Netherlands Leiden University Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026

Picture yourself spending summer in a foreign lab, trekking across continents for fieldwork, or joining a research group in another country. You’ve got the drive but funding is the barrier. Enter the Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) at Leiden University: a lean, high-impact scholarship designed precisely for students who want to launch a focused academic project abroad, without needing full funding for years.

As you plan your 2026 applications, this post walks you through everything you must know: what the MSF is, who can apply, how to apply, pitfalls to avoid, tips for success—and whether this is your right scholarship ride.

What Is the Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF)? A Scholarship Built by Students, For Students

The Minerva Scholarship Fund is a specialized grant aimed at Leiden University students who wish to embark on short-term academic ventures abroad (internships, research projects, or study modules). It is not for full-degree funding. The fund was established in 2009 via the Leiden Minerva Student Association, and is governed with input from Leiden’s academic community.

Key features:

• Only projects outside the Netherlands qualify (i.e. no funding for work or study within the Netherlands).
• The grant amount ranges between €900 and €2,000 per awardee.
• It covers research costs, international travel, and living expenses during the project abroad.
• The selection is handled by an Allocation Committee composed of professors from various Leiden faculties.
• After your project ends, you must submit a final report (with images) within three months.

The MSF’s aim: to give students just enough support to make a bold international idea feasible—and to encourage meaningful academic mobility.

Why the MSF Is Worth Considering (and Where It Might Fall Short)

What Makes MSF Special

• Flexibility over formula: You propose the project; the fund backs the best ideas.
• Lean process: It avoids the heavy bureaucratic weight of large institutional scholarship schemes.
• Interdisciplinary reach: Any faculty—law, medicine, humanities, science—can apply, so long as the project meets academic merit.
• Credibility & visibility: Your final report may be published on MSF’s site, giving exposure to your work.
• Bridge funding: While MSF might not cover everything, it can significantly reduce the financial burden on you or on co-funders.

Where MSF Might Not Be Enough (or Fit)

• It cannot fund full Master’s programs or PhD tracks abroad. Only discrete segments such as internships or modules qualify.
• Because the grant is modest, high-cost projects (long duration, expensive countries) may exceed what MSF can cover.
• Competition is stiff—many are drawn to it because it’s student-friendly.
• If your project is already underway or completed, it is ineligible. Only new proposals count.

Degree Level

The Minerva Scholarship Fund 2026 is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students currently enrolled at Leiden University.

Available Subjects

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, Educational Development, and Further Education)

Who Can Apply & What You’ll Need

Before investing time, check if you tick the necessary boxes.

 Eligibility Criteria — Musts, Not Maybes

• You must be currently registered (Bachelor’s or Master’s) at Leiden University.
• You do not need to belong to L.S.V. Minerva (the student association) to apply.
• Your project must be outside the Netherlands and be categorized as internship, study module, or research.
• The project must not already have started. Pre-commenced projects are excluded.
• After your project ends, you must provide a written report and images within three months.

Application Cycles & Deadlines

MSF opens two application rounds each year:

• 15 April
• 15 November

You’ll hear back (yes/no) within about one month of the deadline.

What to Submit (Checklist)

Your application typically includes:

• A filled application form (downloadable from MSF’s site)
• Project explanation / proposal (objectives, methodology, timeline)
• Detailed budget aligned with phases of your project
• CV / résumé
• Motivation / personal statement
• Academic transcripts / list of grades
• At least one letter of recommendation (preferably from someone familiar with your project or field)

Submission details:

• All documents must be in PDF format.
• Use clear filenames (e.g. “Budget – Jane Doe”) and include applicant name/number in headers.
• Email the full package to MSF@lsvminerva.nl before the deadline.

Want to view the official MSF application page now? Click Apply – Minerva Scholarship Fund.
Apply – Minerva Scholarship Fund

Also, Leiden University’s scholarship office details MSF here:
Minerva Scholarship Fund – Leiden University

What the Award Covers & How Much You Can Get

Understanding exactly what MSF funds—and what it doesn’t—is essential. Many applicants make the mistake of overestimating what can be covered.

