Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University: Fully Funded

The Mandela Scholarship Fund was established by Leiden University when Nelson Mandela received an honorary doctorate in 1999. The program enables students from selected South African universities to study at Leiden University for one or two semesters as part of an exchange program. The scholarship fosters academic growth, cultural exchange, and leadership development, while strengthening ties between South Africa and the Netherlands.

Now, let’s apply for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

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Mandela Scholarship Fund Details

Eligible Fields of Studies

• Archaeology
• Humanities
• Medicine/LUMC
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Law
• Social and Behavioural Sciences
• Science
• Interfacultair Centrum voor Lerarenopleiding
• Onderwijsontwikkeling en Nascholing (ICLON)
• African Studies Centre
• International Institute for Asian Studies

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Eligible Universities

• Stellenbosch University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Western Cape

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Benefits of the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026

• Living allowance:
• €1,250 per month (University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape students)
• €625 per month (Stellenbosch University students)
• Aon Student Insurance for the entire duration of the exchange (5 or 10 months)
• Opportunity to study at a top Dutch university with world-class resources and research facilities
• Exposure to an international academic environment and cultural exchange

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Eligibility Criteria of the Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled at one of the partner South African universities:
  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of the Western Cape
• Be pre-selected for the scholarship by their home university
• Meet Leiden University’s admission requirements for exchange/study abroad students
• Apply for a one- or two-semester exchange program at Leiden University

Exclusion: Cannot be combined with an Erasmus+ ICM scholarship.

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Required Documents for the Mandela Scholarship Fund

Applicants should prepare the following:

1. Completed application form (submitted via your home university)
2. Proof of enrolment at one of the four South African partner universities
3. Academic transcripts
4. Motivation letter outlining reasons for applying and goals for the exchange
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
6. Valid passport copy
7. Any additional documents requested by the home university or Leiden University

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How to Apply for the Mandela Scholarship Fund

1. Apply through your home university in South Africa (contact your international office for internal deadlines).
2. Your university will pre-select candidates and forward names to Leiden University.
3. Submit an online exchange application to Leiden University: Leiden Exchange Application Portal
4. Leiden University’s Scholarships Team will notify selected candidates within two weeks of admission.
5. If selected, you’ll receive further instructions on funding, insurance, and arrival.

Deadline:

• 15 October – for programs starting in April

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