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International students enrolled at Leiden University can apply for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 to support research, study, or internship projects abroad. The scholarship provides funding between €900 and €2000 for selected academic projects outside the Netherlands.
The Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) is one of the study-abroad funding opportunities available for Bachelor’s and Master’s students at Leiden University. Applications are accepted twice each year, with deadlines on 15 April and 15 November.
Students from all nationalities can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
WhatsApp ChannelMinerva Scholarship Fund 2026 Summary
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host Institution | Leiden University |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Eligible Nationalities | All countries |
| Funding Amount | €900 to €2000 |
| Eligible Activities | Research, Internship, Study Abroad |
| Application Deadlines | 15 April and 15 November |
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What Is the Minerva Scholarship Fund?
The Minerva Scholarship Fund is a financial support program that helps Leiden University students participate in international academic projects. The scholarship focuses on exceptional or prestigious projects related to research, internships, or study abroad activities.
The program was established in 2009 and is connected to the Leiden Minerva Student Association.
The fund supports projects that contribute to academic knowledge and international learning opportunities.
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Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants can receive grants ranging from:
- €900 to €2000
The funding may be used for:
- International travel expenses
- Living costs abroad
- Research-related costs
The scholarship does not fully fund complete degree programs. Instead, it supports short-term or project-based international academic activities.
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Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student at Leiden University
- Apply for a study, internship, or research project abroad
- Submit an exceptional or prestigious academic project proposal
Students do not need to be members of the L.S.V. Minerva association to apply.
Ineligible Programs
The following are not eligible:
- Full Master’s degree programs
- PhD tracks
Eligible Faculties
Students from multiple faculties at Leiden University can apply, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- ICLON
This makes the scholarship accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Application Deadlines
There are two application rounds every year:
- 15 April
- 15 November
Applicants should prepare their documents early because incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need:
- Completed application form
- Project details or research proposal
- Supporting academic documents
Students must submit the full application dossier before the deadline mentioned by the scholarship organizers.
How to Apply for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026
The application process includes the following steps:
- Download the official application form
- Fill in all required information
- Prepare supporting documents
- Submit the complete application before the deadline
The official application form is available through the Minerva Scholarship Fund website.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an allocation committee made up of lecturers from different academic fields at Leiden University.
The committee evaluates:
- Academic relevance of the project
- Contribution to research and knowledge development
- Overall quality of the proposal
Selected students are informed within approximately one month after the application deadline.
Scholarship decisions cannot be appealed.
Reporting Requirement After the Project
Students who receive the scholarship must submit:
- A project report
- Supporting images
This report must be submitted within three months after the project ends.
Why This Scholarship Matters for International Students
The Minerva Scholarship Fund offers additional financial support for students who want international academic exposure without enrolling in a full degree abroad.
For many Leiden University students, the scholarship can help reduce costs connected to:
- International field research
- Academic internships
- Exchange studies
- Specialized short-term academic projects
The scholarship is especially useful for students planning research or study activities outside the Netherlands.
