By Scholarshipalert4u / October 5, 2025
The Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University offers a unique opportunity for South African students to pursue an exchange programme in the Netherlands. This prestigious initiative honors the legacy of President Nelson Mandela, promoting education, cultural exchange, and global understanding between South Africa and Europe.
About the Mandela Scholarship Fund
Established in 1999, the Mandela Scholarship Fund was created when Nelson Mandela received an Honorary Doctorate from Leiden University, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected institutions. The scholarship supports Mandela’s vision of empowering students through academic development and international collaboration.
Through this fund, talented bachelor’s and master’s students from four partner universities in South Africa can spend one or two semesters studying at Leiden University.
Partner Universities in South Africa
Eligible students must be currently enrolled at one of the following partner institutions:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SUN)
Each university nominates candidates for the scholarship based on academic performance, motivation, and leadership potential.
Available Fields of Study
Recipients can study across a broad range of disciplines offered at Leiden University, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine / LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
- ICLON – Teacher Training and Education Development
This wide selection ensures that both undergraduate and postgraduate students can find courses that match their academic goals.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mandela Scholarship Fund provides financial and practical support for the duration of the exchange programme:
For UCT, UP, and UWC students:
- One scholarship per university for a two-semester (10 months) programme, or
- Two scholarships per university for a one-semester (5 months) programme.
- €1,250 monthly living allowance
- Aon Student Insurance for the full study period.
For Stellenbosch University students:
- Two scholarships for a two-semester (10 months) programme, or
- Four scholarships for a one-semester (5 months) programme.
- €625 monthly living allowance
- Aon Student Insurance for 5 or 10 months.
This financial support for students helps cover living costs, accommodation, and health insurance while studying abroad.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
To qualify for the Mandela Scholarship Fund, applicants must:
- Be enrolled at one of the eligible South African partner universities.
- Be pre-selected by their home university.
- Meet the admission requirements for exchange students at Leiden University.
- Not combine the scholarship with Erasmus+ ICM funding.
Application Process and Deadlines
The application process involves two steps:
- Apply through your home university in South Africa for nomination.
- Submit your exchange application online to Leiden University once nominated.
Application Deadlines:
- 15 October 2025 – for programmes starting in February 2026
- 1 April 2026 – for programmes starting in September 2026
Early application is encouraged, as universities pre-select candidates based on academic merit and motivation.
Why Study at Leiden University?
Choosing Leiden University means joining a world-class academic environment with a rich history of research and innovation. Students gain:
- Access to international exchange opportunities.
- Exposure to global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.
- A chance to contribute to South Africa’s academic and social development upon returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University?
The Mandela Scholarship Fund is a special program created by Leiden University in honor of Nelson Mandela. It provides financial support for talented South African students to study for one or two semesters in the Netherlands, promoting education, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
2. Who can apply for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026?
The scholarship is open to bachelor’s and master’s students who are currently enrolled at one of the following South African universities:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SUN)
Applicants must be nominated by their home university before applying to Leiden University.
3. What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The Mandela Scholarship Fund covers a monthly living allowance and Aon Student Insurance for the duration of the exchange period:
- €1,250 per month for UCT, UP, and UWC students.
- €625 per month for Stellenbosch University students.
It helps cover living costs, accommodation, and health insurance while studying in the Netherlands.
4. Which subjects can I study under this scholarship?
Students can choose from a wide range of fields available at Leiden University, including Humanities, Law, Medicine, Governance, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Science, and Education. Specialized institutes such as the African Studies Centre and International Institute for Asian Studies are also part of the programmed.
5. How do I apply for the Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026?
The application process involves two steps:
- Apply through your home university in South Africa to be nominated.
- Once nominated, submit an online exchange application to Leiden University before the relevant deadline.
📅 Deadlines:
- 15 October 2025 – for February 2026 start
- 1 April 2026 – for September 2026 start
Conclusion
The Mandela Scholarship Fund 2026 at Leiden University stands as a symbol of Nelson Mandela’s belief in education as a tool for transformation. By offering study abroad scholarships to outstanding South African students, it nurtures future leaders who will continue Mandela’s mission of unity, learning, and progress.
This is more than a scholarship—it’s a pathway to empowerment, cultural exchange, and nation-building.
Disclaimer
ScholarshipAlert4u shares scholarships for informational purposes only. Always verify details on official sites before applying.
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