Structure
The Minerva Scholarship Fund is guided by the MSF board and -in its daily operations- supported by the MSF-commission.
The board of the Minerva Scholarship Fund is a professional board that consists of 4 active members of L.S.V. Minerva and 3 specialized alumni of L.S.V. Minerva. They keep contact with donors and focus on Minerva Scholarship Fund’s growth and continuity.
The MSF commission consists of 8 active members of L.S.V. Minerva who organise promotion- and fundraising activities. In addition, they take care of the students’ registration procedure.
The Committee for Recommendation, consisting of, inter alia, the Rector Magnificus of Leiden University, supports the MSF board. The aforementioned Allocation Committee is in charge of making decisions on the allocation of scholarships.
The Advisory Council supports the MSF commission and advises them. It consists of old MSF commission members.
The Minerva Scholarship Fund is structured as follows:
Prof. dr. P.C.W. Hogendoorn – Chairman
Medicine
Prof.dr. C.W.J. Beenakker
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Prof. dr. I. Sluiter
Humanities
Prof. mr. T. Bender
Law
Prof. dr. A.J.W. van der Does
Social Sciences
Prof.dr. A.K. Yesilkagit
Governance and Global Affairs
Prof. mr C.C.J.M. Stolker
Former Rector Magnificus & chairman Executive Board Leiden University
Dr. A. Rinnooy Kan
Former chairman of the Dutch Social-Economic Council; professor of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Amsterdam
Barbara Besançon
Consultant at Andersson Elffers Felix; member of the board & general manager at De Publieke Zaak
Prof. dr. A.F. Cohen
Consultant; professor of Clinical Pharmacology; former CEO Centre for Human Drug Research Leiden
Prof. dr D.D. Breimer
Former Rector Magnificus & chairman of the Executive Board of Leiden University (2001-2007); professor od pharmacology
Prof.mr. T.H.D. Struycken
Chairman
Mr. Annemarie Beltman
Treasurer
Mr. R.P.M. Stuyt
Board member
D.E.E. Yesilkagit
Board member
h.t. Praeses Collegii
Julia Sterneberg
Board member
h.t. Assessor Secundus Collegii
Mauve Rosenberg
Board member
h.t. Commissaris Reünisten
Fleur van Helvoort
Board member
President of the Minerva Scholarship Fund commission
T.P. van Thiel
Board member
Fleur van Helvoort
President
M.W.H. Bolscher
Vice-President
L.G. Leenders
Secretary
M.F.W. Radix
Treasurer I
Charlotte de Roos
Treasurer II
T.P. van Thiel
Commissioner for Fundraising
D.A. Koek
Commissioner Alumni
Jasmijn de Jong
Commissioner for Student Recruitment
D.A. Koek
Adviser
L.G. Leenders
Adviser
T.P. van Thiel
Adviser
Annual account
ANBI status
The MSF has a so-called ANBI status. This means that the tax authorities have qualified the fund as an ‘Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling’ [Public Benefit Organisation] (ANBI).
Donations to the foundation are, therefore, tax deductible. The income of the MSF supports its objectives for at least 90%. This way, your donation fully supports the objectives of the MSF.
RSIN: 820955644
Annual accounts of the MSF (in Dutch)
Annual account 2022
Annual account 2021
Annual account 2020
Annual account 2019
Annual account 2018
Annual account 2017
Annual account 2016
Annual account 2015
Annual account 2014
Annual account 2013
About us
“Your student days are the best time of your life” is a well-known expression. But why are your student days so important? During their student days, students are subject to different influences from outside; by filtering and guiding these influences, the students develop and shape themselves. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to say “your student days are a basis for the rest of your life”. For over 200 years, Minerva has been contributing in many different ways to the development of Leiden students; study and research play an important role in it. The Minerva Scholarship Fund builds on this idea and supports students in this crucial time by making it financially possible for them to make an extra mile.
In 2009, the foundation Minerva Scholarship Fund (MSF) was founded by board members of the Leiden Minerva Student Association [L.S.V. Minerva]. They were of the opinion that a student association will in the future not only justify its existence based on the social factor, but it will be more and more tested on its contribution to an ambitious study culture. Being a successful student and an active member of a student association is the combination of the future. The MSF facilitates a bridge between ambitious Leiden students who are at the start of their future and Leiden University alumni who have already experienced such a development themselves. Thus, the designers of our current society can contribute to the development of the designers of the future.
What does the MSF exactly do? The MSF provides scholarships for study and research projects in several academic disciplines, especially at prestigious universities and institutions abroad. In particular those students who want to expand themselves outside of Leiden get the opportunity with an MSF scholarship to further develop themselves abroad: this may include a specific research internship or the broadening of general knowledge by following subjects abroad. The basic principle here is that the scholarship is to the benefit of a project that will contribute to the advancement of science.
Minerva is the first student association ever that realizes how important it is to make a contribution to successful studying in Leiden itself as well as from Leiden; both by means of its own members as well as by other motivated Leiden University students. This way, Minerva contributes to both the development of students as to innovation and advancement of academic knowledge and training in our current society.
