Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

Have you ever dreamed of studying in Europe and making a real impact? The Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 can make that dream come true. This unique exchange scholarship honors Nelson Mandela’s vision of international education. It allows selected students from South African partner universities to spend one or two semesters at Leiden University in the Netherlands. In other words, if you’re enrolled at Stellenbosch, UCT, UP, or UWC, you could walk the same halls Mandela once celebrated, experience world-class research in fields like Law, Humanities or Science, and soak up Dutch culture – all with generous support.

Scholarship Overview

The Mandela Scholarship Fund was created in 1999 after President Nelson Mandela received an honorary doctorate from Leiden University. Its purpose is to encourage student exchange between South Africa and the Netherlands. For 2026, the scholarship covers a fully funded exchange program. Students can study for either one semester (about 5 months) or two semesters (about 10 months) at Leiden. This is a study abroad opportunity, not a full degree program, but you will take real courses on campus and earn credits.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship, you must:

• Be a current Bachelor’s or Master’s student at one of the four South African partner universities: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria (UP), or University of the Western Cape (UWC).
• Be pre-selected or nominated by your home university for the scholarship. Each partner university runs its own internal selection first.
• Meet Leiden University’s exchange admission requirements (such as academic standing and language ability). You’ll usually need a solid GPA and proof of English proficiency for study abroad. Guidelines here

Eligible Countries: Students of all nationalities can apply, but you must be enrolled in one of the four partner universities in South Africa. (In practice, this means mostly South African students, or international students studying at those universities.)

Host Country & University: Netherlands – Leiden University (the oldest university in the country, located in the city of Leiden).

Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor) or Postgraduate (Master) exchange students. (PhD students are not covered.)

Duration: One or two semesters – up to 5 months or up to 10 months. You can apply for the February intake (spring semester) or the September intake (fall semester).

Fields of Study: A wide range! Leiden offers courses in almost all major faculties. Eligible fields include Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine (LUMC), Governance & Global Affairs, Law, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Science, education/teaching (ICLON), African Studies and Asian Studies. In short, whether you study law, biology, art history, or teacher training, there’s likely a program for you at Leiden.

Scholarship Benefits (Funding)

This scholarship provides living expenses and insurance to help you study in the Netherlands. Specifically:

• Monthly stipend (living allowance): Up to €1,250 per month for students from UCT, UP, or UWC; or €625 per month for students from Stellenbosch University. (The difference exists because Stellenbosch is contributing additional funding.)
• Insurance: Aon student travel and health insurance for the entire exchange period (5 or 10 months). This covers basic medical costs in the Netherlands.
• No Leiden tuition fees: Exchange students do not pay tuition to Leiden University (you may still pay your home university fees).

In short, the scholarship will keep you financially secure so you can focus on your studies and cultural exchange. It won’t cover everything (you’ll still need to pay travel costs, visa fees, or personal expenses), but the stipend and insurance make living in Leiden much more affordable. Beyond money, the scholarship offers a life-changing experience, networking with global students, and a boost to your resume.

Also Available: Get Your Netherlands Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Application Process

Applying for this scholarship is a two-step process:

1. Nomination at Home University: First, submit a scholarship application to your South African university’s international office (Stellenbosch, UCT, UP or UWC). They will review all candidates and pre-select finalists for the Mandela Scholarship. Each university has its own internal deadline, so check with them early.
2. Leiden Exchange Application: After your home university selects you, immediately apply online to Leiden University as an exchange student. This typically involves submitting an admission form and required documents (transcripts, proof of enrollment and nomination, passport copy, etc.) via Leiden’s online portal. You must do this by the Leiden deadline (below).

Once these steps are complete, Leiden’s Scholarships Team will confirm final awardees a few weeks after admission. Remember, you must follow all instructions carefully and submit a complete application by the deadline. (Leiden cannot consider late or incomplete files.)

Ready to apply? Apply now for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship and start your international adventure!

Important Deadlines

Timing is crucial. Leiden University sets different application deadlines depending on when you want to start:

• 15 October 2025 – Deadline to apply for programs starting in February 2026. This is the main deadline for the spring semester.
• 1 April 2026 – Deadline to apply for programs starting in September 2026. This covers the fall semester intake.

These are Leiden’s deadlines – make sure your home university nomination also happens well in advance. Some partner universities may have earlier internal deadlines (ask your international office!). Always double-check dates with both Leiden and your university to avoid missing out.

Tips for Applicants

• Start early and stay organized. Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any required forms well before the deadline.
• Engage with Mandela’s legacy. In your personal statement or interview, mention your academic and leadership achievements and how they relate to Mandela’s vision. Remember, Mandela believed in “the rebirth of our continent” through education, so explain how this experience will help you contribute to South Africa’s future.
• Show fit with Leiden. Highlight why Leiden University and the Netherlands excite you (for example, its top-ranked programs or research opportunities in your field). Demonstrate genuine interest in cross-cultural learning and an adventurous spirit.
• Emphasize your goals. Explain what you hope to gain (skills, global perspective, language practice, etc.) and how it ties to your career or personal growth.
• Proofread and polish. Use clear, friendly language (as if talking to a mentor). Avoid jargon or overly formal tones. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors.
• Stay positive and motivated. This is a competitive scholarship, but confidence counts. Believe in your ability – after all, even Nelson Mandela once said that “a greater exchange of students will be enriching for both of our nations”. You can be part of that exchange!

Opportunity Available: Asia in the World Fellowship 2026-27 in Netherlands | Fully Funded

Conclusion

The Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 is more than just funding – it’s a chance to grow as a person, student, and leader. By studying abroad, you’ll gain new perspectives, valuable experiences, and lifelong connections. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate: apply and tell your friends about this incredible opportunity.

Take the leap and follow in Mandela’s footsteps – apply for the scholarship, embrace the challenge, and be the change you wish to see. Good luck on your journey to Leiden!

Your future awaits – believe in yourself and apply today!