Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026
The Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 is an exciting opportunity for Bachelor’s and Master’s students currently enrolled at Leiden University to receive financial support for exceptional academic or research projects abroad. Established in 2009 by the Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation, this initiative was created to help students pursue prestigious international experiences that contribute meaningfully to their academic and personal development.
Unlike traditional scholarships that cover tuition fees or full living costs, this award is designed to bridge specific financial gaps — making it a practical and accessible option for students planning ambitious short-term projects outside the Netherlands.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 |
| Host University | Leiden University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Funding Type | Partial grant |
| Grant Amount | €900 – €2,000 |
| Project Types | Study, research, or internship abroad |
| Application Rounds | Spring (April) and Autumn (November) |
| Eligibility | Registered Leiden University students (all nationalities) |
Financial Coverage
The Minerva Scholarship Fund provides a financial grant ranging from €900 to €2,000, depending on the nature and scope of the proposed project. While this is not a fully funded scholarship, it offers meaningful financial relief for students pursuing international opportunities.
The grant may generally be used to cover:
- International travel costs related to the project
- Research-related expenses incurred during the project period
- Living expenses abroad during the approved project duration
It is important to note that the exact amount awarded is determined by the selection committee based on the strength and relevance of the application. Students should budget carefully and not rely solely on this award to fund their full project.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Currently registered as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student at Leiden University
- Proposing a project that qualifies as an exceptional or prestigious academic experience abroad
- The project must fall under one of these categories: internship, study, or research
- The project must be conducted outside the Netherlands
- PhD students and applicants enrolled in full Master’s degree programs abroad are not eligible
- Membership in L.S.V. Minerva (the student association) is not required
- Applications are open to students of all nationalities worldwide, provided they are registered at Leiden University
Available Faculties
The scholarship is open to students from all faculties at Leiden University, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine / LUMC
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- ICLON (Interfaculty Centre for Teacher Training)
Required Documents
While applicants should confirm the exact requirements on the official website, the following documents are typically expected:
- Completed official application form (downloadable from the Minerva Scholarship Fund website)
- A detailed project description, including objectives, location, and academic relevance
- Proof of current enrollment at Leiden University
- A supporting letter from a faculty supervisor or academic contact (if applicable)
- A clear budget overview explaining how the grant will be used
- Any additional supporting materials relevant to the proposed project
Scholarship Application Process
Applying for the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 involves a straightforward but structured process. Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete application:
- Visit the official website at www.minervascholarshipfund.com and download the official application form.
- Prepare your project proposal — clearly explain the academic purpose, destination, and expected outcomes of your project abroad.
- Compile all required supporting documents, including your proof of enrollment and budget breakdown.
- Review your application to ensure all sections are complete and that your project clearly demonstrates academic relevance and ambition.
- Submit your complete application dossier by post to the address provided on the official website, before the relevant deadline.
Note: The Minerva Scholarship Fund accepts applications in two rounds per year — be sure to apply in the round that aligns with your project timeline.
Application Deadline
There are two application deadlines per academic year:
- Spring Round: 15 April
- Autumn Round: 15 November
Applicants are advised to confirm these dates directly from the official Minerva Scholarship Fund website, as deadlines are subject to change. Submitting well before the deadline is strongly recommended to allow time for any last-minute corrections.
Official Scholarship Website
For the most accurate, current, and complete information about the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 — including the application form, submission address, and selection criteria — visit the official website:
Apply Now
The ScholarPositions editorial team always recommends that applicants rely on the official scholarship website as their primary source of information, rather than third-party summaries.
ScholarPositions Insight
The Minerva Scholarship Fund is particularly well-suited for proactive Leiden University students who have already identified a specific short-term academic or research opportunity abroad but need partial financial support to make it viable. Because the grant is relatively modest in size, applicants who have a clearly defined project with realistic budgeting tend to stand out during the selection process.
One aspect many applicants overlook is the post-award obligation: recipients are required to submit a written project report, including images, within three months of completing their project. Students should plan for this requirement from the outset, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Additionally, since decisions by the selection committee are final and cannot be appealed, it is worth investing sufficient time into crafting a well-structured and academically convincing application.
Final Advice for Applicants
Preparation is the key to a successful application. Begin by defining your project clearly — the committee evaluates both the academic relevance of your proposed activity and its potential contribution to knowledge in your field. A vague or unfocused proposal is unlikely to advance, regardless of the applicant’s academic record.
Gather your documents early, ensure your budget is realistic and clearly explained, and seek input from a faculty advisor if possible. Since there are two application rounds per year, students who miss one deadline still have another opportunity — but do not delay unnecessarily, as meaningful international projects take time to plan.
Applicants pursuing the Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 should begin preparing their project proposal and supporting materials well in advance of their chosen application deadline to submit the strongest possible dossier.
This article is prepared by the ScholarPositions editorial team, focusing on verified and up-to-date international scholarship information.
