About this opportunity
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2027 offers one outstanding non-EU/EEA student a 26,125 euro merit grant for a Master of Science degree at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science. It targets excellent students in the top 10 percent of their class applying to UvA MSc programmes such as Mathematics, Computational Science and related science degrees. Selection is based on academic excellence, a 500-word motivation letter and CV, with selection in March and results in April. The deadline is 15 January 2027.
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2027 is a partially funded scholarship offered by University of Amsterdam (UvA) for applicants heading to Netherlands. Applications close on Jan 15, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Not hold EU/EEA or Swiss nationality, and not be eligible for support under the Dutch study grants and loans system
- Not be eligible to pay the reduced EEA tuition fee rate at UvA
- Not receive a full-coverage scholarship for the same period as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
- Submit a complete application to a UvA Faculty of Science MSc programme and be, or be about to be, admitted for the first time to that programme
- Be able to comply with Dutch visa conditions if applicable, and have sufficient funds to cover all other costs
- Have completed the previous academic programme no longer than 3 years ago
- Meet the top 10 percent standard: generally GPA 3.5 out of 4.0 (US), first-class or upper-second honours (UK), or 8 or higher on the Dutch 10-point scale
What the opportunity may offer
- One Amsterdam Merit Scholarship of 26,125 euros for the September 2027 start, paid in monthly instalments
- For two-year master programmes, the scholarship can continue into the second year with good first-year results of at least 40 ECTS and faculty progress requirements met
- No separate scholarship portal: consideration is requested inside the master application
- Selection in March with decisions in April, ahead of the September start
- Study at the University of Amsterdam, a leading European research university, in Amsterdam
- Merit recognition that strengthens future PhD and industry applications
Required documents
- Complete UvA MSc programme application with the scholarship-consideration box ticked
- Academic transcripts and degree evidence showing top 10 percent standing
- Motivation letter of no more than 500 words explaining the choice of programme and the scholarship's relevance to the applicant's academic career
- CV including extracurricular activities such as student commissions, international experience, high-level sport or music, or volunteer work
- English-language evidence if required by the MSc programme
- Passport or identity document and visa-related documents as applicable
Application process
- Apply to a UvA Faculty of Science MSc programme through its normal application procedure
- On the application form, check the box asking to be considered for a UvA scholarship
- Upload the motivation letter, CV and transcripts before the 15 January 2027 deadline
- Faculty selection takes place in March on academic excellence and promise, motivation quality and CV
- Applicants are informed in April whether they have been selected
Before you apply
- □Apply before Jan 15, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- □Prepare your 6 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
This entry covers the Faculty of Science MSc round for the September 2027 start; the application deadline is 15 January 2027. Other UvA faculties run their own Amsterdam Merit Scholarship rounds with different deadlines, so this entry must not be read as a single university-wide deadline. Selection takes place in March and applicants are informed in April. The grant is not a tuition fee waiver: the recipient must still pay the full tuition fee, with the possibility of paying in monthly instalments.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship worth?
One grant of 26,125 euros for the September 2027 start, paid in monthly instalments. It is not a tuition fee waiver, so the recipient still pays the full tuition fee.
Who can apply?
Non-EU/EEA students in the top 10 percent of their class who are admitted for the first time to a UvA Faculty of Science MSc programme, completed their previous programme no longer than 3 years ago, and receive no full-coverage scholarship for the same period.
What is the application deadline?
15 January 2027 for the Faculty of Science MSc round. Other UvA faculties run their own AMS rounds with different deadlines.
Can the scholarship continue into a second year?
Yes, for two-year master programmes, if the student completes the first year with good results of at least 40 ECTS and meets faculty progress requirements.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-26UShireZone is not affiliated with University of Amsterdam (UvA). We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.