Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) provides an exceptional opportunity for talented Pakistani students who wish to pursue a world-class Master's degree in Europe. This distinguished scholarship, offered by one of the Netherlands' oldest and most famous universities, is intended to recruit extremely brilliant persons from non-EEA/EFTA countries, including Pakistan, to its varied and lively academic community.

The LExS is a very competitive scholarship program designed to help outstanding overseas students pursue full-time Master's degree programs at Leiden University. It demonstrates Leiden University's dedication to developing global talent and advancing academic achievement. While not a fully funded scholarship that covers all living expenses, the LExS greatly reduces the financial burden of pursuing higher education overseas by paying a major percentage of tuition. The scholarship is provided for the duration of the Master's program, which is usually one or two years. Every year, Leiden University awards 50-60 LExS scholarships, making it a very desirable opportunity.

Programs Offered

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is available for most full-time Master's degrees.
Key exceptions where LExS does not often apply:

• Leiden Law School offers non-advanced LLM and MSc programs.
• February intake programs in the Faculty of Humanities, Sciences, and Leiden Law School.

Eligible faculties include:

Archaeology, Humanities (with February intake exceptions), Medicine/LUMC, Governance and Global Affairs, Law (excluding non-advanced LLM/MSc), Social and Behavioral Sciences, Science (with February intake exceptions), African Studies Centre, and the International Institute for Asian Studies.

Benefits

The LExS gives a good amount of financial help and other benefits to those who get it:

• Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship helps cover a portion of your tuition fees. The amounts can be:
  • €10,000 off the tuition fee
  • €15,000 off the tuition fee
  • Total tuition minus the basic tuition fee (in some situations)
  • Keep in mind that the LExS isn't a full scholarship, so you’ll still need to show you have enough funds for your student visa and living costs.
• Prestige and Recognition: Being a LExS recipient is a sign of academic achievement that will enhance your resume and open doors to new prospects.
• Networking Opportunities: The scholarship introduces you to a global network of bright, like-minded people, encouraging cross-cultural exchange and professional contacts.
• Access to World-Class Education: Study at Leiden University, a worldwide renowned institution known for its rigorous academic standards and cutting-edge research facilities.
• Mentorship and assistance: LExS recipients may get guidance and assistance from academic advisers and experienced students.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, Pakistani applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You must have a non-EEA/non-EFTA passport. As a Pakistani citizen, you are entitled to apply.
• Academic Excellence: You must have received outstanding academic performance in your previous study program(s) that are related to the Master's degree you are applying for. As an example, you should preferably be in the top 10% of graduates from your previous academic program. While confirmation of ranking is not necessary, this standard demonstrates the scholarship's competitive nature.
• Master's Program Admission: You must have applied to Leiden University's full-time Master's program.
• Not Eligible for Dutch Student Finance: You should not be eligible for student funding from the Dutch government.
• No prior Leiden Master's Degree: Students who have previously earned a Master's degree from Leiden University are generally ineligible, with the exception of particular programs such as the LLM Advanced Studies.
• No Other Dutch Scholarships: You should not be getting any other scholarships from the Netherlands that cover your tuition.
• English Language ability: Since Master's programs are primarily taught in English, you must have high English language ability.

How to Apply

• Apply for Master's Admission: First, fill out your online application for a full-time Master's degree at Leiden University. Do this well ahead of the scholarship deadline.
• Indicate LExS interest: After submitting your admissions application, navigate to the "Scholarships" area of your online portal and pick LExS.
• Submit a LExS Motivation Letter: Upload a PDF (maximum 500 words) that describes your academic achievements, program motivation, future objectives, and why you deserve the award. (If applying to more than one program, provide a separate letter for each).
• Meet Deadlines:
  • September intake: Apply by February 1st (same year).
  • February intake: Apply by October 1st (preceding year).
  • Late applications are not accepted.
• Required Documents (for both admission & scholarship):
  • Leiden University online application form
  • Undergraduate transcripts (and other relevant degrees)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • LExS Motivation Letter
  • Valid Pakistani passport copy
  • English language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Any other documents specific to your chosen Master's program.

FAQs

1. Is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship a full scholarship? 

No, the LExS is a partial scholarship, mostly covering a big part of your tuition fees. It usually doesn't cover living expenses. If you're a non-EEA student, you'll need to show you have enough funds for your student visa or residence permit.

2. How many scholarships are awarded each year?

Leiden University usually gives out 50-60 LExS scholarships every year.

3. When will I find out if I got the scholarship?

The selection committees usually pick LExS recipients within six weeks after the deadline. You’ll get an email about their decision: 

• For the February intake: by the end of November. 
• For the September intake: by the end of April.

4. Can I apply for the LExS if I've already studied at Leiden University? 

Typically, if you already have a Master's degree from Leiden, you're not eligible. But there may be exceptions for certain programs, like LLM Advanced Studies. Always check the latest details on their official site.

5. What happens if my application is incomplete or late?

If your application for admission or the LExS is late or missing information, it won't be reviewed. It’s up to you to make sure all your documents are in on time and complete.

6. Do I need to prove my academic ranking (like top 10%)?

No, you don't need to show proof of your ranking. They use this info to show how competitive the scholarship is, but your academic achievements will be clear from your transcripts.

7. Where can I find more detailed and up-to-date information?

Always check the Leiden University website for the latest info on the LExS. You can usually find it in the Scholarships or Admissions sections for Master's programs. You can also email their Scholarships Team at scholarships@sea.leidenuniv.nl.