The University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) 2026 is a prestigious financial award designed to attract outstanding international students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) who aspire to pursue master’s degrees at one of Europe’s leading universities. This scholarship promotes academic excellence and diversity within UvA’s global classrooms, offering partial or full tuition coverage and additional benefits to exceptional students. Below is a detailed guide to the scholarship, including essentials from application deadlines to living costs and frequently asked questions.

Basic Scholarship Information and Application Deadline

The AMS 2026 scholarship targets non-EU/EEA international students applying for full-time master’s programs at the University of Amsterdam. The application period for 2026 opens on December 1, 2025, with a strict deadline of January 15, 2026, for submission of all required documents. Successful applicants must complete enrollment by September 1, 2026.

• Deadline; 15 January (23:59 CET) for both the LLM application and scholarship application.

University and Institutional Details

Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands’ fourth-oldest university and ranks among Europe’s top research universities. Located in Amsterdam, a vibrant and multicultural city, UvA offers students access to cutting-edge research facilities, renowned faculty, and a rich academic environment promoting internationalization and innovation.

Study Areas and Available Programs

The AMS scholarship primarily supports full-time master’s degree students in selective fields such as:

• International and European Law
• European Private Law
• Law & Finance
• International Criminal Law

University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Benefits

• Coverage of tuition fees ranging from partial to full amount, depending on faculty and academic merit.
• An additional allowance of approximately €5,000 for the academic year (around USD 5,400).
• Recognition of academic excellence on an international stage.
• Access to UvA’s research facilities and academic mentorship.
• Enhanced career opportunities globally through university networks.

Benefits Not Included

• The scholarship does not cover living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, visa fees, or other personal expenses.
• Recipients must budget separately for accommodation, food, transport, and other daily costs.

Eligibility Criteria for University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

• Must hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
• Not eligible for Dutch study grants/loans (Studiefinanciering).
• Applying to a Master’s programme at UvA for the first time (no previous UvA Master’s).
• Possess excellent academic records (typically within the top 10% of their cohort, such as Magna Cum Laude or GPA around 3.7/4.0 in US equivalents).
• Applying for a first-time full-time master’s degree program at UvA (current master’s degree holders at UvA are ineligible).
• Meet all Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) visa requirements.
• Must enroll full-time in one of these LLM programmes:
  • International and European Law
  • European Private Law
  • Law & Finance
  • International Criminal Law
• Must not already have full scholarship funding for the same period.
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum band 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 with minimum 22 per section, or Cambridge equivalents).
• Demonstrate leadership, motivation to contribute positively to society, and relevant extracurricular or community engagement.

Selection Criteria:

• Excellent academic record (GPA equivalent to 4.0 USA / First Class UK / 8.0 Netherlands).
• Strong motivation letter (max 500 words).
• Quality CV.
• Overall strength of application.

Required Documents for Application

• Completed AMS application form.
• Valid passport or national identity document.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of expected graduation.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter (around 300 words explaining why the applicant deserves the scholarship).
• Two letters of recommendation from academic referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Financial plan (optional if applicable).
• Additional program-specific documents such as GMAT/GRE scores if required.

Step-by-Step University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Application Process

1. Check eligibility criteria carefully on the official University of Amsterdam scholarships webpage.
2. Apply for admission to a full-time master’s program at UvA via the university’s online application portal.
3. Prepare and upload all required documents as per scholarship guidelines.
4. Submit your master’s program application before the scholarship deadline (January 15, 2026).
5. Apply separately for the AMS scholarship if shortlisted or when prompted (via university faculty or email communication).
6. Await the scholarship selection results announced by the respective faculty or university committees.
7. Upon acceptance, complete full enrollment at UvA by September 1, 2026.

Additional Info:

• Can apply for both AMS and Mr Julia Henriëtte Jaarsma-Adolfs Fund Scholarship (one motivation letter for both).
• Results announced by the Amsterdam Law School Selection Committee (date TBA).
• Application link will be available by 1 December.
• Scholarship amount for 2026–2027 to be announced.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Maintain a strong academic record with grades in the top percentile.
• Craft a clear, concise, and compelling motivation letter highlighting leadership qualities and societal impact ambitions.
• Secure strong, personalized recommendation letters from professors familiar with the applicant’s abilities and potential.
• Ensure English proficiency scores meet or exceed scholarship requirements.
• Submit all documents well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Demonstrate extracurricular involvement that shows initiative and global citizenship.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

While AMS covers tuition, students must budget for living costs. Estimated monthly expenses in Amsterdam (converted from euros to USD ~1 EUR = 1.08 USD) are:

• Rent: $480 to $1,190 (depends on accommodation type and location)
• Food: $380
• Health insurance: $55
• Public transportation: $75 to $110
• Books and supplies: $108
• Miscellaneous: $65
  Total estimated monthly living cost: $1,160 to $1,920

Why Choose This Scholarship?

1. Prestigious recognition by a top European university.
2. Financial relief covering significant tuition expenses plus an additional allowance.
3. Opportunity to study in the culturally rich and dynamic city of Amsterdam.
4. Access to world-class faculty, research, and career networks.
5. Advancement of academic and leadership goals with strong international peer groups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
A: Non-EU/EEA students applying for first-time full-time master’s programs at UvA.

Q: Does the scholarship cover living costs?
A: No, it covers tuition fees and includes a limited allowance; living expenses must be self-funded.

Q: What is the application deadline?
A: January 15, 2026.

Q: Is work permitted during the scholarship period?
A: Students holding a Dutch residence permit can work part-time under national regulations but should prioritize study commitments.

Q: Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?
A: No, applicants should not have full scholarship funding covering the same period.

Q: What programs are eligible?
A: Mostly master’s degrees in Law, Economics, Business, and Social Sciences; verify the specific program for AMS eligibility on UvA’s website.

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Official Link:

In conclusion, the University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for highly talented international students to finance top-tier education in the Netherlands. With its generous benefits, competitive selection, and university prestige, AMS offers students a career-boosting pathway in a vibrant academic and cultural setting.

All applicants are encouraged to review the official university website regularly for updated details on scholarship amounts, program specifics, and application instructions. Early preparation and adherence to deadlines are crucial for maximizing success in securing this esteemed scholarship.