Leiden University Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
If you’re a student at one of the South African partner universities named below and dreaming of spending a semester or two in the Netherlands, now is your chance — applications are open for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026. This scholarship offers students from Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Pretoria, and the Western Cape an opportunity to enrich their studies through international academic exchange at Leiden University.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Host Institution: Leiden University, The Netherlands
Study Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s students
Target Group: Students enrolled at one of these South African universities: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape; pre-selection by home university is required.
Fields of Study / Faculties Eligible: Archaeology; Humanities; Medicine / LUMC; Governance & Global Affairs; Law; Social & Behavioural Sciences; Science; ICLON (teacher training / educational development & continuing education); the African Studies Centre; International Institute for Asian Studies.
Value & Coverage:
For students from University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape: living allowance of € 1,250/month plus insurance for the duration of the exchange (5 or 10 months).
For students from Stellenbosch University: living allowance of € 625/month plus insurance.
Includes Aon Student Insurance during the stay.
Duration: One semester (up to ~5 months) or two semesters (~10 months) depending on the arrangement.
Application Deadline:
15 October (for programmes starting February)
1 April (for programmes starting September)
Also check with your South African home university for internal nomination deadlines.
Start Date: Either February or September semester at Leiden University.
Eligibility:
Must be enrolled at one of the four partner universities in South Africa.
Must be pre-selected by that home university.
Meet Leiden University’s admission requirements for exchange/study-abroad students.
Exclusions: Cannot be combined with an Erasmus+ ICM scholarship.
📚 Programme Overview
The Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University is designed to facilitate academic exchange between South Africa and the Netherlands, continuing the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s vision for educational cooperation and cross-cultural enrichment.
Students selected engage in exchange programmes for either one or two semesters. During this time, they take coursework in eligible faculties at Leiden, integrate into the university community, and benefit from cross-cultural exposure. The scholarship includes:
A monthly living allowance (the amount depends on which partner university you're from and how long you stay).
Insurance (Aon student insurance) covering the duration.
There is no tuition fee charged by Leiden to exchange students under this scheme (exchange agreements typically provide tuition waiver), but other costs outside the scope of the scholarship (visa, travel, housing deposit etc.) are generally the student’s responsibility.
🎁 Programme Benefits
A chance to study abroad at a historic, globally recognised European research university.
Financial support sufficient for basic living expenses, plus insurance.
Exposure to new academic environments, enhancing knowledge, skills, research networks, intercultural awareness.
Strengthening one’s resume and future career prospects.
Opportunity to deepen knowledge in chosen field within faculties that cover broad disciplinary areas (from Sciences to Humanities and Social Sciences).
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must:
Be a student (Bachelor or Master) at one of these universities: Stellenbosch University; University of Cape Town; University of Pretoria; University of the Western Cape.
Be selected/pre-nominated by your home university for the scholarship.
Fulfil Leiden University’s requirements for exchange/study abroad students (academic record, possibly language, course compatibility etc.)
You should check with your home university whether there are additional criteria (e.g. minimum GPA, academic standing, specific departmental or faculty constraints).
📝 Application Procedure
Application Procedure:
Apply for the scholarship via your home university in South Africa. You must complete the internal nomination or selection first.
Submit an online application for admission to an exchange / study abroad programme at Leiden University.
After your home university has selected nominees, names are sent to Leiden University’s Scholarships Team.
Leiden will, after admission confirmation, notify selected candidates and provide further instructions.
📂 Documents Required:
Academic transcripts / record to date.
Proof of enrolment at home university.
Proof of nomination / letter from home university.
Admission to study abroad / exchange programme at Leiden (or application thereof).
Passport / valid travel documents.
Possibly a motivation / statement of purpose.
Other supporting documents such as proof of language ability if required, and any financial statements needed.
🔍 For more information about application procedure at Leiden University, send an email to: exchange@sea.leidenuniv.nl
💡Extra Useful Info
Insurance is included through Aon, covering the duration of your exchange.
Living allowances differ for Stellenbosch vs the other three partner universities. Stellenbosch students receive lower monthly stipend but same insurance coverage.
Deadlines are fixed per Leiden University (15 Oct for February intake; 1 April for September) and you must observe your home university’s internal deadline for nomination. Missing either can disqualify you.
Visa, travel, housing deposit are generally not covered by the scholarship; you’ll need to budget for those. Also, accommodation deposits may be needed.