University of Amsterdam 2022 Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students  can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS).

• Table of Content
• About University of Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
• Requirements for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is a modern university with a long and rich history and one of Europe’s most prominent research-lead universities. It is the Netherland’s largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the University of Amsterdam, research is at the heart of what the university does. Nearly 3,000 researchers carry out experimental and theoretical research, and every UvA student has the chance to carry out research themselves.... continue reading

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a scholarship covering the tuition fee and part of the living expenses (the exact amount will be announced as soon as possible) for one academic year with the possibility of extension for a second year (for two-year Master’s programmes).

Requirements for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Qualification

Candidates wishing to apply for an AMS programme should: 

• not have the nationality of one of the countries of the EU/EEA or Suisse
• not be eligible for support under the Dutch system of study grants and loans (for more information please refer to www.duo.nl).
• not be eligible to pay the reduced tuition fee rate for EEA students at the UvA
• not receive a full coverage scholarship for the same period of study as the AMS
• have submitted a complete application to one of the MSc programmes (see the website of your MSc programme for the application and admission procedure)
• have been (or will be) admitted for the first time to one of the MSc programmes at the UvA
• be able to comply with the conditions to obtain a Dutch visa (if applicable)
• have completed their previous academic programme no longer than 3 years ago

The International Team should be notified as soon as possible of any change in nationality, type of residence permit or additional financial support throughout the academic year.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The Faculty of Science has a limited number of Amsterdam Merit Scholarships available. In addition to the admission requirements of the Master's programme, eligible candidates are selected on the basis of their academic excellence and promise in the proposed field as evidenced by: 

• The candidate’s academic records. Students belonging to the top 10% of graduates from their class can apply. This generally means an overall GPA equivalent to:
  • 3.5 (American system, 4-point scale)
  • 1st class honours/ upper division (British system)
  • 8+ (Dutch EC-system, 10-point scale);
• The academic quality of the educational institute where the (under)graduate degree has been (or will be) obtained;
• The quality of the letter of motivation (maximum 500 words), in which the candidate explains the reasons for choosing the specific Master’s programme in a broader context and the relevance of obtaining this scholarship for the candidate’s future academic career;
• The candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a description of extracurricular activities such as participation in student commissions, international experience, sports or music at a high level or volunteer work;
• Proof of English proficiency
  • TOEFL (internet-based); overall score of 100, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four components
  • IELTS (academic); overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in each of the four components
  • A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.
• The quality of the application as a whole (completeness, accuracy, consistency).

Failure to meet one or more of the requirements or selection criteria automatically means that the student is not eligible for this scholarship.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Application for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is part of the application procedure for the Master’s programme of your choice. On your application form we ask whether you want to be considered for a UvA scholarship. Please check this box if you want to be considered and if you fulfill all requirements mentioned above.

Furthermore, you should include a paragraph in your motivation letter in which you explain why you wish to be nominated for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship and what it would mean for your future academic career.

After applying, the coordinators of the MSc Programmes decide which students qualify to apply for the scholarship. All students will be informed as soon as possible.

For more details, visit University of Amsterdam website.