The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a program designed to attract top international students from outside the EU/EEA to study at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) 2024 Application Update
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the scholarship provides significant financial support, covering tuition fees and a portion of living expenses for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) for the 2024-2025 academic year offers several significant benefits to qualified international students. These benefits are designed to support outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA in their pursuit of academic excellence at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Here are the key benefits:
- Financial Support:
The AMS covers the full tuition fees for one academic year, which is a substantial financial relief for students.
Additionally, the scholarship includes a contribution towards living expenses, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​.
2. Renewal Opportunity:
For students enrolled in two-year Master’s programs, there is a possibility to extend the scholarship to the second year, provided they achieve satisfactory academic progress (at least 40 ECTS in the first year)​ (Zambia Information)​​ (Nexlancenow)​.
3. Access to a Prestigious Education:
Recipients of the AMS are able to study at one of the top universities in Europe, which is renowned for its high-quality education and research facilities. This exposure can be a significant boost to their academic and professional careers​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​.
4. Networking and Professional Growth:
Studying at UvA provides opportunities to network with leading academics, professionals, and fellow students from around the world. This can open doors to future research collaborations, internships, and job opportunities​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Nexlancenow)​.
5. Enhanced Career Prospects:
Graduating from a prestigious institution like UvA, with the backing of a merit-based scholarship, can enhance a student’s resume, making them more attractive to employers and increasing their career prospects globally​ (Nexlancenow)​.
6. Cultural and Personal Development:
Living and studying in Amsterdam, a vibrant and culturally rich city, allows students to grow personally and culturally. This experience can broaden their worldview and enhance their adaptability and intercultural communication skills​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AMS, applicants must:
- Be non-EU/EEA citizens and not eligible for Dutch student grants and loans.
- Have applied for a Master’s program at UvA for the first time.
- Meet the visa requirements for studying in the Netherlands.
- Have an outstanding academic record, typically with a GPA of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale (or equivalent)​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Zambia Information)​​ (Nexlancenow)
Application Process
- Program Application: Submit a complete application for a Master’s program at UvA by the specified deadline (usually January 1st).
- Scholarship Indication: Indicate your interest in the AMS on your program application form and include a paragraph in your motivation letter explaining why you should be considered for the scholarship and how it would benefit your future academic career.
- Documentation: Provide additional required documents such as certified transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV, and proof of English proficiency​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are selected based on academic excellence, motivation, and potential for academic research. The selection process involves:
- Reviewing academic performance and motivation letters.
- Considering extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation.
- Ensuring all application materials are complete and submitted on time​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Nexlancenow)​.
Important Dates
- Program Application Deadline: January 1, 2024
- Scholarship Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
- Decision Notification: End of May 2024​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)​​ (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
