Imagine studying at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, surrounded by historic canals, innovative research labs, and a truly international community — all while your tuition and a significant portion of your living expenses are covered. For outstanding students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship turns this vision into reality.
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a highly competitive, merit-based award offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) to attract the brightest international talent to its English-taught Master’s programmes. If you have an excellent academic record and a clear vision for your future, this scholarship could be your ticket to world-class education in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Host University: University of Amsterdam
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Overview of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The University of Amsterdam created the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship to support exceptional non-EU/EEA students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential. It is available for selected Master’s programmes across multiple faculties and is designed to remove financial barriers for top-performing international students.
Unlike need-based aid, the AMS focuses purely on merit. Recipients are typically among the top performers in their previous studies, with strong motivation and a compelling academic or professional trajectory.
The scholarship is faculty-specific in its exact terms and eligible programmes, but it follows a consistent structure across the university: coverage of tuition fees plus an additional allowance to support living costs.
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Why Study at the University of Amsterdam?
The University of Amsterdam consistently ranks among the top research universities in Europe and the world. It offers a research-intensive environment, small-scale interactive teaching in many programmes, and access to cutting-edge facilities.
Amsterdam itself is one of the most student-friendly and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. English is widely spoken, the city is safe and bike-friendly, and it serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe. The Netherlands is known for its high quality of life, strong innovation ecosystem, and progressive society.
Graduates from Dutch universities, including UvA, benefit from the Orientation Year residence permit, allowing non-EU alumni to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation to search for work or start a business.
Scholarship Benefits and Value
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is one of the more generous merit awards available in the Netherlands. While exact figures can vary slightly by faculty and programme, the standard package includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of a one-year Master’s programme (most UvA Master’s programmes are one year; some research Master’s are two years — confirm with your specific programme).
- An additional allowance of approximately €5,000 to help with living expenses, usually paid in monthly instalments.
In some faculties, such as Law, the total scholarship package for 2026-2027 reached €25,900. For Economics and Business programmes, the structure is explicitly tuition fee coverage plus €5,000.
This combination significantly reduces the financial burden. Non-EU tuition fees at UvA typically range from €15,000 to over €25,000 per year depending on the programme, so the AMS effectively makes many degrees accessible at little to no direct tuition cost, plus meaningful support for accommodation, food, and study materials.
Note: The scholarship is usually awarded for the first year. Students in two-year programmes should verify renewal conditions with the specific faculty.
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Who Is Eligible for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
To qualify for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, you must meet these core requirements:
- Hold a passport from a country outside the EU/EEA.
- Have applied (or be in the process of applying) for an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Amsterdam.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance — typically a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8.0 or higher (roughly top 10% of your class), First Class Honours (UK system), or a 4.0 GPA (US system).
- Meet all admission requirements for your chosen Master’s programme.
- Be able to comply with Dutch visa and residence permit regulations.
- Usually be applying for your first Master’s degree at UvA (some faculties explicitly state this).
The scholarship is open to students from all non-EU/EEA countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and many others across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Which Faculties and Programmes Offer the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2027?
The AMS is available in several faculties, though not every Master’s programme participates. Availability and specific conditions are determined at the faculty or Graduate School level. Key participating areas include:
- Economics and Business
- Law (specific LLM programmes such as International and European Law)
- Humanities
- Science
- Social and Behavioural Sciences (including Psychology and Communication Science)
- Child Development and Education
- Medicine (limited options)
Always check the dedicated scholarship or tuition fee page for your specific Master’s programme on the UvA website, as eligible tracks and exact requirements differ.
Official starting point: Visit the central Amsterdam Merit Scholarships page and follow links to your faculty: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake
Deadlines vary by faculty but generally fall between early November and mid-January for the September 2027 intake.
Examples:
- Many faculties, including Economics and Business and Law, set the scholarship application deadline at 15 January 2027 (23:59 CET).
- Some programmes open applications in October 2026.
Because deadlines are tied closely to admission deadlines and can shift slightly each year, always confirm the exact date on your faculty’s or programme’s scholarship page well in advance. Late applications are not considered.
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How to Apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship – Step by Step
- Choose and apply for an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Amsterdam through the university’s application portal. You must meet the academic and English language requirements.
- Prepare your scholarship documents (requirements vary slightly by faculty but commonly include):
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s) with GPA details
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (often max 500 words) explaining why you chose the programme, your academic/professional goals, and why the scholarship is essential
- Sometimes a separate scholarship application form
- Submit your scholarship application by the faculty-specific deadline (often through a dedicated link or the same portal). Incomplete applications are rejected.
- Wait for decisions. Admission and scholarship results are usually communicated by March or April.
- Accept your offer and complete enrolment, including visa application if awarded the scholarship.
Pro tip: Many successful applicants submit their programme application and scholarship documents together or immediately after. Do not wait for an admission decision before preparing your scholarship materials.
Selection Criteria and How to Stand Out
Selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit. Committees look for:
- Exceptional grades and academic achievements
- Quality and relevance of your motivation letter
- Strength of your CV (research experience, internships, leadership, publications, or relevant extracurriculars)
- Overall coherence of your application and fit with the programme
Winning strategies:
- Tailor your motivation letter specifically to the programme and faculty — generic letters are easy to spot.
- Clearly articulate how the scholarship will enable your long-term goals and how you will contribute to the UvA community.
- Highlight any research experience, academic awards, or leadership roles.
- Apply early and ensure every document is polished and error-free.
- If your background is slightly below the typical GPA threshold but you have strong compensating factors (outstanding research, professional achievements, or a compelling story), still apply — the motivation letter can make a difference.
Required Documents (Typical)
Most faculties request:
- Official transcripts of all higher education
- Proof of English proficiency (if not already submitted for admission)
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Completed scholarship application form (where required)
Some programmes may request additional materials such as a research proposal or references. Check the specific faculty instructions.
Cost of Living in Amsterdam and the Real Value of the Scholarship
Amsterdam is a wonderful but expensive city. A realistic monthly budget for a student ranges from €1,400 to €2,000, with housing being the largest expense (shared student housing often €600–€1,000+). The €5,000 allowance provides meaningful support — roughly €400–€500 extra per month — which, combined with tuition coverage, makes the programme far more affordable than paying full fees out of pocket.
Many students supplement their income with part-time jobs (non-EU students are generally allowed to work limited hours). The scholarship significantly reduces financial stress and allows you to focus on your studies and building your network.
Final Thoughts: Is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Worth Applying For?
Yes — if you have a strong academic profile and a genuine passion for your field, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for non-EU students wanting to study in the Netherlands. It offers not just financial support but access to an outstanding academic environment in one of the world’s most liveable and dynamic cities.
Competition is fierce, so invest time in crafting a compelling application. Start early, verify every detail on the official UvA pages, and reach out to the admissions or scholarship office of your target faculty if you have specific questions.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the official Amsterdam Merit Scholarship page: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
Browse available Master’s programmes and check faculty-specific scholarship information. Deadlines for the 2027 intake are approaching — preparation starts now.
The University of Amsterdam is waiting for the next generation of outstanding international scholars. Could you be one of them?
Relevant links for readers:
- Central AMS information: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
- UvA Master’s programmes overview: https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/masters
- Example faculty page (Law): https://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/organisation/faculties/amsterdam-law-school/education/scholarships/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
- Example faculty page (Economics and Business scholarships): https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/faculty-scholarships-economics-and-busines/scholarships.html
Always double-check the latest details, deadlines, and eligible programmes directly on the University of Amsterdam website, as information is updated annually. Good luck with your application!