Mandela Scholarship Fund

The Mandela Scholarship is intended for South African students, who want to study at Leiden University for one semester in order to extend their knowledge and contribute to the development of South Africa.

Deadline:1 October for programmes starting in February / 1 April for programmes starting in September Target: group Bachelor, Master

Countries/ nationalities: Permanent residents of South Africa Scholarship type Study.

Faculty: 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

For who

South African students, who intend to return to South Africa and contribute to national development after their studies at Leiden University.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must be:

• permanent residents of South Africa.
• enrolled at a South African University.
• motivated to upgrade or extend their knowledge in order to make a contribution towards the development of South Africa.

Obligations       

Students must return to South Africa after their studies.

Obligations       

Students must return to South Africa after their studies.

Scholarship or loan amount

Duration: one semester (maximum 5 months)

 The scholarship includes:

• Tuition fees for a one-semester study abroad programme (if applicable)
  Note: exchange students are exempted from tuition fees on the basis of the exchange agreement
• Living allowance: € 1000 per month
• Insurance sponsored by AON Student Insurance and arranged by Leiden University’s Scholarships Team

Application process

1. Submit an online application for admission for an exchange/study abroad course at Leiden University.
2. Once you have been admitted to an exchange/study abroad course, complete the Mandela scholarship application form.
3. Submit your completed scholarship application form as scanned email attachment to: scholarships@sea.leidenuniv.nl. Make sure to attach all required documents, namely:
   1. Exchange/study abroad admission letter from Leiden University
   2. Scholarship motivation letter
   3.  Recent transcript of records from your South African University
   4.  Up-to-date CV
   5.  Photocopy of your valid passport(s)
   6. Two original letters of recommendation (one of which should be from an academic staff member)
   7. Documentation showing the status of any other grants you have applied for
   8. Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in the Netherlands (the Mandela scholarship does not cover all expenses). This can take form of:
      • a student grant letter showing the exact amount and duration of your grant, or
      • a recent bank statement in your name, or
      • a notary statement declaring that your parents have sufficient financial means to support you

Visit our student website for detailed information on estimated living costs.

Or Visit the official webpage of Leiden University for more details.