VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Opportunities in Holland
Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree in the Netherlands? Exciting news! Applications are now invited for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027, offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam). These highly competitive scholarships support international Master’s students for the 2026/2027 academic session, providing partial funding to study in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic hubs. With a variety of scholarship programs available, VU Amsterdam is the perfect place to advance your education. Don’t miss this opportunity apply before the January 2026 deadline!
Overview of VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027
- Scholarship Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Scholarship Type: Partially Funded Scholarships
- Host Institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Scholarship Worth: Varies by program (details below)
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Master’s
- Nationality: International students (non-EU/EEA)
- Application Deadline: January 2026 (exact dates vary by scholarship)
Founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a globally recognized research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and societal impact. Located in Amsterdam’s vibrant Zuidas district, VU Amsterdam offers over 50 English-taught Master’s programs across diverse fields. The VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 are designed to attract talented international students, offering financial support to pursue a world-class education in the Netherlands.
Available Master’s Programs
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 support all English-taught Master’s programs offered at VU Amsterdam. Key fields include:
- Business and Economics: Business Analytics, Econometrics, Finance, International Business Administration
- Science and Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science
- Social Sciences and Humanities: Global Health, Political Science, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology
- Law: International Law and Governance, European and International Business Law
- Health Sciences: Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology, Health Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Digital Innovation, Sustainability and Environment, Heritage Studies
With a wide range of programs, VU Amsterdam caters to diverse academic and professional interests. Check the VU Amsterdam Master’s Programs page for a full list of available courses.
Scholarship Programs and Benefits
VU Amsterdam offers a variety of scholarship programs for international Master’s students. Below are the most commonly awarded scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year:
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
- Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the Master’s program (1-2 years).
- Additional Support: Contribution towards living expenses (amount varies, typically up to €5,000 per year).
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8 (approximately 80% or higher).
Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP)
- Coverage: One-time payment of €5,000 to cover living expenses in the first year.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with strong academic records, starting a Master’s program in September 2026.
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
- Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee waiver (varies by country-specific program).
- Eligibility: Students from select countries (e.g., Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam).
Fulbright Scholarship
- Coverage: Varies, typically includes tuition fees and a living stipend.
- Eligibility: U.S. students with outstanding academic and leadership qualities.
Other Scholarship Options
- Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): For students from developing countries, covering tuition and living costs.
- NN Future Matters Scholarship: For students from select countries focusing on innovation and sustainability.
- Desmond Fortes Scholarship: For talented students with financial need.
- STUNED Scholarship Programme: For Indonesian students pursuing development-related studies.
- Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP): For Indonesian students covering tuition and living expenses.
- Russian Global Education Program: For Russian students pursuing advanced studies.
- Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme: For Turkish students focusing on EU-related studies.
Student Loan Programmes
- Direct Loan Programme: Financial aid for U.S. students.
- SallieMae Smart Option Loan: Loan option for U.S. students.
- Erasmus+ Master Loan: Available for students from Erasmus+ countries.
Scholarship amounts and conditions vary, so check the Study in Holland website or VU Amsterdam’s scholarship page for specific details.
Eligibility Criteria for VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026
Eligibility conditions vary by scholarship, but general requirements for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 include:
- Nationality: Must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and not be eligible for the lower EU/EEA tuition fee.
- Citizenship: Must not have Dutch nationality.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8 (approximately 80% or higher) in your Bachelor’s degree.
- Admission Status: Be conditionally or unconditionally admitted to a full-time, English-taught Master’s program at VU Amsterdam starting in September 2026.
- Program Restrictions:
- Students starting in February 2026 are not eligible.
- Joint programs where VU Amsterdam does not manage admissions are excluded.
- Degrees obtained in the Netherlands are not eligible.
- Preparatory Program: No requirement to complete a preparatory program before starting the Master’s degree.
Check specific scholarship requirements on the VU Amsterdam website for additional criteria.
More Scholarship Opportunities
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Required Documents
To apply for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027, prepare the following documents:
- Application Form: Complete via the VU Amsterdam online application portal (Studielink and VU Dashboard).
