- Tuition fee waiver (~EUR 15,000)VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
- ~EUR 5,000/yr (est.)NL Scholarship for living costs
- Non-EU/EEA students eligibleTargeted audience
- Applications open 1 November 2026Next application cycle start
- Multiple funding routes availableScholarship variety
- Approximately 1400 scholarships available (including external)Number of opportunities
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
All countries
Country
VU Amsterdam
Provider
The VU Amsterdam Incoming Master Scholarships encompass a range of funding opportunities for international students pursuing Master's programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. These scholarships are primarily aimed at non-EU/EEA students, offering various forms of financial support, including tuition fee waivers through the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) and contributions towards living costs via the NL Scholarship. The university also highlights faculty-specific scholarships, external global scholarships, and regional opportunities tailored for students from Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Africa, and Europe. The initiative combines university-funded awards with those from external organisations, providing a comprehensive support system for postgraduate students. Since its establishment, VU Amsterdam has aimed to attract diverse international talent. The application period for the 2027 cycle opens on 1 November 2026, offering students multiple pathways to secure funding for their studies in Amsterdam. Students are encouraged to carefully research the specific requirements for each scholarship. Many of the approximately 1400 scholarships managed or listed by VU Amsterdam in total, aim to reduce financial barriers for international students. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Fees — The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) provides a full tuition fee waiver for eligible Master's students from non-EU/EEA countries, typically covering amounts up to ~EUR 15,000 per academic year (est.).
- Living Costs — The NL Scholarship offers a contribution towards living expenses in the Netherlands, estimated to be around ~EUR 5,000 per year (est.).
- Faculty-Specific Support — Some faculties, such as the School of Business and Economics, offer additional scholarships for specific programmes like MBA degrees.
- External Organisation Funding — The university lists several scholarships from external organisations, including the Aon Scholarship, ASML Technology Scholarship, Russell E. Train Fellowships (WWF Food Systems Fellowship), ECB Scholarship for Women, and GyanDhan Scholarship, each with its own specific coverage.
- Regional Funding — Information is provided on scholarships tailored for students from specific regions, including Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Africa, and Europe, which may cover various study-related expenses.
How to apply
Applying for VU Amsterdam Incoming Master Scholarships involves several steps, including securing admission to a Master's programme and then applying for specific scholarships. The process typically begins with identifying a suitable programme and checking its compatibility with available funding.
- Identify Master's Programme — Research and select a Master's programme at VU Amsterdam that aligns with your academic background and career goals.
- Check Scholarship Compatibility — Determine which scholarships are compatible with your chosen programme and nationality by carefully reviewing each scholarship's specific eligibility criteria.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents for both your Master's programme admission and the scholarship application well in advance of the deadlines.
- Submit Master's Application — Apply for your chosen Master's programme at VU Amsterdam, as admission to the programme is often a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.
- Submit Scholarship Application — Follow the application procedure for each specific scholarship, ensuring all required information and documentation are provided accurately.
Eligibility
NationalityPrimarily aimed at non-EU/EEA students. Some external and regional scholarships may be open to students from all countries or specific regions.
Study LevelApplicants must be applying for or admitted to a Master's programme at VU Amsterdam.
Academic StandingThe VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is merit-based, requiring strong academic performance. Other scholarships may have different academic requirements.
Programme SpecificsEligibility can be tied to a specific Master's programme or faculty, such as MBA scholarships offered through the School of Business and Economics.
Students are strongly encouraged not to assume that eligibility for one scholarship automatically qualifies them for another. Each opportunity has its own distinct set of requirements.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main Deadline (est.)2027-02-01
Applications Open (est.)2026-11-01
Selection
Scholarship recipients are selected based on a combination of factors, primarily academic merit for programmes like the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP). The selection process may involve reviewing the applicant's academic background, motivation, and the quality of their application materials. For external and regional scholarships, selection criteria will be determined by the respective funding organisations.
Verified sources
- VU Amsterdam Scholarships for International Master's Studentsvu.nlofficial
- VU Amsterdam Incoming Master Scholarships 2027 - Global South Opportunitiesglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, offering a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programmes. Founded in 1880, it actively supports international students through various scholarship opportunities.
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 are the VU Amsterdam Incoming Master Scholarships?
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These scholarships are a collection of funding opportunities offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and external organisations for international students pursuing Master's programmes in the Netherlands. They include tuition waivers and contributions to living costs.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) primarily covers tuition fees, while the NL Scholarship contributes towards living costs. Other scholarships may have different coverage details, including full funding or partial support for various expenses.
What is the typical award value?
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The VUFP offers a tuition fee waiver, which can be around ~EUR 15,000 per year (est.). The NL Scholarship provides a living cost contribution of approximately ~EUR 5,000 per year (est.). Specific values for other scholarships vary.
Who is eligible for these scholarships?
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Eligibility varies greatly by scholarship, but generally, they are aimed at incoming Master's students, especially those from non-EU/EEA countries. Academic merit is a key criterion for some awards like the VUFP.
Which countries are eligible?
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Many scholarships target non-EU/EEA countries. However, some external and regional scholarships may be available to students from specific regions such as Asia, Africa, or North America, or even globally depending on the specific funder.
Which study levels are covered?
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These scholarships are specifically for students undertaking Master's degree programmes at VU Amsterdam.
What is the application deadline?
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Applications for the next cycle open on November 1, 2026. While the exact deadline for all scholarships varies, many close around February 1, 2027 (est.) for the main intake. Applicants must check specific programme deadlines.
How do I apply for these scholarships?
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First, secure admission to a Master's programme at VU Amsterdam. Then, review the specific eligibility and application procedures for each scholarship you qualify for and submit your application directly through the university's channels or the external provider.
What documents are required for the application?
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Typically required documents include academic transcripts, diplomas, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency. Additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, may be needed depending on the specific scholarship.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is primarily based on academic merit and the strength of the application. For the VUFP, this involves evaluating your academic record and other submitted materials. External scholarships follow the selection processes of their respective providers.
What is the duration of the scholarship and is it renewable?
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The duration typically aligns with the length of the Master's programme, usually 1-2 years. Renewal policies vary; for instance, the VUFP covers the duration of the Master's programme if academic progress is satisfactory, but the NL Scholarship is often a one-off contribution (est.).
Where can I find more detailed information and confirm current-cycle details?
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For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including specific deadlines and eligibility criteria, please visit the official VU Amsterdam scholarships page on their university website.