Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships

• No. of Scholarships - limited number of scholarships
• Host Country - Netherlands
• Level of Study - Master's Degree
• Courses - Broad range across faculties
• Benefits - Partially Funded
• Application Window - Mid-January to May, varies by faculty

The Netherlands has become a popular destination for international students, providing world-class education and a dynamic cultural experience. For Pakistani citizens interested in studying abroad, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers an exceptional chance through its Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (AMS).

The University of Amsterdam offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS), a very competitive scholarship program. Its principal purpose is to attract academically talented students from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) to study Master's degrees at the UvA. These scholarships demonstrate the University of Amsterdam's dedication to establishing an international diverse academic environment.

 

Benefits

The AMS provides significant financial support to its awardees, while the actual amount varies based on the faculty and program. In general, the scholarship attempts to partially or entirely cover tuition and may provide a living allowance.
Key advantages include:

• Tuition charge Waiver: The scholarship can range from €2,000 to €25,000, and it often covers the entire tuition charge for the duration of the program.
• Living Allowance: Some faculties may provide an additional allowance to cover living costs. Some scholarships, for example, include an additional €5,000 in living expenses.
• Prestigious Recognition: Receiving an AMS is a sign of academic brilliance, which boosts your academic profile and future professional chances worldwide.
• International Network: Scholars join a strong international student and alumni network at a world-class university.
• Support Services: The UvA actively assists international students with practical issues such as visa applications, bank account opening, and locating housing.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Pakistani citizens must meet general standards as well as faculty-specific requirements.

• Non-EU/EEA Nationality: You must possess a non-EU/EEA passport. Pakistani citizens are eligible.
• Admission to an UvA Master's Program: You must have applied for and preferably obtained an unconditional offer of admission to a full-time English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam. The scholarship will only be provided if you are accepted into the program.
• Excellent Academic Record: This is an important factor. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated strong academic success in previous studies. This usually means:
  • A high GPA, sometimes equivalent to a First Class Honours (UK system) or 3.7 or higher (USA system). For the Dutch system, it's usually an 8.0 out of 10.
  • Proof of being in the top 10% of your graduating class (a statement signed by your dean or a competent academic institution is frequently required).
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet UvA's English language standards. This typically includes:
  • IELTS Academic: A total score of 7.0, with minimum scores (often 6.0 or 7.0) in each component.
  • TOEFL iBT: A total score of 100, with minimum scores (often 22 or 24) in each component.
  • Cambridge Assessment English: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a total score of 190 across all skills.
• No Other Full Coverage Scholarship: You should not be receiving a full coverage scholarship during the same period of study as the AMS.