University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) 2025

The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of scholarships for highly talented non-EU students, applying to a Master’s programme. With the scholarships we strive to support talented students during their studies and projects.

We aim to attract the world’s brightest students to our international classrooms. Students with a Non-EU nationality can apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. Last academic year we awarded 12 scholarships and received 150 applications.

• Table of Content
• About University of Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
• Aim and Benefits of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
• Requirements for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
• 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 (AMS)

Aim and Benefits of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)

The value of the scholarship is equal to the tuition fee + €5,000 additional allowance for the duration of the programme (1 year, without prolongation). A limited number of scholarships are available each year.

Requirements for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) Qualification

To be considered for the AMS scholarship applicants need to meet the following general criteria:

• Hold non-EU nationality only
• Have excellent academic results in the top percentile
• Not be entitled to receive a Dutch study grant or loan ("Studiefinanciering")
• Not receive a full coverage scholarship for the same period of study as the AMS scholarship
• Have submitted a complete application to one of the Master's programmes of UvA Economics and Business before 15 January.
• Be able to comply with Dutch visa regulations as indicated by the Dutch Immigration Service (IND).
• Submit a complete application before 15 January, including the documents mentioned under Selection criteria and Application Process.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)

The best candidates are selected for a scholarship on the basis of their academic excellence and promise in the field. This means that?your application will be compared with other applicaions for the available scholarships. You need to provide:

1. Proof of an outstanding GPA at least (Magna) Cum Laude (Dutch system), a first-class honours (UK) or 3.7 (USA)
2. Motivation letter (use no more than 300 words to tell us why you deserve this scholarship).
3. Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)*:
   • TOEFL IBT: overall score of 100 (minimum score of 22 in each component, higher subscores give you an advantage);
   • IELTS (Academic test): overall score of 7.0 (minimum score of 7.0 in each component, you can apply with a subscore of 6.5 but higher subscores give you an advantage);
   • Cambridge Assessment English: Certificate in Advanced English: 190 points overall and in each skill or Certificate of Proficiency in English: 190 points overall and in each skill.
4. GMAT/GRE** test (if applicable) with at least the expected scores for the programme, see admission and application info for the programme. A high score gives you an advantage.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Apply for the MSc programme via Studielink and the online application form (Embark).

In addition, please upload the following documents under the scholarship section in Embark:

1. Recommendation letter by a dean, teacher, or academic supervisor that also confirms that you belong to the top 10% of your class or year
2. Motivation letter explaining why you deserve this scholarship (300 words):

For more details, visit University of Amsterdam Scholarship webpage