Netherlands Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026
The Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) at Leiden University offers an incredible opportunity for ambitious Bachelor’s and Master’s students to pursue exceptional study, research, or internship projects abroad. Established in 2009, the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation aims to promote academic excellence by supporting prestigious international experiences that contribute to students’ personal and professional growth.
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Renowned for its rich academic tradition and global reputation for excellence, Leiden offers a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across disciplines such as law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and medicine. With a strong focus on innovation, critical thinking, and international collaboration, the university attracts students and scholars from more than 120 countries. Its campuses in Leiden and The Hague provide a dynamic, multicultural environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to society worldwide.
Degree Level
The Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students currently enrolled at Leiden University.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open to students from all faculties at Leiden University, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- ICLON (Interfaculty Centre for Teacher Training, Educational Development, and Further Education)
Benefits
The Minerva Scholarship Fund provides financial support between €900 and €2,000.
The scholarship can be used to cover:
- International travel costs,
- Research Expenses
- Living Expenses Abroad
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants from all countries worldwide are eligible, provided they are currently registered at Leiden University.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be registered as a Bachelor or Master student at Leiden University.
The project must be an exceptional or prestigious study, research, or internship project abroad.
The project must fall under one of the following categories: internship, study, or research.
PhD tracks and full Master’s programs are not eligible.
The applicant does not need to be a member of L.S.V. Minerva.
Application Procedure
Students must apply directly to the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation following these steps:
- Download the application form from the official website: www.minervascholarshipfund.com.
- Complete the application form carefully.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Submit the complete application dossier to the provided postal address before the deadline.
Important:
There are two application rounds per year.
- Spring deadline: 15 April
- Autumn deadline: 15 November
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an allocation committee composed of Leiden University lecturers from various academic disciplines. The committee evaluates applications based on:
- Academic relevance of the proposed project.
- Contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the applicant’s field.
Applicants are informed of the result within one month after the application deadline.
Note: Decisions made by the selection committee are final and cannot be appealed.
Obligations
Successful recipients must:
- Submit a project report (including images) within three months after completing the project.
Conclusion
The Minerva Scholarship Fund 2025 offers Leiden University students a unique opportunity to engage in prestigious academic or research projects abroad, broadening their global perspective and contributing to international knowledge exchange. With financial assistance and institutional backing, this scholarship empowers students to turn their academic ambitions into reality.
For more details and the latest updates, visit the official Minerva Scholarship Fund website.
