The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is a prestigious scholarship offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) in the Netherlands. The scholarship is designed to attract highly talented international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities. Through this programme, VU Amsterdam aims to support academically outstanding students from around the world and strengthen its diverse international community.

Every year, many international students apply for the VUFP because it provides significant financial support through a tuition fee waiver and offers the opportunity to study in a highly ranked European university. The scholarship is especially attractive to non-EU/EEA students who face higher tuition fees. Besides financial assistance, recipients become part of an international academic environment, gain access to world-class education, and build valuable global networks that can support their future careers.

VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme Summary

The VU Fellowship Programme is a merit-based scholarship for outstanding international students admitted to eligible English-taught master’s programmes at VU Amsterdam.

Eligibility for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

Students must meet several eligibility requirements before applying for the scholarship. Since the programme is highly competitive, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
• Not be eligible for the lower statutory Dutch tuition fee.
• Not possess Dutch nationality.
• Be conditionally or unconditionally admitted to the first year of a full-time English-taught master’s programme at VU Amsterdam.
• Start studies in September (February intake students are not eligible).
• Hold a degree obtained outside the Netherlands.
• Not currently be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands.
• Not require a preparatory programme before beginning the master’s degree.

Age and Academic Requirements

• The official scholarship information does not mention an age limit.
• Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• VU Amsterdam states that candidates should have a GPA equivalent to a Dutch grade of 8.0 or higher.
• Academic excellence is one of the major selection factors.
• Meeting the GPA requirement alone is not enough, as selection also depends on academic achievements, motivation, future ambitions, and extracurricular activities.
• Due to limited scholarship availability, only a small percentage of applicants are selected.

Benefits of the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

The VUFP offers important benefits to outstanding international students.

Financial Benefits

• Covers tuition fees.
• Can support students enrolled in one-year or eligible two-year master’s programmes.
• May be extended for the second year of a two-year programme if the student successfully obtains 100% of the required first-year ECTS credits.

Academic and Personal Benefits

• Studying at a respected Dutch research university.
• Access to internationally recognized master’s programmes.
• Networking opportunities with students from around the world.
• Participation in an international academic environment.
• Becoming a VU Amsterdam student ambassador during their studies.
• Opportunities to support prospective international students through university ambassador activities.

Documents Required for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

Applicants should prepare all required documents carefully before starting the application process.

• Passport
• Academic Transcripts
• Degree Certificates
• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Recommendation Letters
• Additional Programme-Specific Documents

How to Apply for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

The application process is completed online through VU Amsterdam’s admission and scholarship system. Applicants must first secure admission to an eligible master’s programme before being considered for the scholarship.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Explore English-taught master’s programmes offered by VU Amsterdam and confirm eligibility.
• Submit an application for admission to your chosen master’s programme through the official university application system.
• Obtain conditional or unconditional admission to an eligible programme.
• Once eligible, complete the VUFP scholarship application process through the university platform.
• Provide accurate personal and contact details.
• Enter educational history and academic achievements.
• Submit all required documents in the specified format.
• Clearly describe your academic goals, leadership experiences, future ambitions, and reasons for selecting VU Amsterdam.
• Carefully check all information before submission.

Application Tips

• Write a strong motivation letter that clearly explains why you chose VU Amsterdam and how the master’s programme fits your academic and career goals.
• Highlight your academic excellence by emphasizing strong grades, awards, research experience, and other achievements.
• Include extracurricular activities such as leadership roles, volunteering, community service, or student organization involvement to strengthen your profile.
• Apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues and to give yourself enough time to correct any missing information.
• Double-check every document before submission to make sure files are complete, readable, and uploaded in the correct format.
• Show how your degree will help you create a positive impact in your field, community, or home country after graduation.

Deadline for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

Applicants should regularly check their email and the university’s admissions portal for updates on their application status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)