Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, and it lives by its motto, which means a bastion of freedom. For over 440 years, the university has developed a reputation for respecting freedom of expression, diversity, and inclusion. It also observes social responsibility.
These values have helped the university achieve international acclaim allowing it to attract students from over 120 countries. Currently, more than a quarter of its student body are international students. The majority of the Master’s programs in the university are taught in English to accommodate many nationalities. Also, there are many scholarships at Leiden University available for international students.
Leiden University is divided into two cities: Leiden and The Hague. Among over 17,000 universities in the world, Leiden University has ranked in the top 100 in prestigious ranking bodies in several categories. Additionally, the university has produced several Nobel Prize awardees in the fields of Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics. Leiden University has also won almost a quarter of the Spinoza Prizes ever awarded.
How do I apply to Leiden University Scholarships?
Before applying for a scholarship at Leiden University, you must first check if your country belongs to the list of eligible recipients. Many scholarships have limited and specific country requirements.
You must also check if the Leiden University scholarship includes the program you want to apply to. Once confirmed, you have to complete the program application before applying for the scholarship.
Compose a letter of motivation indicating why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship you are applying to. Limit the letter to 500 words. It helps to include your academic achievement and extra-curricular activities relevant to the scholarship program. For scholarships that consider financial needs, you must explain why you cannot pursue your desired degree without financial assistance from a scholarship.
Leiden University Scholarships for International Students
1. Holland Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €5,000
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, Humanities, Governance and Global Affairs, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Incoming students except those from EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname are eligible to apply for this Leiden University scholarship. Applicants must be first-time students in the Netherlands. The scholarship amount will be given as a one-time payment once successful applicants arrive in the Netherlands.
The programs will be taught in English, so applicants must be proficient in the English language.
Interested applicants must be willing to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Holland Scholarship. To learn more about this scholarship, please visit this website.
2. CEU-Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €970 per month for one year
- Degrees Offered: Master’s Degree in Humanities, Governance and Global Affairs, Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Students from Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine currently enrolled at the Central European University may apply for this scholarship. Scholars may receive free tuition, a monthly stipend worth €970, health insurance reimbursement, and residence permit fee reimbursement.
Applicants may apply to a Leiden University Master’s program here. After applying to Leiden University, you may apply for the Leiden University scholarship through this link.
3. Children’s Rights Scholarship 1
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €15,000
- Degrees Offered: Master of Law: Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights
International students from developing countries may apply for this scholarship. Your country of origin must have a Human Development Indicators (HDI) ranking between 113 and 189. You may check your country’s rank here.
The scholarship amount is for partial tuition fee payment valid for one year. It is a private scholarship.
If you want to apply to the Master of Law: Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights, please visit this page.
4. Children’s Rights Scholarship 2
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €17,500
- Degrees Offered: Master of Law: Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights
Unlike the Children’s Rights Scholarship 1, this scholarship is open for all nationalities. Nonetheless, applicants must submit a letter of motivation citing that they cannot take the program without financial assistance from a scholarship.
This scholarship is a Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship. The scholarship amount is bigger, but it is also for partial tuition fee payment valid for one year.
Scholars must return to their home country and contribute to the implementation of children’s rights in their country.
5. CSC-Leiden University Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive except tuition fee
- Degrees Offered: Ph.D.
The China Scholarship Council offers this scholarship to excellent Chinese Master’s Degree students or holders and young professionals who wish to obtain a four-year Ph.D. research program at Leiden University.
This Leiden University scholarship offers a wide financial coverage such as a waiver for the application and bench fees, a monthly allowance worth €1,350, participation in two national or international conferences and seminars, and more.
Applicants must be proficient in English. Interested applicants may select a Ph.D. program by visiting this page. Scholars must return to China upon the completion of their program.
6. LION Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €7,500 – €12,000
- Degrees Offered: Master’s Degree in Science (Physics)
The scholarship amount is for the cost of living. Tuition fees of non-EU/EEA students will be waived to the statutory tuition fees. Successful applicants must pay for the statutory tuition fees.
Applicants must meet the two requirements for this Leiden University scholarship: academic excellence and financial need. You may apply for the program through this link. Once applications are complete, send an e-mail to the program department. You may visit the scholarship link for the updated e-mail address.
7. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: partial payment of tuition fees
- Degrees Offered: Master’s Degree
International students from all nationalities may apply to the LLM (non-advanced) and Master in Science programs at Leiden Law School. Other programs will grant the scholarship only to students from non-EU/EFTA countries.
Interested applicants must belong to the top 10% of their previous program relevant to the Master’s program you are applying for as an indication of excellence.
This Leiden University scholarship comes in three levels. The first one is €10,000 for the tuition fee. Next is €15,000 for the tuition fee. The last level is the full tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee. Scholars will be notified of their respective awards once the faculty selection committees decide on the nominees and inform the scholarship committee.
To check out more scholarships in Leiden University for international students, you may visit this page.
