Scholarship details
Are you an international student seeking a prestigious scholarship to pursue your Master’s degree in the Netherlands? If yes, you might consider applying for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters. VU Amsterdam, one of the leading research universities in Europe, offers these scholarships to a diverse and international student body. This comprehensive guide will delve into the details of the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters, including the scholarship provider, eligible applicants, host country, scholarship worth, level and field of study, how to apply, countries that can apply, eligibility criteria, and scholarship deadline. We will also provide frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your application process. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are and how you can apply for them.
Scholarship Provider
VU Amsterdam offers the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters, or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, which means “Free University of Amsterdam.” VU Amsterdam is a public research university founded in 1880 by Abraham Kuyper, a prominent Dutch theologian and politician. The university is located in the Zuidas business district of Amsterdam, the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam has a reputation for excellence in research and education and ranks among the top 200 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2022.
VU Amsterdam has 10 faculties covering various disciplines, such as arts, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, business, medicine, health, science, engineering, and theology. VU Amsterdam has more than 26,000 students, of which about 4,000 are international students from over 100 countries. VU Amsterdam is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community where students and staff can learn, work, and grow together.
Eligible Applicants
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are open to international students from non-EU/non-EEA countries who pay higher tuition fees. These scholarships are merit-based, meaning that they are awarded based on the academic performance and potential of the applicants. The scholarships are also competitive, meaning that they are limited in number and not guaranteed for every applicant. The scholarships are intended for talented and motivated students with a strong interest in pursuing a Master’s degree at VU Amsterdam and who can contribute to the academic and social life of the university.
Host Country
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are hosted by the Netherlands, a small but influential Western European country. The Netherlands is known for its rich culture, history, art, architecture, innovation, and tolerance. The Netherlands is also a founding member of the European Union, NATO, and the OECD and plays an active role in global affairs. The Netherlands has a high standard of living, a strong economy, a stable democracy, and a well-developed social welfare system.
The Netherlands is also a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education, a vibrant student life, and a multicultural environment. The Netherlands has more than 2,100 English-taught programs and ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for English proficiency. The Netherlands is also safe and friendly, with a low crime rate, a high happiness index, and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
Scholarship Worth
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters consist of different types, each with its value and duration. The main types of scholarships are:
- VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP): This is a tuition fee waiver that covers up to 100% of the tuition fee for the first year of the Master’s program. The VUFP is renewable for the second year of the Master’s program, subject to satisfactory academic progress and availability of funds. The VUFP does not cover other costs, such as living expenses, visa fees, travel, or insurance.
- NL Scholarship: This is a contribution towards living costs, amounting to €5,000 for the first year of the Master’s program. The NL Scholarship is not renewable for the second year of the Master’s program. The NL Scholarship can be combined with the VUFP if the applicant is eligible for both scholarships.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): This scholarship is directed at students from India and Indonesia who can apply for it only in combination with the VUFP and the NL Scholarship. The OTS covers 25% of the tuition fee for the first year of the Master’s program and can be renewed for the second year, subject to satisfactory academic progress and availability of funds. The OTS does not cover other costs, such as living expenses, visa fees, travel, or insurance.
- Fulbright Scholarship: This is for American students who can apply only in combination with the VUFP. The Fulbright Scholarship covers the tuition fee and a monthly stipend for the duration of the Master’s program, up to a maximum of 24 months. The Fulbright Scholarship also covers other costs like visa fees, travel, and insurance.
Level and Field of Study
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are available for Master’s level programs, which typically last for one or two years, depending on the field of study. The scholarships are applicable for almost all Master’s programs offered by VU Amsterdam, except for a few exceptions, such as joint or double degree programs or programs that require a separate application process. The scholarships cover various disciplines, such as arts, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, business, health, science, engineering, and theology. Some examples of Master’s programs that are eligible for the scholarships are:
- Master of Arts in Philosophy
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Laws in International Business Law
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Master of Science in Climate Physics
- Master of Theology and Religious Studies
How to Apply
The application process for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters consists of two steps: applying for admission to a Master’s program and applying for the scholarship. The applicants must complete both steps before the scholarship deadline, usually in February or March of the admission year. The applicants must also meet the specific admission and scholarship requirements of the Master’s program and the scholarship type they are applying for. The general steps for applying are:
- Step 1: Apply for admission to a Master’s program. The applicants must first choose a Master’s program they are interested in and check the admission requirements, such as academic qualifications, language proficiency, motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and references. The applicants must then submit their online application through the VU Amsterdam application portal and upload the required documents. The applicants must also pay the application fee, if applicable. The applicants will receive an admission decision within four to six weeks after submitting their application.
