Are you a Leiden University student planning an exceptional study, research, or internship project abroad? The Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 offers financial support to ambitious students seeking to expand their academic horizons through prestigious international opportunities.
Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026
The Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) is a unique scholarship initiative that provides funding to Leiden University bachelor’s and master’s students undertaking outstanding study, research, or internship projects outside the Netherlands. Established in 2009, the scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence, international collaboration, and innovative research by helping students cover travel, research, and living expenses abroad.
By supporting exceptional international projects, the Minerva Scholarship Fund enables students to gain valuable global experience while contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.
Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host Institution | Leiden University |
| Scholarship Name | Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) |
| Funded By | Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Eligible Applicants | Leiden University Students |
| Scholarship Value | €900 – €2,000 |
| Scholarship Type | Internship, Study, and Research Funding |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Application Deadlines | 15 April and 15 November |
| Number of Awards | Multiple |
What Is the Minerva Scholarship Fund All About?
The Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation was established to support Leiden University students who wish to undertake exceptional academic projects abroad. Since 2009, the fund has helped students pursue unique opportunities that enhance their education, research experience, and professional development.
Unlike traditional scholarships that fund complete degree programs, the Minerva Scholarship Fund specifically supports short-term international projects such as research assignments, academic studies, and internships.
The foundation particularly focuses on funding prestigious, innovative, and exclusive projects that contribute meaningfully to academic advancement and personal growth.
The scholarship is available across a wide range of disciplines, making it accessible to students from nearly every faculty at Leiden University.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Student Status
Applicants must:
- Be registered as a bachelor’s student at Leiden University.
- Or be registered as a master’s student at Leiden University.
Membership Requirements
- Applicants do not need to be members of the Leiden Minerva Student Association.
Project Requirements
The proposed project must:
- Be an exceptional or prestigious project abroad.
- Fall within one of the approved categories:
- Internship
- Study Project
- Research Project
- Demonstrate academic relevance and value.
Ineligible Projects
The following are not eligible for funding:
- PhD programmes.
- Complete master’s degree programmes.
- Projects that do not take place abroad.
Eligible Faculties
Students from the following faculties may apply:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine (LUMC)
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
The scholarship welcomes applications from students across a broad range of academic disciplines.
Scholarship Benefits
The Minerva Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance ranging from the following:
Award Value
- Minimum Award: €900
- Maximum Award: €2,000
Covered Expenses
The scholarship can be used to support:
- Research costs.
- International travel expenses.
- Living expenses during the project.
- Academic project-related costs abroad.
The funding helps reduce the financial burden associated with conducting international academic projects.
Recipient Obligations
Students who receive funding from the Minerva Scholarship Fund are required to:
- Complete their approved project abroad.
- Submit a project report within three months after the project’s completion.
- Include accompanying images that document the project experience and outcomes.
These reports help demonstrate the impact of the scholarship and contribute to future programme development.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare a complete application package that may include:
- Completed MSF Application Form.
- Project proposal or description.
- Academic records.
- Proof of enrollment at Leiden University.
- Budget and funding plan.
- Supporting documents relevant to the project.
- Additional documents requested by the scholarship committee.
Students should carefully review the official application requirements before submission.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Step 1: Download the application form.
Visit the Minerva Scholarship Fund website and download the official application form.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill out all required sections of the application form accurately and thoroughly.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Ensure that all required documents are included in your application dossier.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Send your complete application package to the address provided by the Minerva Scholarship Fund before the application deadline.
Step 5: Await Evaluation
The allocation committee will review all submissions and evaluate candidates based on established selection criteria.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an allocation committee consisting of Leiden University lecturers from various academic disciplines.
During the evaluation process, the committee considers:
- The academic quality of the project.
- The relevance of the proposed research or study.
- The project’s contribution to the advancement of academic knowledge.
- The uniqueness and prestige of the opportunity.
- The potential impact on the student’s academic development.
Applicants will receive notification of the committee’s decision within approximately one month after the application deadline.
Please note that scholarship decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Why Apply for the Minerva Scholarship Fund?
The Minerva Scholarship Fund offers students an opportunity to pursue international experiences that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
Benefits include:
- Financial support for international projects.
- Access to global academic opportunities.
- Funding for research and internships abroad.
- Enhanced academic and professional development.
- Increased international exposure.
- Opportunities to contribute to academic knowledge.
- Recognition for outstanding and innovative projects.
The scholarship encourages students to think beyond traditional academic boundaries and engage in meaningful international experiences.
About the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation
The Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation is a registered charitable organization (ANBI) under Dutch tax law.
The foundation’s mission is to support exceptional study and research projects in a wide range of disciplines, with a particular focus on unique international opportunities that contribute to educational and academic advancement.
The scholarship programme was established through an initiative of the Leiden Minerva Student Association and continues to support students pursuing ambitious academic goals around the world.
Application Deadlines
The Minerva Scholarship Fund has two application rounds each year:
First Application Round
15 April
Second Application Round
15 November
Students should ensure that complete applications are submitted before the relevant deadline, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Disclaimer
Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that:
- Their application is complete.
- All required documents are included.
- The application is submitted before the deadline.
Neither Leiden University nor the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation can be held responsible for incomplete or late applications.
Why Study at Leiden University?
International Reputation
Leiden University is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research universities, known for academic excellence and innovation.
Global Opportunities
Students benefit from extensive international partnerships and opportunities for global engagement.
Research Excellence
The university consistently produces world-class research across a wide range of disciplines.
Diverse Academic Community
Leiden welcomes students from around the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.
Strong Support for Student Development
Through initiatives like the Minerva Scholarship Fund, students are encouraged to pursue unique educational experiences that enhance their academic and professional futures.
For more information, application forms, and submission guidelines, visit the official Minerva Scholarship Fund website or contact the foundation directly through its official email channels.
MORE RELATED CONTENT:
Seton Hall University Business School Admission Guide 2026
Stillman School of Business Graduate Programs 2026
University of Sheffield Africa Merit Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom
Rees Jeffreys Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom