Leiden University Minerva Scholarship in Netherlands 2026

Are you ready to take your academic journey abroad? If you are a student looking to expand your horizons through research, study, or an internship outside your home country, the Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 might be the perfect opportunity for you!

This scholarship is designed to support ambitious students who want to gain international exposure but need financial assistance to make it happen.

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Quick Overview

• Host Institution: Leiden University

• Host Country: Netherlands

• Study Level: Undergraduate / Graduate

• Scholarship Type: Partially Funded

• Award Value: €900 – €2,000 per student

• Eligible Activities: Internship, Study, Research projects abroad

• Application Deadlines: 15 April 2026 and 15 November 2026

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What is the Minerva Scholarship Fund?

The Minerva Scholarship Fund at Leiden University provides financial support to students who are planning to undertake research, study, or internship projects outside the Netherlands.

Since 2009, the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation (MSF) has provided Leiden University students of all disciplines with scholarships for exceptional or prestigious study and research projects abroad. This initiative is an initiative of the Leiden Minerva Student Association.

Whether you want to conduct field research for your thesis, study abroad for a semester, or gain professional experience through an international internship, this fund helps offset the costs associated with global travel and living.

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Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars can receive financial assistance for their international projects:

• Research Support: Funding for study, research, or internship projects abroad

• Travel Coverage: Financial assistance to help cover international airfare and transportation

• Living Support: Contribution towards accommodation and daily expenses while overseas

• Award Amount: The scholarship provides between €900 and €2,000 per student, depending on the project scope and duration

The following expenses can be subsidised: research costs; international travel and living costs.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Minerva Scholarship Fund, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled at Leiden University as a Bachelor or Master student

• You do not need to be a member of L.S.V. Minerva

• Have strong academic performance with a clear and feasible project plan

• The application must pertain to an exceptional or prestigious study or research project abroad

• The project must take place outside the Netherlands

• The project must fall into one of the following categories: internship, study, or research

Note: PhD tracks and complete Master programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.

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Obligations After the Project

Within three months of the end of the project, successful applicants must:

• Submit a project report with accompanying images

This helps the foundation track the impact of their funding and share success stories.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

• Step 1: Download an application form from www.minervascholarshipfund.com

• Step 2: Complete the form with all required information

• Step 3: Check you have all the required documents

• Step 4: Submit your complete application dossier to the address provided, before the deadline

Important Note

There are two MSF application rounds per year. The deadlines for these are:

• 15 April 2026

• 15 November 2026

Disclaimer: The student is responsible for submitting a complete application, according to the steps described above and before the aforementioned deadline. Leiden University and MSF cannot be held responsible for late and/or incomplete applications.

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Selection Process

The allocation committee (consisting of Leiden lecturers from various disciplines) will evaluate all applications on the basis of predetermined criteria.

• During the evaluation process, attention is given to the relevance of the research and how it will contribute to the advancement of academic knowledge

• You will be informed (maximum) one month after the application deadline whether you have been awarded a scholarship

• It is not possible to appeal against scholarship decisions

Why Apply?

The Minerva Scholarship Fund offers numerous benefits for students seeking international experience:

• Global Exposure: Gain invaluable international experience that enhances your personal and professional growth

• Career Boost: Strengthen your academic profile with research or work experience abroad

• Financial Support: Receive meaningful funding to reduce the burden of travel and living costs

• Networking: Build connections with international peers, researchers, and professionals in your field

• Academic Development: Conduct research or study that contributes to your academic advancement

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Application Tips

Applications for the Minerva Scholarship Fund are competitive. Here are a few tips to strengthen your application:

• Start Early: Prepare your project proposal well in advance

• Be Specific: Clearly outline your project goals, timeline, and budget

• Highlight Academics: Emphasize your academic achievements and how this opportunity aligns with your studies

• Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as the window opens to avoid last-minute issues

• Complete Dossier: Ensure all required documents are included and properly formatted

• Proofread: Check for any errors before submitting

Important Dates

• Application Deadlines: 15 April 2026 and 15 November 2026

• Decision Notification: Within one month after each deadline

Don't miss this chance to receive funding for your international dreams.

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Final Thoughts

The Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for current Leiden University students to receive financial support for international research, study, or internship projects outside the Netherlands. With awards ranging from €900 to €2,000, this partially funded scholarship helps offset travel, living, and research costs for ambitious students seeking global exposure.

The scholarship is open to Bachelor and Master students from all faculties, and applicants do not need to be members of the Minerva Student Association. Projects must be exceptional or prestigious, falling into the categories of internship, study, or research abroad.

Two application rounds are held annually with deadlines on 15 April 2026 and 15 November 2026. Successful applicants must submit a project report with images within three months of completing their project.

If you are a Leiden University student with a clear, feasible plan for an international academic experience, don't miss this opportunity to receive meaningful funding for your global journey.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to download the application form, visit the official Minerva Scholarship Fund website:

Apply for Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 Netherlands