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Certified copies of your Bachelor’s degree and transcripts.
- Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5 overall, no sub-score below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (90), or equivalent.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
- Motivation Letter: Outlining your academic goals, reasons for choosing VU Amsterdam, and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives.
- Recommendation Letters: Typically 1-2 letters from academic or professional referees (check scholarship-specific requirements).
- Proof of Admission: Conditional or unconditional offer letter for a VU Amsterdam Master’s program.
- Additional Documents: Some scholarships (e.g., OTS, OKP) may require country-specific documents or a financial need statement.
Ensure all documents are uploaded in the correct format to avoid application delays.
Application Deadlines for VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026
Deadlines vary by scholarship program. Below are the anticipated deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year (subject to confirmation on the official VU Amsterdam website):
- VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP): January 15, 2026
- Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP): January 15, 2026
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): Varies by country (typically December 2025 – February 2026)
- Fulbright Scholarship: October 31, 2025
- Other Scholarships (OKP, STUNED, LPDP, etc.): Varies (check specific program websites)
- General Master’s Program Application:
- Applications Open: October 1, 2025
- Applications Close: January 15, 2026 (for scholarship consideration)
- Outcomes Released: March 2026
Submit your program and scholarship applications on time, as late submissions are not considered.
How to Apply for VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026
The application process for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 is integrated with the Master’s program application, eliminating the need for a separate scholarship application. Follow these steps:
- Apply for a Master’s Program: Submit your application for an English-taught Master’s program via Studielink and the VU Dashboard by January 15, 2027.
- Indicate Scholarship Interest: During the Master’s application, select the scholarship(s) you wish to apply for (e.g., VUFP, HSP).
- Upload Required Documents: Submit all necessary documents, including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and English proficiency results, through the VU Dashboard.
- Complete Scholarship Section: Provide any additional information required for specific scholarships (e.g., country-specific forms for OTS).
- Submit Your Application: Review your application and submit it before the deadline.
- Await Results: Scholarship outcomes are communicated alongside admission decisions via email and the VU Dashboard by March 2027.
For country-specific scholarships (e.g., OTS, OKP), check the Study in Holland website for additional application steps. For support, contact the VU Amsterdam International Office via their official website.
Why Study at VU Amsterdam?
Located in Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading research university with a global reputation for excellence. Here’s why VU Amsterdam is an ideal choice:
- Top-Ranked Institution: Consistently ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings).
- Diverse Programs: Over 50 English-taught Master’s programs across science, business, humanities, and more.
- Research Excellence: Opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge research in sustainability, health, and digital innovation.
- Vibrant Location: Study in Amsterdam, a global city known for its cultural diversity, innovation, and high quality of life.
- Supportive Community: Join a diverse student body from over 100 countries, with access to academic and career support services.
VU Amsterdam’s commitment to societal impact and interdisciplinary research makes it a perfect destination for ambitious students.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Explore other study abroad opportunities to complement your application:
- Chevening Scholarships 2026-2027 | Fully Funded
- Open Door Scholarship 2026 in Russia
- Jason Lang Scholarship in Canada 2026-2027
- Charles Darwin University Scholarships 2026 in Australia
Tips for a Successful VU Amsterdam Scholarship Application
To increase your chances of securing a VU Amsterdam Scholarship 2026-2027, follow these tips:
- Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize your GPA (equivalent to Dutch 8 or higher) and relevant achievements in your CV and motivation letter.
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Align your goals with VU Amsterdam’s mission of sustainability and societal impact.
- Submit Early: Complete your application by early January 2027 to avoid technical issues.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can attest to your academic and professional potential.
- Check Scholarship-Specific Requirements: Ensure you meet additional criteria for scholarships like OTS or OKP.
Conclusion
The VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026-2027 offer a transformative opportunity for international students to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands. With partial funding, access to world-class education, and a vibrant academic community in Amsterdam, VU Amsterdam empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals. Don’t miss this chance to study at one of Europe’s top universities apply now for the VU Amsterdam Scholarships 2026!
For more information or to apply, visit the VU Amsterdam Scholarship Official Website and start your journey toward academic excellence.