Leiden University Excellence Scholarship programme 2009/10 (LExS)

Leiden University offers scholarships to outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing a master’s degree programme at Leiden University. The scholarship programme is intended for candidates showing the highest achievements and promise for a master’s degree study starting in September 2009 or February 2010. The maximum study period is 12 months (1-year programme) or 24 months (2-year programme).

LExS scholarships are available for outstanding non-EU/EEA students who enrol in a master’s degree programme at Leiden University per September 2009 or February 2010 (these are the MA, MSc, research master’s, LL.M. (adv.) and LL.M programmes as mentioned on the website Master’s programmes in Leiden).

For whom?

1. Non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a Leiden University master's degree programme starting September 2009 or February 2010 ( All MA, MSc and LL.M programmes as mentioned on the website Master's programmes in Leiden).


2. All nationalities enrolling in the following programmes starting September 2009 or February 2010:
   
   • Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law
     
   • Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in European and International Business Law
     
   • Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in International Tax Law
     
   • Master of Laws: Advanced Studies in Public International Law
     
   • MA in International Relations and Diplomacy

Additional requirements:

1. In his or her prior academic education abroad, the applicant must have achieved excellent study results which are relevant for the programme for which the student wishes to enrol. As an indication, the student will be among the top 10% for the relevant programme followed abroad.


2. The applicant will hold a non-EU/EEA passport and will not be eligible for support under the Dutch system of study grants and loans (”Studiefinanciering”; for more information please refer to: www.ib-groep.nl


3. Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants who have already obtained a Leiden University master’s degree


4. Students who are granted a Leiden Excellence Scholarship must comply with and confirm in writing their agreement with the terms and conditions (pdf) attached to the scholarship prior to the granting of the scholarship.

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship programme has 5 awards:

1. Platinum, Covers the tuition fee minus the home fee* and an allowance of €10,000 for living costs.
   
2. Gold, Covers the tuition fee minus the home fee*
   
3. Silver, Covers 75% of the tuition fee
   
4. Bronze, Covers 50% of the tuition fee
   
5. Ivory Covers 25 % of the tuition fee

* The tuition fee will be reduced to the amount of the home fee. Students who have been awarded a Platinum or Gold award still have to pay the home fee themselves.

Application deadline:

• April 1 for programmes starting in September 2009
  
• October 15 for programmes starting in February 2010

Please note
Students should be aware that the LExS is not a full scholarship. It is necessary to find additional funding to be able to finance their study and stay completely.

One of the requirements for being granted a residence permit in the Netherlands is that students must submit proof that they have sufficient financial means to finance their study period in the Netherlands. Leiden University advises a budget, not including the tuition fee, of approx. €10,000 to €14,000 per year to cover the costs for rent, insurance, living expenses, course books and local transportation. How much money students actually spend will of course depend on their life style and spending habits.