Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University

Apply now for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University (February intake). Designed for South African students, this scholarship offers living allowance, insurance, and study opportunities in the Netherlands. Deadline: October 15, 2026.

Have you ever imagined studying in one of Europe’s most prestigious universities while honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela? The Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University is making that dream possible for South African students. Applications are now open for the February 2026 intake, and this opportunity promises more than just academic growth—it’s about cultural exchange, leadership development, and carrying forward Mandela’s vision of building bridges between South Africa and the Netherlands.

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and globally renowned for its research and international collaborations. With the Mandela Scholarship Fund, you could become part of this history while shaping your own future.

Key Details at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• Open to South African students enrolled at Stellenbosch, UCT, UP, and UWC.
• Covers up to €1,250 per month for living costs plus health insurance.
• Offers one or two semesters of study at Leiden University.
• Deadline for February 2026 intake: 15 October 2026.
• Deadline for September 2026 intake: 1 April 2026.

A Scholarship with a Legacy

The Mandela Scholarship Fund was founded in 1999, the year Leiden University awarded Nelson Mandela an Honorary Doctorate. Mandela believed that increasing student exchanges between South Africa and the Netherlands would strengthen both nations through shared knowledge and cultural understanding.

Today, this fund continues to embody his vision by empowering South African students to access world-class education while developing leadership skills that can transform their communities.

Who Can Apply?

The Mandela Scholarship Fund has specific eligibility requirements. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled at one of the following universities:
  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • University of Pretoria (UP)
  • University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• Be pre-selected by their home university before applying.
• Meet Leiden University’s exchange/student abroad admission requirements (including academic performance and English language requirements).

Scholarship Benefits

Winning the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 means much more than financial support—it is a life-changing academic and cultural experience. Benefits include:

• Living Allowance: Up to €1,250 per month, helping cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
• Health Insurance: Aon Student Insurance provided for the entire duration of your stay.
• Study Abroad Opportunity: Spend 5 or 10 months at Leiden University in one or two semesters.
• Faculty Options: Choose from a wide range of faculties such as:
  • Archaeology
  • Humanities
  • Medicine/LUMC
  • Governance and Global Affairs
  • Law
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Science
  • African Studies Centre
  • International Institute for Asian Studies

This wide academic coverage ensures that no matter your field of study, there’s an opportunity for you.

Application Deadlines

To ensure you don’t miss out, here are the important dates:

• February 2026 Intake: Applications close on 15 October 2026.
• September 2026 Intake: Applications close on 1 April 2026.

⚠️ Note: Each South African university (Stellenbosch, UCT, UP, UWC) may have its own internal deadlines for pre-selection. Students must check directly with their home institutions before submitting applications to Leiden University.

How to Apply for Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026:

1. Confirm your eligibility
   Make sure you are enrolled at one of the four eligible South African universities.
2. Contact your home university
   Each university has its own internal nomination process. Reach out to your international office or scholarships office for details.
3. Secure nomination
   If your home university selects you, you will be pre-nominated for the scholarship.
4. Prepare your application documents
   Typically, this includes:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Proof of enrollment
   • Letter of motivation
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
5. Apply via Leiden University’s portal
   Submit your application on Leiden University’s official portal here:
   👉 Apply for Mandela Scholarship Fund
6. Wait for feedback
   If successful, you’ll receive an official confirmation from Leiden University.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Mandela Scholarship Fund is more than just financial assistance—it’s an investment in leadership, global citizenship, and cultural understanding. By joining this program, South African students not only gain access to top-tier education but also play a vital role in strengthening ties between South Africa and the Netherlands.

This opportunity gives you the chance to:

• Gain international exposure.
• Learn from global experts and researchers.
• Build networks that last a lifetime.
• Contribute back to your home country with enhanced knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

The Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for South African students to study abroad at Leiden University, one of Europe’s most respected academic institutions. With its financial support, cultural exchange, and academic excellence, this scholarship embodies Nelson Mandela’s vision of empowering young leaders through education.

If you are a student at Stellenbosch, UCT, UP, or UWC and aspire to make a global impact, don’t miss this chance. Applications for the February 2026 intake close on 15 October 2026.

👉 Start your application here: https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/sea/mandela-scholarship-fund?cf=leiden-university&cd=guest (opens in a new tab)

FAQs about Mandela Scholarship Fund

1. Who is eligible for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026?
Students from four South African universities (Stellenbosch, UCT, UP, and UWC) who are pre-nominated by their institutions and meet Leiden University’s requirements.

2. How much does the scholarship cover?
It provides up to €1,250 per month for living costs and covers Aon Student Insurance.

3. Can I apply directly to Leiden University without my home university’s nomination?
No. Pre-selection by your home university is mandatory.

4. What are the application deadlines?

• February 2026 intake: 15 October 2026
• September 2026 intake: 1 April 2026

5. What fields of study are available under this scholarship?
A wide range including Humanities, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Science, Governance and Global Affairs, and more.