University Scholarship · Masters

Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

Q: Does the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship cover the full tuition fees and living expenses?

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship provides varying levels of funding. It can cover the full tuition fee and/or provide a contribution towards living expenses, depending on the specific faculty and Master's program. For example, some programs may offer a full tuition fee waiver plus an additional living allowance (e.g., €5,000 for certain MSc Business Administration tracks). However, it is generally not a tuition fee waiver; students are usually required to pay the full tuition, and the scholarship amount is then reimbursed in monthly installments. Applicants should consult their chosen faculty's scholarship details for precise coverage.

Q: How competitive is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, and what are my chances of being selected?

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is highly competitive and is designed for outstanding students. The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the 'world's brightest students'. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. For instance, in 2025, the Graduate School of Social Sciences awarded only two scholarships, representing 1.5% of received applications. Selection is based on academic merit, a strong motivation letter, and often a high GPA. To maximize your chances, ensure your application demonstrates exceptional academic performance and a compelling case for receiving the scholarship.

Q: What are the specific academic requirements for Indian students applying for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?

While a specific percentage for Indian students is not explicitly stated, applicants are expected to have 'excellent academic results'. This typically means academic performance comparable to 'First Class Honours' (UK system) or being in the 'top academic range' of previous studies, often within the 'top 10-15% of your graduating class'. For students following a different grading system, their qualifications will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine equivalency to these high academic standards. Meeting English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) is also mandatory.

University of Amsterdam · All India

Annual Award€2,000/mo (approx. ₹23.3 Lakh+)

Deadline15 Jan

Scheme Name	Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
Provided By	University of Amsterdam
Eligibility Summary	Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income)

Share this Scholarship

Understand the bigger pictureOBC Scholarships in India: The Complete Guide (2026)

About the Program

Comprehensive guide for Amsterdam Merit Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.

Benefits & Financial Support

€2,000/mo (approx. ₹23.3 Lakh+)

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a competitive scholarship for outstanding non-EU/EEA students. The scholarship amount varies by faculty and graduate school. For the academic year 2026-2027, the scholarship can range from approximately €2,000 (INR 2,20,000) to €25,900 (INR 28,49,000) annually. For certain Master's programs like LLM, the confirmed value for 2026-2027 was €25,900 (INR 28,49,000). For some MSc Business Administration tracks, it covers the full tuition fee plus an additional €5,000 allowance for living expenses. It is important to note that the scholarship is not a direct tuition waiver. Scholarship holders are generally required to pay the full tuition fee, and the scholarship amount is then reimbursed in monthly installments. There is no information indicating Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts, as this is a European scholarship.

—
Nationality:Must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and not be eligible for support under the Dutch system of study grants and loans (Studiefinanciering).
—
Academic Excellence:Must have achieved excellent academic results in previous studies, typically evidenced by a GPA equivalent to at least: 3.0 out of 4.0 (USA), First Class Honours (UK), or 8.0 out of 10 (Dutch EC-system). Applicants should preferably be in the top academic range of their previous studies (e.g., top 10% of their class).
—
Program Application:Must have applied for a full-time Master's degree program at the University of Amsterdam for the first time. The scholarship will not be awarded to candidates who have already obtained a Master's degree at UvA.
—
Visa Compliance:Must be able to comply with Dutch visa regulations.
—
Other Scholarships:Must not be receiving another full-coverage scholarship for the same study period.
—
Specific Programs:The scholarship is often faculty-specific, applying to eligible Master's programs within faculties like Law, Economics and Business, Social Sciences, etc.

