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University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2026 in Netherlands (Funded)

If you are an outstanding student from outside the EU/EEA aiming to earn a Master’s degree in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) 2026 at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the most prestigious opportunities you can pursue. Designed to attract top talent from around the world, this scholarship supports non-EU/EEA students with high academic standing, overcomes financial barriers, and enriches UvA’s global classrooms.

In this article, you will find everything you need: scholarship details, eligibility, selection criteria, how to apply, deadlines, and tips to increase your chances of being awarded.

What is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)?

The AMS is a merit-based scholarship scheme by the University of Amsterdam intended to reward academic excellence among graduate (Master’s) applicants from outside the EU and EEA. It is especially aimed at those applying to eligible Master’s programmes at UvA, including Law programmes like International and European Law, European Private Law, Law & Finance, and International Criminal Law.

The purpose is twofold:

Financial support for tuition costs (often the full tuition fee for eligible programmes) for non-EU/EEA students.
Encouraging global academic diversity, bringing students with outstanding academic achievements and motivation.

What the Scholarship Covers

While the precise amount for 2026-2027 is yet to be announced, the AMS generally offers:

A scholarship equal to the tuition fee for the eligible Master’s programme.
Monthly installments of the scholarship once you are enrolled full time.

Please note: the AMS is not always a living-allowance scholarship (i.e. it doesn’t always cover housing, food, travel etc.). The focus is mainly on covering or waiving the tuition for eligible students.

Eligible Programmes

The scholarship is limited to specific Master’s programmes at UvA, particularly those hosted by the Amsterdam Law School, such as:

International & European Law
European Private Law
Law & Finance
International Criminal Law

Also, UvA’s Graduate School of Social Sciences has its version of AMS for non-EU/EEA students doing English-taught selective Master’s programmes.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the AMS, applicants must satisfy several requirements:

Nationality & Student Status
- Hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
- Not be eligible for Dutch government student grants or loans (Studiefinanciering).
Academic and Degree Requirements
- Applying to a Master’s programme at UvA for the first time (i.e. you have not already obtained a Master’s degree at UvA).
- Program must be a full-time English-taught Master’s programme.
Academic Merit
- Excellent grades; comparable to e.g. 8.0/10 in Dutch system, First Class Honours (UK), or 4.0 (USA).
- Strong letter of motivation, CV, sometimes letters of recommendation.
Other Requirements
- Must apply by the deadline (includes both the Master’s programme application and the AMS application).
- Comply with Dutch visa and immigration rules if selected.

Application Process & Deadline

Here’s how to apply for AMS 2026:

Step	What to Do
Apply for Your Master’s Programme	You must first submit a complete application to one of the eligible UvA Master’s programmes. This includes transcripts, proof of English proficiency, etc.
Complete the AMS Application	Alongside or after your programme application, fill out the AMS scholarship application form. Include required documents: transcripts, motivation letter, CV, etc.
Submit by Deadline	The deadline for AMS + programme application is typically 15 January at 23:59 CET.
Await Decision	After review, successful candidates are notified. Then you complete enrolment (often by early September).

Why This Scholarship Is Valuable

Covers tuition, which is often the biggest financial hurdle for non-EU/EEA students.
Recognizes academic merit; receiving AMS is a mark of distinction.
Enables study in the Netherlands—a country known for high-quality education and strong international networks.
Enhancement of CV: studying under a prestigious university and having a merit scholarship can open doors in future academic or professional paths.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Ensure your academic record is excellent; grades close to the top of your class.
Write a strong motivation letter explaining why you chose that particular Master’s program, how it fits your goals, and why this scholarship matters to you.
Get good recommendation letters from professors or professionals who can attest to your abilities.
Meet all documentation requirements (transcripts, language proficiency test, identity documents) early.
Don’t wait till the last minute: deadlines are strict and applications with missing parts are usually rejected automatically.

Potential Limitations & Things to Keep in Mind

The amount is tuition fee coverage only; living and accommodation expenses might not be included or only partially supported.
Only specific Master’s programmes are eligible, largely in law or social sciences or specific faculties. If your intended program is outside eligible ones, the scholarship may not apply.
Highly competitive—limited number of scholarships; only the best candidates will succeed.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2026 at UvA is a standout opportunity for anyone from outside the EU/EEA with strong academic records, ambition, and a clear vision. If you match the eligibility, prepare strongly, and apply on time, this could be your ticket to a world-class Master’s education in the Netherlands without the burden of tuition costs.