The CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship for students who want to follow a 1-year master’s programme at Leiden University in the Netherlands. It is open to CEU students from a list of eligible countries.
The scholarship is one of the most longstanding programmes offered by Leiden University. Each academic year, one or two full scholarships are awarded. It is financed by the Leporis Fund and covers tuition, a monthly stipend and insurance.
CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship Benefits
- Waiver of the tuition fee.
- Monthly stipend of € 1,500.
- Insurance coverage for health, travel and stay.
- Reimbursement of the student residence permit fee.
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CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Must be registered as a student at Central European University (CEU) at the time of application.
- For outstanding students who will soon graduate from Central European University (CEU) and wish to apply for one of the following 1-year study programmes at Leiden University: Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations; Master of Science (MSc) in Public Administration or Political Science; Master of Laws (LLM) in European Law; or an LLM Advanced Studies programme in European and International Human Rights Law, International Children’s Rights, International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration, or Public International Law.
- Must hold a passport from one of the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia or Ukraine.
- The scholarship cannot be combined with another full scholarship financed by Leiden University or any other party.
How to Apply for CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship
- Apply online for admission to one of the eligible master’s programmes at Leiden University and pay the application fee if applicable.
- After submitting the admission application, return to the Apply screen and click on Scholarships.
- Indicate that you want to apply for a CEU Praesidium Libertatis scholarship.
- Upload the following four required documents in PDF format: Scholarship Motivation Letter: Approximately 500–750 words (maximum two A4 pages), addressing the questions specified by Leiden University about your academic and professional goals, the value of the programme, your future plans, your contribution to democracy and human rights, and alternative funding plans. This letter must be different from your Master’s admission motivation letter. CEU Transcript of Records: An unofficial transcript can be downloaded from the CEU SITS e Portal. Reference Letter: Written by a CEU (assistant) professor, preferably your supervisor. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include a detailed overview of your educational background and (voluntary) work experience.
- Submit the scholarship application before the deadline of 1 February 2027; no changes can be made after submission, nor by sending additional items by email.
- Applications are accepted only through the online admission application at Leiden University.
Important Notes
- Deadline: 1 February 2027.
- Maximum of 5 applicants are invited to an online interview at the end of February 2027 (exact date to be confirmed); participation is mandatory.
- Selection result will be announced in the scholarships section of the student portal (uSis) by the end of March 2027 at the latest.
- Finding housing in Leiden, The Hague and the surrounding area can be challenging due to the limited availability of affordable student accommodation.
- Questions can be sent to scholarships@sea.leidenuniv.nl
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 1 February 2027. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about the CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The monthly stipend is € 1,500.
What is the deadline?
Complete all steps by Monday 1 February 2027 at the latest.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Each academic year, one or two full scholarships are awarded.
How long does the scholarship last?
For a maximum period of one academic year (12 months).
Can I combine this scholarship with another one?
No. It is not possible to combine the CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship with another full scholarship financed by Leiden University or any other party.
Where do I apply?
Apply online for admission at Leiden University, via the admission application and then the Scholarships section.
Who finances the scholarship?
The scholarship is financed by the Leporis Fund.
Who can apply for the CEU Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship?
Outstanding students who are registered at Central European University (CEU) when applying and wish to pursue one of the eligible one-year Master’s programmes at Leiden University can apply, provided they meet the nationality and graduation requirements.
Can students from any country apply?
No. Applicants must hold a passport from one of the 24 eligible countries listed by Leiden University. These include Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and others.
Which Master’s programmes are eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible programmes include International Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, European Law, European and International Human Rights Law, International Children’s Rights, International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration, and Public International Law.
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