Overview
Bachelor’s students
Master’s students
Description
Bachelor’s students
Master’s students
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students from eligible South African universities may apply.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students from 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 enrolled at one of the partner universities.
Be pre-selected by their home university for the scholarship.
Meet the admission requirements for exchange students at Leiden University.
Note: The Mandela Scholarship Fund cannot be combined with Erasmus+ ICM scholarships.
Additional Information
Degree Level
Bachelor’s students
Master’s students
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students from eligible South African universities may apply.
Available Subjects
The Mandela Scholarship Fund covers a wide range of subjects taught 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
Teacher Training and Education Development (ICLON)
Benefits
The scholarship provides financial support and student insurance for the duration of the exchange programme:
University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape:
One scholarship per university for a two-semester programme (10 months), OR
Two scholarships per university for a one-semester programme (5 months).
Benefits include:
€1,250 monthly living allowance
Aon Student Insurance for 5 or 10 months
Stellenbosch University:
Two scholarships for a two-semester programme (10 months), OR
Four scholarships for a one-semester programme (5 months).
Benefits include:
€625 monthly living allowance
Aon Student Insurance for 5 or 10 months
Eligible Nationalities
Only students (all nationalities) enrolled at one of the following South African universities can apply:
University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Stellenbosch University (SUN)
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students from 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 enrolled at one of the partner universities.
Be pre-selected by their home university for the scholarship.
Meet the admission requirements for exchange students at Leiden University.
Note: The Mandela Scholarship Fund cannot be combined with Erasmus+ ICM scholarships.
Selection Process
South African universities review applications and nominate students.
Leiden University’s Scholarships Team confirms eligibility and admission.
Selected students are notified within two weeks of admission.
Application Deadlines
15 October 2025 – for exchange programmes starting in February 2026
1 April, 2026 – for exchange programmes starting in September 2026
Students must first apply for the scholarship through their home university in South Africa, then submit an online exchange application to Leiden University.
Why Choose The Mandela Scholarship At Leiden University
Studying at Leiden University offers South African students access to:
World-class education in fields such as Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Governance, Medicine, and Science.
A rich cultural exchange experience in the Netherlands.
The chance to strengthen ties between South Africa and Europe.
This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also aligns with Mandela’s dream of international collaboration and nation-building.
Conclusion
The Mandela Scholarship Fund at Leiden University is a powerful opportunity for South African students to study in the Netherlands, gain global perspectives, and return home with skills that contribute to the growth and development of South Africa. It continues Nelson Mandela’s vision of education as a tool for transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the Mandela Scholarship Fund? Only students enrolled at the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape, or Stellenbosch University can apply for this exchange scholarship.
What degree levels are eligible? The scholarship is open to both Bachelor’s and Master’s students who wish to spend one or two semesters at Leiden University.
What subjects can I study at Leiden University with this scholarship? Students can choose from a wide range of fields such as Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Medicine, Governance and Global Affairs, Science, and Archaeology.
What financial support does the scholarship provide? The scholarship covers a monthly living allowance (€625 or €1,250 depending on the home university) and Aon Student Insurance for the full duration of the exchange programme.
Can I combine the Mandela Scholarship Fund with other scholarships? No. This scholarship cannot be combined with an Erasmus+ ICM scholarship or other overlapping funding from Leiden University.
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Card
Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
Leiden University
Degree
Masters, Bachelor
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
Netherlands
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.