The Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation (MSF), established in 2009, is a prestigious initiative dedicated to supporting students of Leiden University across all academic disciplines. The fund provides financial assistance to outstanding students undertaking exceptional or high-impact study, research, or internship projects outside their home country.
This scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence and global exposure by enabling students to participate in meaningful international experiences that contribute to their academic and professional development.
Application Deadlines
The Minerva Scholarship Fund operates two application cycles each year:
- 15 April
- 15 November
Applicants are strongly advised to prepare and submit all required documents well before these deadlines to avoid disqualification.
Eligible Applicants
This scholarship is open to:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students currently enrolled at Leiden University
- Students from all nationalities and backgrounds
Fields of Study
The MSF supports students from a wide range of faculties, including:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine (LUMC)
- Governance and Global Affairs
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
- ICLON (Teacher Training and Education Development)
Types of Projects Supported
The scholarship funds international academic activities, specifically:
- Internships
- Study programmes (short-term)
- Research projects
⚠️ Note: Full Master’s programmes and PhD tracks are not eligible for funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Minerva Scholarship Fund, applicants must:
- Be officially registered as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student at Leiden University
- Submit a proposal for an exceptional or prestigious academic project abroad
- Ensure the project falls within one of the approved categories: internship, study, or research
- Membership in the Leiden Minerva Student Association is not required
Scholarship Value
Successful applicants will receive funding ranging from:
- €900 to €2,000
The scholarship may cover:
- Research-related expenses
- International travel costs
- Living expenses during the project period
Application Process
To apply for the MSF scholarship, follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official application form from the website
- Complete the form accurately and thoroughly
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Submit your complete application dossier to the specified address before the deadline
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
All applications are reviewed by an allocation committee made up of academic staff from various disciplines at Leiden University.
Applications are assessed based on:
- The quality and relevance of the proposed project
- The project’s academic contribution and impact
- Its potential to advance knowledge within the field
Applicants will receive feedback on their application status within one month after the deadline.
❗ Important: Scholarship decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Obligations of Awardees
Recipients of the scholarship are required to:
- Submit a detailed project report within three months after completing their project
- Include supporting images or documentation showcasing their work and experience
Additional Information
The Minerva Scholarship Fund Foundation is officially recognized as a charitable organization (ANBI) under Dutch tax law. This means that donations made to the foundation may be tax-deductible, provided they meet specific legal requirements.
About the Fund
The MSF aims to promote academic growth by funding innovative, high-quality, and impactful student projects abroad. It particularly prioritizes projects that are unique, ambitious, and capable of contributing meaningfully to academic disciplines.
The fund was established as an initiative of the Leiden Minerva Student Association, reflecting its commitment to fostering intellectual excellence and global engagement among students.
Disclaimer
Applicants bear full responsibility for ensuring that:
- Their application is complete and accurate
- All required documents are submitted before the deadline
Neither Leiden University nor the Minerva Scholarship Fund will be held responsible for late or incomplete submissions.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, you can reach out via:
- Email: minervascholarshipfund@lsvminerva.nl
- Alternative Email: assessorii@lsvminerva.nl
- Website: www.minervascholarshipfund.com