The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is the University of Amsterdam’s merit-based scholarship for outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA who are applying to selected master’s programmes. The scholarship is not a single university-wide award with one fixed rule set. Instead, it is managed by the relevant faculty or graduate school, which means the eligible programmes, selection criteria, number of awards, and scholarship value can differ from one department to another. Applicants should therefore always check the scholarship information for their specific programme before applying.
For international students, AMS can help reduce the cost of studying at the University of Amsterdam and make it possible to join one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities. The scholarship is competitive because it is intended for students with strong academic records and because only a limited number of awards are available. Since the application is usually tied to the master’s admission process, students need to prepare their documents carefully and follow the faculty instructions exactly.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Program Summary
The table below provides a quick overview of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship based on information available from the University of Amsterdam.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Funded By | University of Amsterdam (UvA), through its faculties and graduate schools |
| Study Levels | Master’s programmes (selected programmes only) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based scholarship |
| Eligible Students | Outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA |
| Language of Study | English, depending on the programme |
| Financial Support | Varies by faculty and programme; specific details may vary depending on the programme or faculty. |
Eligibility for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is intended for academically strong international students who are applying to eligible master’s programmes at the University of Amsterdam. Because the scholarship is administered at faculty level, the exact eligibility rules can differ by programme. Applicants should always read the scholarship page for their chosen faculty or graduate school before submitting an application.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a non-EU/EEA nationality.
- Apply for an eligible master’s programme at the University of Amsterdam.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected programme.
- Show strong academic performance.
- Submit a complete application before the faculty deadline.
- Follow any faculty-specific scholarship instructions.
Age and Academic Requirements
The University of Amsterdam does not publish a general age limit for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. Academic excellence is one of the main selection factors. Some faculties may ask for very strong grades or rank-based academic performance, while others may assess academic achievement in a broader way.
Benefits of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship provides financial support, but the exact value and coverage depend on the faculty and programme. Because the scholarship is managed locally, applicants should always confirm the details on the official faculty page.
Financial Benefits
- Financial support toward study costs.
- A scholarship amount set by the faculty or graduate school.
- Support that may be applied to tuition or other programme-related costs.
Academic and Personal Benefits
- Studying at the University of Amsterdam, a major research university in the Netherlands.
- Joining an international academic environment.
- Learning from faculty members and researchers in their field.
- Building connections with other high-achieving students.
- Gaining a degree from a globally recognized university.
Documents Required for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
While the exact document requirements differ by faculty or graduate school, applicants are generally expected to submit the documents required for admission together with any additional scholarship materials.
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificate
Applicants who have already graduated should provide their degree certificate. Students completing their degree may be asked to submit proof of expected graduation according to their faculty’s admission requirements. - Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Financial Information or Financial Plan (if required)
How to Apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship application is completed online. In most cases, students first apply for admission to an eligible master’s programme and then complete a separate scholarship application through the faculty or graduate school’s application system.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the University of Amsterdam website and select an eligible English-taught master’s programme that offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
- Submit your complete admission application before the programme deadline. Most faculties require students to complete their programme application before they can apply for the scholarship.
- After starting or submitting your admission application, follow your faculty’s instructions to access the scholarship application portal or application form.
- Provide accurate personal details, including your nationality, educational background, and contact information.
- Upload required documents
- Check that every document has been uploaded correctly and that all information is accurate. Missing documents may result in your application not being considered.
- Submit both your programme application and scholarship application before the deadline specified by your faculty or graduate school.
- After the application deadline, eligible applications are reviewed by the faculty selection committee. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted if additional information is required. Selection procedures vary by faculty.
Application Tips
- Start preparing your application several months before the deadline.
- Write a clear and genuine motivation letter that explains your academic goals and why the programme is the right fit for you.
- Highlight academic achievements, research experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
- Request recommendation letters well in advance so referees have enough time.
- Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
- Double-check faculty-specific scholarship requirements, as they may differ from other programmes.
- Carefully proofread every document before submission.
Deadline for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
There is no single university-wide application deadline for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. Instead, each faculty or graduate school sets its own scholarship timeline. Applicants should check the official website regularly for updated deadlines because dates vary between faculties and may change from year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) for academically outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA. It supports selected master’s programmes, but the scholarship is managed by individual faculties or graduate schools rather than through one university-wide scheme.
Is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship fully funded?
Not necessarily. The scholarship amount and what it covers vary by faculty and programme. Some faculties provide substantial financial support, while others offer different scholarship amounts.
Who is eligible to apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
The scholarship is generally intended for outstanding international students from countries outside the EU/EEA who apply for eligible master’s programmes at the University of Amsterdam. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of their chosen programme. Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the faculty or graduate school.
Is IELTS or another English language test required?
The scholarship itself does not set a separate English language requirement. However, applicants must satisfy the English language requirements for admission to their chosen master’s programme. Depending on the programme, accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English qualifications, or other approved evidence of English proficiency.
Can I apply for more than one master’s programme?
The University of Amsterdam allows applications to more than one programme under its admissions policies, but scholarship rules are determined by each faculty. If you plan to apply to multiple programmes, carefully review the scholarship conditions for each one, as application procedures and eligibility may differ.
Does the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship include accommodation?
The official University of Amsterdam scholarship information does not state that accommodation is automatically included as part of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. Students are generally responsible for arranging their own housing unless their faculty specifically states otherwise.
