The Minerva Scholarship 2026 at Leiden University is an exciting opportunity for talented Bachelor’s and Master’s students who wish to pursue exceptional research, study, or internship projects abroad. Established by the Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) in 2009, this program is designed to support students in advancing their academic knowledge, cultural exposure, and global impact. Unlike conventional scholarships, this funded scholarship supports unique, prestigious, and innovative projects outside the Netherlands, making it highly competitive and distinctive. With a grant ranging from €900 to €2000, it covers essential costs such as research, travel, and living expenses.

This fellowship not only strengthens students’ careers but also enhances the international reputation of Leiden University as one of the world’s top academic institutions. If you are passionate about undertaking an exclusive project abroad, this scholarship can open the door to new horizons.

About Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Leiden University is ranked 126th globally and is widely recognized for its excellence in humanities, law, social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences. It has produced 16 Nobel laureates and continues to be a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation.

With its international outlook and commitment to supporting ambitious students, Leiden University is the ideal platform for students applying to the Minerva Scholarship, which reflects the university’s mission of fostering academic excellence across all disciplines.

Overview of Minerva Scholarship 2026

Field	Details
Scholarship Name	Minerva Scholarship 2026
Host University	Leiden University, Netherlands
Administered by	Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation (MSF)
Eligible Degrees	Bachelor’s and Master’s students
Scholarship Type	Research, Internship, or Study Project Abroad
Grant Value	€900 – €2000
Eligible Faculties	Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine/LUMC, Governance & Global Affairs, Law, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Science, ICLON
Eligible Nationalities	All countries
Deadline	15 November 2025

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants of the Minerva Scholarship 2026 will enjoy:

• Financial grant between €900 and €2000
• Coverage of research-related costs
• Support for international travel expenses
• Contribution to living expenses abroad
• Opportunity to enhance academic and professional profile
• Recognition for undertaking an exceptional or prestigious project
• Experience of working in an international academic environment

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student enrolled at Leiden University.
2. The project must fall into one of the following categories:
   • Study abroad
   • Research project
   • Internship abroad
3. The project should be exceptional, exclusive, or prestigious in nature.
4. Applicants need not be a member of L.S.V. Minerva to apply.
5. PhD programs and complete Master’s degrees abroad are not eligible.
6. Students must be willing to submit a project report with images within 3 months after project completion.

Application Process

To apply for the Minerva Scholarship 2026, follow these steps:

• Visit the official application portal: Apply to Minerva Scholarship.
• Download and complete the application form.
• Prepare all required documents (project proposal, budget plan, transcripts, etc.).
• Submit the complete application dossier to the address specified on the form before 15 November 2025.
• Wait for evaluation by the allocation committee, composed of Leiden University faculty members.
• Applicants will be notified within one month after the deadline regarding the decision.

Comparison with Similar Scholarships

Scholarship	Host University	Funding Value	Eligible Levels	Focus Area	Deadline
Minerva Scholarship 2026	Leiden University	€900 – €2000	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Study, Research, Internship Abroad	15 Nov 2025
Erasmus+ Mobility Grant	EU Partner Universities	€300 – €500/month	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD	Exchange & Mobility	Varies by institution
Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS)	Leiden University	Partial to full tuition	Master’s only	Academic Excellence	Feb/Oct 2025
Orange Tulip Scholarship	Dutch Universities	Partial tuition + allowance	Master’s	Developing Countries	March–May 2025
DAAD Study Scholarships	German Universities	€850–€1200/month	Master’s	Research/Study in Germany	Oct 2025

FAQs About Minerva Scholarship 2026 

1. Who can apply for the Minerva Scholarship 2026?
   All Bachelor’s and Master’s students enrolled at Leiden University from any nationality are eligible.
2. Is this scholarship available for PhD students?
   No, the scholarship is strictly for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
3. Do I need to be a member of L.S.V. Minerva?
   No, membership is not required to apply.
4. What expenses are covered under the scholarship?
   Research, travel, and living expenses abroad are covered.
5. What is the maximum grant amount I can receive?
   The scholarship ranges between €900 and €2000.
6. How does a university evaluate applications?
   Applications are reviewed by an allocation committee of Leiden University professors based on academic quality, project relevance, and impact.
7. Can I apply if my project is within the Netherlands?
   No, the scholarship is for international study, research, or internship projects.
8. When will I know the result of my application?
   Applicants will get notification within one month after the application deadline.
9. Can I appeal the decision if my application is rejected?
   No, scholarship decisions are final and you cannot appeal.
10. What is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
    The deadline is 15 November 2025.

Important Notes

• This scholarship is for exceptional projects abroad only.
• Students must ensure their application is complete.
• A final project report with images is mandatory after completion.
• The scholarship fund operates under ANBI charity status, making donations tax-deductible in the Netherlands.

If you are a Leiden University student eager to expand your academic and professional journey beyond borders, the Minerva Scholarship 2026 offers the perfect platform. Don’t miss this chance to transform your study, research, or internship abroad into a reality. APPLY NOW. For more details, you can visit the official scholarship page here: Minerva Scholarship Fund – Leiden University.

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