Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students applying for Master’s programmes in the Netherlands. The university provides its own scholarships as well as opportunities funded by external organisations and region-specific scholarship providers.
The scholarship opportunities are particularly relevant to students from non-EU/EEA countries who are required to pay higher tuition fees. Available funding includes the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP), NL Scholarship, faculty-specific opportunities and a selection of external international and regional scholarships.
The call to apply opens on 1 November 2026. Prospective students should check the eligibility and deadline requirements for both their chosen Master’s programme and the specific scholarship they intend to pursue.
VU Fellowship Programme
The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is a merit-based scholarship offered by VU Amsterdam to eligible incoming Master’s students.
The VUFP provides a tuition fee waiver and is intended for students from non-EU/EEA countries who pay higher tuition fees.
The scholarship can be combined with the NL Scholarship, potentially providing additional financial support towards living costs.
Applicants should carefully review the specific VUFP eligibility criteria and application procedure because admission to a Master’s programme and scholarship selection may involve separate requirements.
NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship Programme, is another funding opportunity available to international students.
The scholarship is intended to provide a contribution towards living costs and can be combined with the VU Fellowship Programme for eligible students.
The NL Scholarship is financially supported by VUvereniging, a social network of people connected to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Students should verify the current scholarship conditions, eligible programmes and application requirements before applying.
Other Scholarships Offered by VU Amsterdam
In addition to the VUFP and NL Scholarship, VU Amsterdam lists other opportunities for international Master’s students.
These include scholarships offered through the School of Business and Economics for MBA students.
The availability and eligibility requirements can differ according to the programme, faculty and applicant’s background. Applicants should therefore confirm whether their intended degree programme qualifies for a particular scholarship.
Global Scholarships from External Organisations
VU Amsterdam also highlights several scholarships provided by external organisations. These opportunities may be open to students from different countries and academic backgrounds, although eligibility depends on the individual scholarship and the Master’s programme.
Listed opportunities include:
- Aon Scholarship
- ASML Technology Scholarship
- Russell E. Train Fellowships (WWF Food Systems Fellowship)
- ECB Scholarship for Women
- GyanDhan Scholarship
Applicants should review each external scholarship separately to determine eligibility, funding arrangements and application requirements.
Regional Scholarship Opportunities
The university also provides information about scholarships targeted at students from particular regions.
Regional opportunities are listed for students from:
- Asia
- North America
- South America
- Australia
- Africa
- Europe
This regional approach can be particularly useful for prospective students who do not qualify for one of VU Amsterdam’s general international scholarships but may be eligible for funding based on their country or region of origin.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship opportunities are primarily aimed at incoming Master’s students, with several opportunities specifically intended for students from non-EU/EEA countries who pay higher tuition fees.
Eligibility varies significantly between scholarships. Some global scholarships may be available to students from all countries, while other opportunities are restricted according to nationality, region, academic programme or field of study.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that eligibility for one VU Amsterdam scholarship automatically applies to another.
Why Consider VU Amsterdam Scholarships?
Studying for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands can involve substantial tuition and living expenses. Scholarship support can help international students manage some of these costs while pursuing postgraduate education at a major European university.
VU Amsterdam’s scholarship page also provides access to several funding routes in one place, including university-funded, externally funded and region-specific opportunities.
The combination of the VUFP tuition fee waiver and the NL Scholarship contribution towards living costs can be particularly attractive to eligible non-EU/EEA students.
How to Strengthen a Scholarship Application
Applicants should begin by identifying Master’s programmes at VU Amsterdam that match their academic background and career goals.
They should then determine which scholarships are compatible with their chosen programme and nationality. Applicants should carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility criteria rather than applying on the assumption that all opportunities have the same requirements.
Strong applications should clearly demonstrate academic merit where required and provide accurate information about the applicant’s educational background, programme choice and motivation.
Applicants should also begin preparing their Master’s admission and scholarship materials well before the relevant deadlines.
Application Deadline
The call to apply opens on 1 November 2026. Scholarship deadlines may vary depending on the specific funding opportunity and Master’s programme.
Prospective applicants should check VU Amsterdam’s official scholarship information and their chosen degree programme for the applicable deadlines and application procedures.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Other Funding Options
Students who do not qualify for a VU Amsterdam scholarship can also explore the university’s information on other funding options, including financial support and loans.
VU Amsterdam provides dedicated guidance for incoming students who need alternative ways to finance their studies.
About VU Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The university offers a broad range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programmes and welcomes students from around the world.
Its incoming Master’s scholarship opportunities provide international students with multiple potential routes to financial support.
