Netherlands Leiden University Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026
The Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University offers a life-changing opportunity for talented students from South Africa to study abroad in the Netherlands. Established in honor of President Nelson Mandela, this scholarship program allows selected students from four South African partner universities to pursue an exchange programme of one or two semesters at Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
About the Mandela Scholarship Fund
The Mandela Scholarship Fund was founded in 1999, when President Nelson Mandela received an Honorary Doctorate from Leiden University. To celebrate this historic moment, Leiden created the scholarship to strengthen academic ties between the Netherlands and South Africa. The fund supports the vision of Mandela by promoting education, cultural exchange, and mutual development.
Degree Level
- Bachelor’s students
- Master’s students
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students from eligible South African universities may apply.
Available Subjects
The Mandela Scholarship Fund covers a wide range of subjects taught at Leiden University, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
- Teacher Training and Education Development (ICLON)
Benefits
The scholarship provides financial support and student insurance for the duration of the exchange programme:
University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape:
- One scholarship per university for a two-semester programme (10 months), OR
- Two scholarships per university for a one-semester programme (5 months).
- Benefits include:
- €1,250 monthly living allowance
- Aon Student Insurance for 5 or 10 months
Stellenbosch University:
- Two scholarships for a two-semester programme (10 months), OR
- Four scholarships for a one-semester programme (5 months).
- Benefits include:
- €625 monthly living allowance
- Aon Student Insurance for 5 or 10 months
Eligible Nationalities
Only students (all nationalities) enrolled at one of the following South African universities can apply:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SUN)
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students from the following South African universities:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SUN)
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled at one of the partner universities.
- Be pre-selected by their home university for the scholarship.
- Meet the admission requirements for exchange students at Leiden University.
Note: The Mandela Scholarship Fund cannot be combined with Erasmus+ ICM scholarships.
Selection Process
- South African universities review applications and nominate students.
- Leiden University’s Scholarships Team confirms eligibility and admission.
- Selected students are notified within two weeks of admission.
Application Procedure
Application Deadlines
- 15 October 2025 – for exchange programmes starting in February 2026
- 1 April, 2026 – for exchange programmes starting in September 2026
Students must first apply for the scholarship through their home university in South Africa, then submit an online exchange applicationto Leiden University.
Why Choose the Mandela Scholarship at Leiden University?
Studying at Leiden University offers South African students access to:
- World-class education in fields such as Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Governance, Medicine, and Science.
- A rich cultural exchange experience in the Netherlands.
- The chance to strengthen ties between South Africa and Europe.
- This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also aligns with Mandela’s dream of international collaboration and nation-building.
Conclusion
The Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University is a powerful opportunity for South African students to study in the Netherlands, gain global perspectives, and return home with skills that contribute to the growth and development of South Africa. It continues Nelson Mandela’s vision of education as a tool for transformation.