To what extent is MSF different from other funds? The student himself or herself is the central point in relation to the Minerva Scholarship Fund: it is a fund for and by students. Furthermore, the MSF is accessible, quick and transparent. In addition, all applications are assessed by a highly qualified Allocation Committee, consisting merely of Leiden lecturers at Leiden University; there are just a few other funds, where such critical, independent and qualified people, with an eye for real talent and for really important projects, make decisions on applications.
However, the MSF is worth nothing without its sponsors. In order to make it as attractive and accessible as possible for sponsors, the MSF has an ANBI status.
This means that it is an Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling [Public Benefit Organisation] (ANBI): donations to the fund are fully passed on to talented students. During the two application rounds, i.e. 15 April and 15 November, the quality of the applications is very high; as a consequence, very interesting projects must unfortunately be turned down too often. Therefore, the growth in assets of the MSF is essential. The MSF, therefore, organizes diners and other fundraising events in order to be able to grow financially. A lot of donations are made as well by committed reunites, who realize how important it is to support students in their so very formable time frame.
FAQ
For donors
I would like to make a donation to the MSF. Where do I begin?
There are numerous ways to make a donation to the MSF. Please contact us, so that we can discuss the possibilities with you. Via the header ‘support us’ on our website you can make a single donation to the MSF or donate periodically.
In addition, the MSF organizes fundraising diners for professionals who work in selective professions (please also check the schedule on our homepage). Should you wish to attend one of these diners, please contact us.
For students
Do I have to be a member of Minerva to be able to receive a scholarship?
No. The MSF was founded to make education and research in a foreign country possible for all students of Leiden University. Therefore, being a member of L.S.V. Minerva is not a requirement for obtaining an MSF scholarship. Plus, being a member of Minerva does not enlarge your chances to be granted an MSF scholarship.
What amount does the MSF usually pay per scholarship?
The amount the MSF pays per scholarship depends on the number of applications, the quality of these applications and the amount you apply for. In short, there is no simple answer to this question. In average, per scholarship the amount paid lies between 500 and 1500 euros.
How big is the chance for me to get an MSF scholarship?
The chance that you will receive an MSF scholarship depends on the number of applications and the quality of these applications. In order to be able to attribute more scholarships, we depend from donations.
What selection criteria does the Allocation Committee use?
The MSF distinguishes itself from other study funds due to its prestigious Allocation Committee, consisting of Leiden professors. In the first place, scholarship applications are assessed in relation to the general relevance of the training or research. Then, a selection is made based on the resume, mark lists and recommendations of the applicant. Some tips to improve your chances are:
- Clearly indicate what the direct consequences of your foreign internship are for both yourself and your discipline.
- Aim for the most suitable and leading university or research group.
- Collect recommendations from the most leading professors or other authorities in the discipline.
Can I make an application for an MSF scholarship if my project is not completely finished yet?
That depends on the situation. Please contact us in such a case.
Can I be awarded an MSF scholarship if I am going to get a training or if I will conduct research at a university in the Netherlands?
MSF only awards scholarships for training and research projects conducted abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to get an MSF scholarship for a project in the Netherlands.
Can I make an application for an MSF scholarship for material items that I need for my training or research project, such as lab materials or a new laptop?
An MSF scholarship is meant for the person who is awarded the scholarship and not for the training or the research itself. It is, therefore, restricted to expenditures that are unconditional for being able to follow the training or to conduct the research. Examples are: travel and living costs, purchase of text books or an application for a visa.
I will follow training or conduct research in a foreign country. However, I’m not registered at Leiden University anymore. Can I still apply for an MSF scholarship?
MSF only awards scholarships to students that are registered at Leiden University. If you would like to go to a foreign country, during a gap year or after having obtained your Bachelor’s or your Master’s degree, and follow training or conduct research, you will still have to be registered at Leiden University to be able to get an MSF scholarship.
I am a medical student and I would like to receive financial support for my internship abroad. Can I make an application for an MSF scholarship for that purpose?
MSF does not give scholarships for internships in foreign countries.
Why do I have to hand in a testimonial after my stay abroad?
In order to survive, the MSF depends on both sufficient applications by students for scholarships and on sufficient financial support in the form of donations. Through these testimonials students can read how important MSF has been for the academic training of Minerva Scholars. In addition, when reading the testimonials, donors can see what their valuable donation has brought about.
What happens to my personal data and documents after having submitted an application for an MSF scholarship?
Personal data and documents are temporarily saved in a secured surrounding, which is managed by the board of L.S.V. Minerva, in conformity with the General Data Protection Regulation [Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming] (AVG). Personal data and documents, such as a resume, are never shared with third parties and are deleted after the Allocation Committee had its meeting. Email addresses and names of the people who have been awarded a scholarship, shall, however, be stored only after a written consent, in order for us to be able to stay in contact with our Minerva Scholars.