Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27
Are you looking for the Mandela Scholarship Fund? This scholarship is intended for students from four South African partner universities (Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and University of the Western Cape) who would like to study at Leiden University for one or two semesters as part of an exchange program.
The Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 in the Netherlands is now accepting applications. Applications for the scholarship are open to all international students. This scholarship is available to students from four partner universities in South Africa who want to study at Leiden University for one or two semesters as part of an exchange program.
The goal is to emulate Nelson Mandela, positively influence South Africa’s future, and immerse oneself in a global academic setting in the Netherlands. If you have ever envisioned yourself studying in the Netherlands, taking in the world-class research and thriving international networks while strolling down alleys that date back centuries, Applications for the February intake of Leiden University’s Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 are now being accepted, allowing South African students to make that ambition a reality. This scholarship is an investment in leadership, international collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding rather than solely for financial gain.
Leiden University (LEI) is a public research university in Leiden, the Netherlands. Leiden University is one of the world’s top institutions, often ranking in the top 100 according to major rating systems such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
President Nelson Mandela, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Leiden University in 1999, is the recipient of this fund. He had a clear vision: more student exchange would benefit the Netherlands and South Africa. The Mandela Scholarship Fund continues that tradition today by enabling upcoming leaders to study overseas and fortify international relations.
You can also apply for: President’s PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London 2026 (Fully Funded).
Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27:
| Institute: | Leiden University |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Financial coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Country: | Netherlands |
| Deadline: | October 15, 2025 |
| Deadline: September 2026 intake | April 01, 2026 |
Available Fields/Programs at the Leiden University Mandela:
Leiden University offers study options for one or two semesters in a variety of faculties, such as the
- African Studies Center,
- Archaeology,
- Humanities,
- Medicine/LUMC,
- Governance and Global Affairs,
- Law,
- Social and Behavioral Sciences,
- International Institute for Asian Studies.
Eligibility Criteria for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27:
To qualify for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 in the Netherlands, applicants must be:
- Applicants from any country must be enrolled at one of the above universities.
- Applicants must be preselected by their home university for the scholarship.
- A strong command of the English language
- Applicants must be able to meet Leiden University’s exchange/student abroad entrance standards.
Financial Benefits for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27:
The scholarship may cover the following, depending on your home university:
- Monthly living allowance: up to €1,250
- For the term of the exchange (5 or 10 months), Aon Student Insurance
- One- or two-semester study opportunities at Leiden University
Eligible Universities for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27:
This opportunity is exclusively intended for students from the four partner universities in South Africa:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Western Cape
How to Apply for the Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026-27?
- The application date for Leiden University’s February 2026 intake is October 15, 2025.
- If you want to apply for the September 2026 intake, the deadline is April 1, 2026.
- Students should additionally check with their respective South African universities for their internal nomination deadlines, which may differ.
