The Mandela Scholarship Fund is for students from four South African partner universities (Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria and University of the Western Cape) who would like to study at Leiden University for one or two semesters as part of an exchange programme.
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When is the Application Deadline?
- 15 October 2025 for the February 2026 intake.
- 1 April 2026 for the September 2026 intake.
- Note: Applicants must also check internal deadlines with their home South African university.
Tell Me About the Award
The Mandela Scholarship Fund was established in honor of President Nelson Mandela, who received an Honorary Doctorate from Leiden University in 1999. His vision was to foster academic exchange between South Africa and the Netherlands.
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This scholarship supports talented students from four South African universities to study at Leiden University for one or two semesters, enriching cross-cultural knowledge, international cooperation, and leadership.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Students can study across multiple faculties at Leiden University, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine/LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- ICLON (Centre for Teacher Training, Educational Development & Further Education)
- African Studies Centre
- International Institute for Asian Studies
Type
🎓 Exchange / Study Abroad Scholarship
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled at one of the four partner universities:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Western Cape
- Be pre-selected by their home university for the scholarship.
- Meet Leiden University’s admission requirements for exchange/study abroad students.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Students apply to their home university.
- The South African universities review all applications and nominate candidates.
- Nominated candidates apply for admission to Leiden University’s exchange program.
- Leiden’s Scholarship Team confirms selected candidates within two weeks of admission.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 Exclusively for students enrolled at four South African partner universities.
Where will the Award be Taken?
🏛️ Leiden University, The Netherlands
How Many Awards?
The number of awards varies per university:
- University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape
- 1 scholarship for a two-semester exchange (10 months) OR
- 2 scholarships for a one-semester exchange (5 months)
- Stellenbosch University
- 2 scholarships for a two-semester exchange (10 months) OR
- 4 scholarships for a one-semester exchange (5 months)
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Living allowance:
- €1,250/month (UCT, UP, UWC students)
- €625/month (Stellenbosch students)
- Aon Student Insurance for the duration of the exchange (5 or 10 months).
- One or two semester study abroad at Leiden University.
How Long Will the Award Last?
⏳ Either one semester (5 months) or two semesters (10 months), depending on the scholarship type.
How to Apply
- Submit your scholarship application to your home university (UCT, UP, UWC, or Stellenbosch).
- Apply online for admission to an exchange/study abroad program at Leiden University.
- Wait for confirmation from Leiden’s Scholarships Team if selected.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details
👉 Mandela Scholarship Fund – Leiden University
