Amsterdam Merit Master Scholarship 2026 – University of Amsterdam

Scholarship Description

The Amsterdam Merit Master Scholarship (AMS) is a prestigious scholarship offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) to attract the world's brightest students to its international classrooms. This merit-based scholarship is designed for outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue a Master's degree at one of Europe's most highly ranked universities.

The University of Amsterdam is one of Europe's premier research universities, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. Located in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam, UvA offers a wide range of top-ranked Master's programs across all disciplines, providing students with an inspiring academic environment and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Students will study in Amsterdam, one of Europe's most vibrant and dynamic cities, known for its rich cultural heritage, international community, and high quality of life.

Scholarship Deadline

Deadlines for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship differ per Faculty or Graduate School. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to check the specific Faculty or Graduate School website for exact deadlines.

Host Institution

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) – one of Europe's leading research universities, founded in 1632. UvA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide and offers a wide range of internationally recognized Master's programs across all academic disciplines.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's Degree (all Master's programs offered at the University of Amsterdam).

Fields: All academic disciplines and fields of study offered by UvA, including but not limited to:

• Social Sciences and Humanities
• Sciences and Life Sciences
• Economics and Business
• Law
• Communication and Media Studies
• Psychology and Education
• Arts and Culture
• Engineering and Technology

Target Group

The AMS scholarship targets outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA. Applicants must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and have applied for a degree program at the University of Amsterdam. The scholarship is designed to attract the brightest international talent to UvA's Master's programs.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the Master's program (typically 1-2 years).

Amount: The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship typically covers:

• Full tuition fee waiver (for the duration of the program)
• Living expenses allowance (amount varies; typically covers basic living costs in Amsterdam)

Important: The exact scholarship amount and coverage may vary by Faculty or Graduate School. Some AMS scholarships may also include health insurance and visa costs.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Must hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
• Application: Must have applied for a Master's degree program at the University of Amsterdam.
• Academic excellence: Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance (high GPA, strong academic background).
• Admission: Must be admitted or have received a conditional offer from the relevant Master's program.
• Language proficiency: Must meet the English language requirements for the chosen Master's program.

Note: Specific eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and application instructions differ per Faculty or Graduate School. Applicants must check the specific requirements for their chosen program.

Application Procedure

1. Explore Master's programs – Visit the University of Amsterdam website to explore the full range of Master's programs offered.
2. Check eligibility – Verify your eligibility for the AMS scholarship based on your nationality and academic background.
3. Apply for admission – Submit your application for admission to the Master's program of your choice through the UvA admissions system. You must apply for the Master's program before or at the same time as applying for the scholarship.
4. Check Faculty deadlines – Visit the specific Faculty or Graduate School website to find the AMS application deadline and specific requirements.
5. Submit scholarship application – Applications should be submitted to the Admissions Offices of the Graduate Schools. The application process may involve a separate scholarship application form or be integrated into the admission application.
6. Prepare required documents – Typical documents include:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Letter of motivation
   • CV
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Language proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
   • Passport copy
7. Selection process – Selection is based on academic merit, motivation, and the quality of the application. Selection criteria vary by Faculty.
8. Notification – Successful applicants are notified by the Admissions Office of the relevant Graduate School.

Important notes: The AMS scholarship is highly competitive and based on academic excellence. Deadlines differ per Faculty or Graduate School — applicants must check the specific deadlines for their chosen program. The AMS scholarship is administered by the Admissions Offices of the Graduate Schools, not centrally by the university.

Official Website & Application Links

University of Amsterdam – Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Official Page

UvA Master's Programs: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/master-s.html

Contact: For specific questions about the AMS scholarship, contact the Admissions Office of the relevant Graduate School.