- Partial (merit-based)Funding type
- University of AmsterdamHost institution
- Up to ~€25,000Award range
- Non-EU/EEA studentsEligibility
- Master’sStudy level
- Faculty-administeredApplication
At a glance
partial
Funding
€25k
Max amount
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
Non-EU/EEA countries
Country
University of Amsterdam
Provider
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is awarded by the University of Amsterdam (UvA), one of the Netherlands' largest research universities, to high-achieving non-EU/EEA students enrolling in an eligible master's programme. It is a merit-based award aimed at attracting strong international students to UvA. The scholarship is partial: amounts vary by faculty and programme, ranging from around €2,000 up to about €25,000, and may be structured as a tuition reduction and/or a contribution toward living costs. In some cases it is combined with the €5,000 Holland Scholarship for a larger first-year package. The exact value and number of awards are set by each faculty. Applicants apply for the scholarship as part of, or immediately after, their UvA 1- or 2-year master's admission application, by the scholarship deadline, commonly around 15 January for programmes starting in September. Because faculties administer their own awards, applicants should check the specific scholarship terms for their chosen programme.
What's covered
- Tuition reduction / grant — A partial award (a few thousand euros up to ~€25,000), as a tuition reduction and/or living contribution.
- Combination — In some cases combinable with the Holland Scholarship for a larger first-year package.
- Faculty-set value — The exact amount and number of awards are determined by the faculty/programme.
How to apply
Apply for your UvA master's and the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship together (or in close sequence), by the programme's scholarship deadline.
- Choose an eligible master's — Select a UvA master's programme and check it offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
- Note the deadline — Find the scholarship deadline (commonly ~mid-January) for your programme.
- Apply for admission — Submit your UvA master's admission application.
- Apply for the scholarship — Complete the AMS application (often a motivation letter and CV) by the deadline.
- Faculty selection — The faculty selects recipients on academic merit.
- Award — Selected students receive the scholarship for their master's at UvA.
Eligibility
Fee statusA non-EU/EEA citizen liable for the institutional (higher) tuition fee.
ProgrammeApplying for an eligible UvA master's programme.
MeritA strong academic record — the award is merit-based.
AdmissionApplying for (or admitted to) the master's programme by the relevant deadline.
Faculty criteriaMeet any additional criteria set by the faculty offering the award.
Faculties administer their own AMS awards, so value, number, and exact criteria vary. Apply for the scholarship with (or just after) your master's admission application, by the scholarship deadline.
Eligible countries
Non-EU/EEA countries
Deadlines
2027 master's entry2027-01-15
Selection
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is awarded on academic merit by the faculty offering the programme, often considering the motivation letter and CV alongside the academic record. Value and the number of awards are set per faculty, so both the bar and the package vary.
Verified sources
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarship — University of Amsterdamuva.nlofficial
About the provider
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the Netherlands' largest and highest-ranked research universities. It offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship to attract outstanding non-EU/EEA students to its master's programmes, with awards administered by its faculties on the basis of academic merit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
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A merit-based scholarship from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) for outstanding non-EU/EEA students in eligible master's programmes, aimed at attracting top international talent.
How much is it worth?
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It is partial and varies by faculty — from a few thousand euros up to around €25,000 — as a tuition reduction and/or living contribution. The exact value is set by each faculty.
Who is eligible?
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Talented non-EU/EEA students liable for the institutional tuition fee who are applying for an eligible UvA master's programme and meet the faculty's criteria.
Is it full funding?
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No — it is a partial award. Some students combine it with the Holland Scholarship for a larger first-year package, but you should plan additional funds for full costs.
How do I apply?
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Apply for your UvA master's admission and the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship together (or in close sequence), submitting the scholarship application (often a motivation letter and CV) by the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Commonly around ~mid-January for programmes starting in September, though it varies by programme. Check your chosen master's scholarship page.
Can I combine it with the Holland Scholarship?
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In some cases yes — the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship can be combined with the Holland Scholarship to form a larger first-year package, depending on the programme.
Is it only for master's students?
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The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is primarily for master's students; bachelor's applicants should look at other UvA or Holland Scholarship options.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive and merit-based — faculties have a limited number of awards, so a strong academic record and motivation improve your chances.
Which programmes offer it?
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Eligible master's programmes across UvA faculties. Because faculties administer their own awards, confirm availability and terms on your specific programme's page.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
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Usually yes — alongside the admission application you submit a scholarship application (often a motivation letter and CV) by the scholarship deadline.
Is it renewable?
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The award is typically applied to your master's; structures vary by faculty. Check whether your programme's award is one-off or applies across the master's.