Leiden University Mandela Scholarships 2025/2026. The Leiden University Mandela Scholarships are specifically designed for South African students who wish to study at Leiden University for one semester as part of an exchange or study abroad program. The scholarships are intended to help students extend their knowledge and contribute to the development of South Africa upon their return.
| Scholarship Name | Leiden University Mandela Scholarships 2025/2026 |
|---|---|
| Number of Awardees | Several |
| Application Deadlines | 15th October 2024 (Feb 2025 start) 1st April 2025 (Sept 2025 start) |
| Scholarship Amount | Tuition fees + €1000 per month living allowance + Insurance |
| Website | Leiden University Mandela Scholarships Webpage |
Application Deadlines:
- 15th October 2024 for programs starting in February 2025
- 1st April 2025 for programs starting in September 2025
About the Leiden University Mandela Scholarships:
The Mandela Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Nelson Mandela, who received an Honorary Doctorate from Leiden University on March 12, 1999. This scholarship aims to support South African students in gaining international experience and knowledge that they can bring back to contribute to their country’s development.
Fields of Study:
Students can apply for courses in various fields, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- ICLON (Interfacultair Centrum voor Lerarenopleiding, Onderwijsontwikkeling en Nascholing)
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
Type:
- Undergraduate, Masters
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Be permanent residents of South Africa.
- Be enrolled at a South African University.
- Be motivated to extend their knowledge to contribute to the development of South Africa.
- Be willing to return to South Africa after completing their studies.
To be Taken at:
- The Netherlands (Leiden University)
Number of Awardees:
- Several
Value of Leiden University Mandela Scholarships:
The scholarship includes:
- Tuition fees for a one-semester study abroad program (if applicable). Note: Exchange students are exempt from tuition fees based on the exchange agreement.
- Living allowance: €1000 per month.
- Insurance sponsored by AON Student Insurance and arranged by Leiden University’s Scholarships Team.
Duration of Scholarship:
- Five months (1 semester)
How to Apply:
- Apply online for admission to an exchange/study abroad course at Leiden University.
- Once admitted, complete the Mandela scholarship application form.
- Submit your completed scholarship application form and all required documents as a scanned email attachment to: scholarships@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Required Documents:
- Exchange/study abroad admission letter from Leiden University.
- Scholarship motivation letter.
- Recent transcript of records from your South African University.
- Up-to-date CV.
- Photocopy of your valid passport(s).
- Two original letters of recommendation (one of which should be from an academic staff member).
- Documentation showing the status of any other grants applied for.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in the Netherlands (as the Mandela scholarship does not cover all expenses). This can be:
- A student grant letter showing the exact amount and duration of your grant, or
- A recent bank statement in your name, or
- A notary statement declaring that your parents have sufficient financial means to support you.
