Apply for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship to study in the Netherlands at the University of Amsterdam. Fully funded support for international Master’s students.
Overview of Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam offers the prestigious Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) to attract outstanding international students to pursue advanced education in the Netherlands. This scholarship is designed for talented students from outside the EU/EEA who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential. Through this opportunity, international students can study at one of Europe’s leading universities while receiving significant financial support.

The program aims to build a diverse and globally connected academic community. If you have excellent academic credentials and want to study in Europe, this fully funded opportunity can help you achieve your goals. Apply now and secure your future with world-class education in Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Details
Here are the essential details of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship program.
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Host University: University of Amsterdam
- Scholarship Name: Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
- Degree Level: Master’s Programs
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded / merit-based funding
- Application Deadline: Usually around mid-January (varies by faculty)
- Selection Process: Merit-based evaluation
Students must first apply to a Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam before applying for the scholarship.
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Eligibility Criteria for Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
To be eligible for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Hold a non-EU/EEA passport
- Apply for a Master’s degree program at the University of Amsterdam
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen program
- Be able to comply with Dutch visa regulations
- Not receive another full scholarship for the same study period
The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded to the most academically talented applicants.
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Amsterdam Scholarship Benefits
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship provides substantial financial support to international students.
Financial benefits may include:
- Coverage of tuition fees
- Additional living allowance (around €5,000 or more depending on the faculty)
- Monthly installment payments during the program
- Access to world-class academic resources
- Opportunity to study at a top European university
In some programs, the total scholarship value can reach around €25,000 depending on the faculty and course. This funding significantly reduces the cost of studying abroad and allows students to focus on their academic success.
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Duration of the Scholarship
The duration of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship depends on the Master’s program.
Typical duration:
- 1 year for most Master’s programs
- Up to 2 years for selected research or extended programs
Continuation for the second year requires satisfactory academic progress and credit completion.
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Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Tracks
Faculty-Based Scholarship Tracks
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is available through several faculties at the University of Amsterdam. Each faculty manages its own selection process and criteria.
Key participating faculties include:
- Economics and Business
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Communication Science
- Child Development and Education
Each faculty may offer different scholarship amounts and deadlines.
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Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying.
- Valid passport copy
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- English language proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL if required)
- Proof of admission to a UvA Master’s program
Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted before the deadline.
Is a Supervisor Required?
No supervisor is required for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship application. However, students must secure admission to a Master’s program before being considered for the scholarship.
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IELTS Requirement for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
1. Scholarship Requirement
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship does not require IELTS separately during the scholarship application. But you must first get admission to a Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam, and the university has its own English language requirements.
2. University IELTS Requirement
Most Master’s programs at the University of Amsterdam require:
-
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall
-
Minimum 6.5 in each band
Some programs may accept slightly different scores depending on the faculty.
3. Alternative English Tests Accepted
If you don’t take IELTS, the university may accept:
-
TOEFL iBT – usually around 100+
-
Cambridge C1 Advanced
-
Cambridge C2 Proficiency
Many international students also explore study destinations where IELTS is not always mandatory, especially when universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency or waive language tests based on previous education. Countries such as Germany, Norway, Turkey, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea offer multiple universities and scholarship programs where applicants can study using a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or alternative English tests instead of IELTS.
These destinations provide affordable or fully funded opportunities across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, making them attractive options for students who want to study abroad while avoiding standardized English exams. Exploring these countries can significantly expand your chances of securing international admission and financial support.
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Application Process for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Follow these steps carefully to apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
- Submit your application for a Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
Step 2: Check Faculty Scholarship Page
- Each faculty provides its own scholarship application instructions.
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application
- Apply through the faculty or graduate school admissions office.
Step 4: Provide Required Documents
- Upload all required documents including transcripts and motivation letter.
Step 5: Await Selection Results
- Selected candidates are notified after the evaluation process.
Selection is primarily based on academic merit and achievements. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in Europe and start your journey today.
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Universities Under This Scholarship
The scholarship is offered by:
- University of Amsterdam
Some programs may involve collaboration with research institutes and partner organizations across Europe.
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Apply for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship provides an incredible chance to study at one of Europe’s top universities while receiving significant financial support. If you are an ambitious international student with strong academic achievements, this opportunity can open doors to global education and career success. Apply now, secure your future, and start your journey today in the Netherlands.
Don’t miss this opportunity to study at the University of Amsterdam with financial support designed to help talented students succeed.