Mandela Scholarship Fund 2025 at Leiden University

Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, is globally recognised for its academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. Known for its strong research focus, the university offers exchange students the chance to collaborate with leading researchers and engage in innovative projects, enriching their academic experience. The institutional agreement between University of Pretoria (UP) and Leiden University (LU) has been active since 1992.  

• Table of Content
• About Leiden University
• Mandela Scholarship Fund
• Aim and Benefits of Mandela Scholarship Fund
• Mandela Scholarship Fund Courses
• Requirements for Mandela Scholarship Fund Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Mandela Scholarship Fund
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Leiden University

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of the leading international research universities in Europe. It has seven faculties and a campus in both Leiden and The Hague. Its motto is Praesidium Libertatis – Bastion of Freedom. The five disciplinary clusters in which Leiden University and the Leiden University Medical Center excel are: Fundamentals of Science Life Sciences Health and Wellbeing Law, Politics and Administration Languages, Cultures and Societies The University’s academic partners in the province of Zuid-Holland are Delft University of Techn... continue reading

Mandela Scholarship Fund

Aim and Benefits of Mandela Scholarship Fund

• Living Allowance: €1,250 per month for the 5-month programme (this amount includes accommodation rental for the duration of the study period; however, the deposit must be paid prior to the student's arrival).
• Insurance Coverage: ICS Complete+ insurance, sponsored by Aon, is included. 

Advantages of the programme 

• Gain exposure to different educational systems and cultures, enriching your global perspective.
• Enhance your CV and improve your career prospects, making you more competitive in the job market.
• Expand your professional and social network by connecting with peers and faculty from around the world  
• Foster personal growth, adaptability, and intercultural understanding.
• Improve your language skills through immersion in a new academic environment.
• Enhance your sport, art, or music skills by gaining global experience and learning from diverse cultures.  

Mandela Scholarship Fund Courses

Requirements for Mandela Scholarship Fund Qualification

• Open to students enrolled at the University of Pretoria, regardless of nationality, who are in their second year of undergraduate studies or are enrolled in postgraduate, honours, or master’s (course work) programmes.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 75% average in their academic record, based on their first-year final report and first semester report.
• Students are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the core principles of Education, Reconciliation, Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship. This includes active involvement in outreach programs and taking on leadership roles within school political or social organizations and community initiatives.
• Applicants will be pre-selected for the scholarship by the home institution.
• The Mandela Scholarship Fund provides two (2) scholarships to the University of Pretoria, which are awarded to students for an exchange programme at Leiden University, meaning that only two students will be funded. 

This scholarship is available to students in the following faculties:

• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Theology  

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mandela Scholarship Fund

Selection process will proceed as follows:

• All shortlisted candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.
• The home university will invite shortlisted candidates to participate in interviews for the next stage of selection.
• Successful nominees will be notified and provided with instructions for applying to Leiden University.

Be advised that selected students for the Mandela Scholarship Fund will be responsible for the following costs:

• Orientation programme fee
• Visa fees (Leiden University will provide detailed information on the visa application process and required documentation upon selection)
• Travel expenses (flight ticket)
• Housing deposit fee  

Documents Required for Application

• Complete the Study Abroad Outgoing Mobility Application Form by visiting the following link: (https://www.up.ac.za/international-cooperationdivision/article/2719655/exchange-and-study-abroad-programmes) scroll to the end of the page to access the mobility form.
• Full academic record/transcript and have spent a minimum of two semesters at UP with a strong academic record (minimum 75% average).
• One sealed letter of reference (personal submission at the Department of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships (DISP): International Students Division Room 1-44).
• A copy of your valid passport.
• To ensure your Mandela Scholarship application is complete, please ensure your departmental confirmation letters clearly: Confirm your nomination for the Leiden University exchange programme. Provide a list of Leiden University modules/courses and their equivalent University of Pretoria modules/courses. State that credits earned at Leiden University will be credited toward your University of Pretoria degree.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivational letter outlining your academic and professional goals for study abroad experience (Maximum 300 words).

Proof of registration. 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Submit all application documents electronically to: Ms. Mahlogonolo Mphahlele: International and Postgraduate Specialist Consultant  

E-mail: [email protected]

For more details, visit UP scholarship webpage