants should reach out to the Scholarships Team.

Application Procedure

1.  Application for Admission:

   • Apply online for admission to the Master's program at Leiden University.
   • Ensure the application is submitted well before the LExS deadline as it might take up to 2 days to create/submit an application.
   • Pay the application fee if applicable.

2. Checking Eligibility for LExS:

   • After submitting your admission application, go back to the Apply screen in your online application and navigate to the Scholarships section.
   • If eligible for the LExS, it will be visible in the scholarships section.
   • If you can't see the LExS, it might be due to either an incomplete admission application or ineligibility for the scholarship.

3. LExS Application:

   • Indicate your intention to apply for the LExS.
   • Upload a PDF file (max. 500 words) containing your LExS motivation letter. This letter should explain why you should be considered for the award.

4. Submission and Changes:

   • Submit your scholarship application before the LExS deadline.
   • Note that once submitted, no changes can be made to the scholarship application, either online or via email.

5. Multiple Program Applications:

   • If applying for multiple study programs/specializations and seeking a LExS for each, submit a separate LExS application and motivation letter for each program.

6. Late Applications:

   • Late scholarship applications won't be considered.
   • It's the responsibility of the student to ensure both the application for admission and the scholarship application are submitted before the LExS deadline.

7. Selection Process:

   • Faculty selection committees will nominate LExS recipients within 6 weeks of the LExS deadline.
   • All applicants will receive an email notifying them about the status of their LExS application:
     • End of November (for programs starting in February)
     • End of April (for programs starting in September)

8. Disclaimer:

   • The student is responsible for submitting a complete application following the steps provided and before the specified deadline.
   • Leiden University cannot be held accountable for late or incomplete applications.