- Step 2: Apply for the scholarship. The applicants must then apply for the scholarship they are eligible for and indicate their preference for the scholarship type, if applicable. The applicants must also submit their online application through the VU Amsterdam scholarship portal and upload the required documents, such as academic transcripts, test scores, and proof of nationality. The applicants must also write a scholarship motivation letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship and how they can contribute to VU Amsterdam’s academic and social life. The applicants will receive a scholarship decision within four to six weeks after submitting their application.
Countries that can Apply
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are open to international students from non-EU/non-EEA countries who pay higher tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters have different eligibility criteria, depending on the scholarship type that the applicants are applying for. The general eligibility criteria are:
- The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, a minimum grade point average of 80% or higher, or a first-class or upper-second-class honors degree.
- The applicants must have applied for admission to a Master’s program at VU Amsterdam and received an offer of admission or a conditional offer.
- The applicants must have met the language requirements of the Master’s program, such as a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, 92 on the TOEFL iBT, or equivalent.
- The applicants must not have a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands or have previously received a scholarship from the Dutch government or VU Amsterdam.
- The applicants must be able to comply with the Dutch visa regulations and cover the remaining costs of living and studying in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Deadline
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters have different deadlines, depending on the scholarship type that the applicants are applying for. The general deadlines are:
- VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP): February 1, 2023
- NL Scholarship: March 1, 2023
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): April 1, 2023
- Fulbright Scholarship: October 13, 2022
The applicants are advised to check the official website of VU Amsterdam for the exact deadlines and application procedures for each scholarship type.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters:
- Q: How many scholarships are available each year?
- A: The number of scholarships varies each year, depending on the availability of funds and the quality of the applicants. In general, about 200 VUFP scholarships, 20 NL scholarships, 10 OTS scholarships, and 5 Fulbright scholarships are available each year.
- Q: How competitive are the scholarships?
- A: The scholarships are very competitive, as there are more applicants than available scholarships. The selection committee evaluates the applicants based on their academic excellence, motivation, and potential contribution to VU Amsterdam and society.
- Q: How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship?
- A: You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by applying early, preparing a strong application, writing a convincing motivation letter, and demonstrating your interest and fit for the Master’s program and VU Amsterdam.
- Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship type?
- A: Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship type if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, you can only receive one scholarship type, and the selection committee will decide which is most suitable for you.
- Q: Can I combine the scholarship with other sources of funding?
- A: Yes, you can combine the scholarship with other funding sources, such as personal savings, loans, grants, or sponsorships. However, you must inform VU Amsterdam of any other sources of funding that you receive, and you must not exceed the maximum amount of funding allowed by the Dutch government.
- Q: What are the benefits of studying at VU Amsterdam?
- A: Studying at VU Amsterdam has many benefits, such as:
- Receiving a high-quality education from a top-ranked research university with a wide range of Master’s programs.
- Learning from world-class faculty and experts in their fields and engaging in cutting-edge research projects.
- Accessing state-of-the-art facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, studios, and sports centers.
- Joining a diverse and international student community with more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries.
- Participating in academic, cultural, and social activities, such as workshops, seminars, clubs, societies, and events.
- Exploring the Netherlands, a beautiful and dynamic country with a rich culture, history, art, and innovation.
- Enjoy the vibrant city life of Amsterdam, one of the world’s most livable and cosmopolitan cities, with a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, culture, and nature.
Conclusion
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships for Masters are a great opportunity for international students who want to pursue their Master’s degree in the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam, one of the leading research universities in Europe, offers these scholarships to a diverse and international student body. The scholarships are merit-based and competitive, covering up to 100% of the tuition fee and, in some cases, contributing towards the costs of living. The scholarships are available for almost all Master’s programs offered by VU Amsterdam, covering various disciplines.
The scholarships are open to international students from non-EU/non-EEA countries who pay higher tuition fees. The scholarships have different deadlines and application procedures, depending on the scholarship type. The scholarships have different eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and nationality.
The scholarships have many benefits, such as receiving a high-quality education, learning from world-class faculty, accessing state-of-the-art facilities, joining a diverse and international student community, participating in various academic, cultural, and social activities, exploring the Netherlands, and enjoying the vibrant city life of Amsterdam.