Typical Award & Scope

• Award size: Between €900 and €2,000 per project.
• Allowable costs:
  • Travel costs (international transport)
  • Living expenses during project
  • Research / material costs (e.g. lab consumables, textbooks)
  • Visa / permit costs (if necessary)
  • Other project-critical expenses (justifiable)
• What is not covered:
  • Full tuition abroad or full degree enrolment abroad
  • Projects already underway
  • Projects within Netherlands
  • Costs unrelated to the project (e.g. general living cost before or after the project)

Budget Comparison Table

Below is a simplified comparison of what MSF can fund vs what it cannot, to help you plan realistically:

How to Write a Winning MSF Application: Tactics That Work

Here’s your action plan to turn your idea into a competitive proposal:

1. Pick one crystal-clear, high-value project

Avoid grandiose, vague ideas. Choose one specific internship, research question, or module abroad you can deliver. Explain why it matters academically. Tie it to Leiden faculty or your own study path.

2. Map a realistic timeline

Divide the project into phases: preparation, execution, wrap-up. Include buffer time for delays (visa or shipment issues). Show that what you propose is feasible.

3. Detail a tight, defensible budget

Every line must be justified. Consult local costs (housing, transport) of your destination. Explain how you minimized costs. If you plan to co-fund via department or external grants, show that.

4. Leverage credible partners or affiliations

If possible, get a commitment from a supervisor, host institution, or collaborator abroad. This adds weight to your project’s viability.

5. Choose strong referees

Pick those who know your academic strengths or how well you deliver work. Brief them on your proposal so they can tailor their recommendation.

6. Tell your story—make it human

Don’t just list data. Explain why you’re passionate. Show how this venture is part of your journey. But balance passion with academic rigor.

7. Clean, polished packaging

• Proofread for errors.
• Use consistent formatting (fonts, headers).
• PDFs, named well, small file size.
• Submit days ahead, not last minute.

8. Keep the post-project promise

If awarded, ensure your final report is timely, reflective, and well-illustrated—because MSF may publish it. This strengthens community trust and your reputation.

Real-Life Scenarios: When MSF Is Ideal & When It’s Not

The Ideal Applicant Profile

• A Leiden student who wants to spend 3–6 months doing a research internship in a foreign university
• Someone who needs funding for fieldwork or specialized data collection abroad
• A master’s student doing part of thesis work abroad
• Undergraduate or graduate students building an international research experience

Not a Fit

• You want to complete a full Master’s degree abroad
• Your project is within the Netherlands
• You’re seeking funding for a past project
• Your financial need is so high that MSF’s modest range can’t move the needle (you may need bigger scholarships)

In short: MSF is designed as boost support, not full-blown international funding.

Step-by-Step Application Plan (with Dates)

Here’s a roadmap you can follow to keep yourself on track:

What’s Confirmed for the 2026 MSF Cycle

• The deadlines remain 15 April and 15 November each year.
• Award amounts are still €900 to €2,000 for the selected projects.
• The scope remains unchanged: internship, study, research abroad only. No family degrees abroad or in-Netherlands projects.
• Eligibility still requires active enrollment at Leiden.
• Applications operate via downloadable form and email submission to MSF.

So: 2026 brings continuity, not upheaval. Good for applicants—you can plan based on proven structure.

Common Mistakes & How to Dodge Them

• Overreaching budget: Asking for vague or unjustified items is a red flag.
• Lack of feasibility: If your timeline is unrealistic, the committee will hesitate.
• Weak academic justification: Don’t just talk about personal growth—show how your project contributes to knowledge.
• Poorly chosen referees: A generic “any professor” is less powerful than someone who can speak to you.
• Formatting / naming errors: Basic errors in your submission reflect poorly.
• Late submission: No late packages are accepted.
• Neglecting the final report: If you slack afterward, it damages your credibility—and MSF’s reputation.

Final Words: Is the 2026 MSF the Right Opportunity for You?

If your academic journey includes a component abroad—one that can be scoped, justified, and delivered—the Minerva Scholarship Fund can be your vehicle. It’s not a grand prize for an entire degree, but it’s a meaningful push.

The best applications are those that combine:

1. Clarity — A focused, narrow project, not “everything I ever wanted.”
2. Credibility — Firm timeline, host contacts, realistic budget.
3. Passion & relevance — A story that connects your academic goals to a broader trajectory.
4. Professional polish — Clean documents, well-named files, no mistakes.

Ready to go? Start by visiting the official application page and doing a deep read of guidelines:

• Apply – Minerva Scholarship Fund
• Minerva Scholarship Fund – Leiden University