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Education Level	Masters
Course / Stream	Masters
Income Limit	No income bar
Category / Caste	General, OBC, SC, ST
Domicile State	All India

Mandatory Documents Checklist

✓Academic records (transcripts and GPA demonstrating excellent academic performance, preferably in the top academic range)
✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)
✓Motivation letter (typically 300-500 words, demonstrating interest in the program and scholarship)
✓Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Assessment English)
✓GMAT/GRE test scores (if applicable and required for the chosen program, with at least the expected scores)
✓Letters of recommendation (required by some Graduate Schools, e.g., Graduate School of Social Sciences)
✓Complete Master's program application (submitted before the scholarship deadline)
✓Written work and/or publications, and proposed research questions (for some specific fields/faculties)

Selection Process

—
Candidates for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) are selected based on their excellent academic merit and motivation. The scholarship is highly competitive, with a limited number of awards available. For instance, in 2025, only 1.5% of scholarship applications were awarded in the Graduate School of Social Sciences.
—
Key selection criteria include:
—
Holding a non-EU/EEA passport.
—
Excellent academic results, typically comparable to a GPA of 4.0 (USA), First Class Honours (UK), or 8.0 (Dutch EC-system, 10-point scale). Applicants are often expected to be in the top 10-15% of their graduating class.
—
A strong letter of motivation (maximum 500 words) explaining the choice of Master's programme and the importance of receiving the scholarship.
—
A comprehensive CV.
—
Academic records/transcripts, including GPA.
—
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
—
For some graduate schools, an interview may be part of the selection process.
—
Not having previously obtained a Master's degree at the UvA.
—
Being able to comply with Dutch visa regulations.
—
Not being eligible for Dutch study grants or loans, or receiving another full-coverage scholarship for the same period.
—
Priority may also be given to applicants with a record of extracurricular activities.

Renewal Policy

—
Renewal of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for subsequent years of study is conditional upon satisfactory academic progress
—
Students are generally expected to earn approximately 80% of the required academic credits in their first year to maintain their scholarship benefits
—
For students on a two-year Master's programme, the scholarship may be extended for the second year if they complete their first year with good results (at least 40 ECTS)
—
The specific standard for satisfactory progress and how it is measured will depend on the curriculum and regulations of the individual department.

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

1
Choose Your Master's Programme
Identify the Master's programme you wish to pursue at the University of Amsterdam and carefully review its specific eligibility criteria, selection process, and application deadlines on the respective faculty or graduate school website.
2
Submit Master's Programme Application
Apply for your chosen full-time Master's program through the University of Amsterdam's official admissions portal (e.g., UvA Embark platform for Economics & Business) before the stated deadline. Deadlines typically range from mid-January to May, depending on the programme and faculty.
3
Complete Scholarship Application
In many cases, you will indicate your interest in the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship within your Master's application form itself. Some faculties may require a separate, dedicated AMS application form after you have submitted your Master's application. Ensure all scholarship-related documents are submitted by the scholarship deadline, which can be as early as January 15 (e.g., for Law School).
4
Prepare Required Documents
Gather and upload the following documents: * Academic Records: Transcripts of all years of your previous degree(s), including your GPA. These should demonstrate excellent academic performance. * Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your academic and professional experience. * Letter of Motivation: A compelling letter (typically maximum 500 words) explaining your reasons for choosing the specific Master's programme, its relevance to your future career, and why you deserve the scholarship. * Copy of Passport: Proof of non-EU/EEA nationality. * Proof of English Language Proficiency: Scores from tests like IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable. * Recommendation Letters: While not always explicitly listed on the main AMS page, some faculties or external sources mention the need for two recommendation letters. Check your specific faculty's requirements.
5
Track Application Status
You will typically be notified about the scholarship decision by email. The notification timeline varies by faculty; for example, the Amsterdam Law School informs applicants by the end of March, and the Graduate School of Social Sciences by mid-May. Admission to a program and scholarship selection are separate processes.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Does the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship cover the full tuition fees and living expenses?

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship provides varying levels of funding. It can cover the full tuition fee and/or provide a contribution towards living expenses, depending on the specific faculty and Master's program. For example, some programs may offer a full tuition fee waiver plus an additional living allowance (e.g., €5,000 for certain MSc Business Administration tracks). However, it is generally not a tuition fee waiver; students are usually required to pay the full tuition, and the scholarship amount is then reimbursed in monthly installments. Applicants should consult their chosen faculty's scholarship details for precise coverage.

For Masters In All India For General Income coverage Study Abroad listings

Legal Disclaimer

IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official University of Amsterdam website before final submission.