Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Nigerian Students

If you are an international student dreaming of studying in Europe at a world-class university, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship could be the opportunity that changes your life. Offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in the Netherlands, this scholarship is specifically designed for outstanding students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area. Every year, thousands of students from across the world apply, but only the very best are selected. In this guide, we will walk you through every single detail you need to know, from eligibility and scholarship value to the application process and tips for a strong application.

What is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, widely known as AMS, is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the University of Amsterdam to attract talented and academically exceptional students from non-EU/EEA countries. The core idea behind the scholarship is simple: UvA wants to bring the world’s brightest students into its international classrooms, and it is willing to fund that goal.

The scholarship is merit-based, which means your academic performance is the most important factor in the selection process. It is not primarily a need-based scholarship, although financial need may be considered as a secondary criterion in some faculties. The AMS is available for both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, though the majority of the scholarship opportunities are concentrated at the master’s level.

The University of Amsterdam itself is one of the most respected universities in the world. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in Europe according to US News and within the top 65 globally according to both QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. Studying there is already a privilege, and doing it with financial support through AMS makes it an even more attractive proposition.

University of Amsterdam: A Quick Overview

Before diving deeper into the scholarship, it helps to understand the institution behind it. The University of Amsterdam, or Universiteit van Amsterdam in Dutch, was established in 1632, making it one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It is a public research university located in the heart of Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

UvA is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and of Universitas 21, a leading global network of research-intensive universities. The university currently enrolls over 7,000 international degree and exchange students from more than 100 countries. It actively supports international students with visa applications, bank account setup, and accommodation arrangements. The university’s faculties are located in or near the center of Amsterdam or at the modern Amsterdam Science Park, offering students excellent access to both academic and city life.

Amsterdam itself is a remarkable city to live and study in. It was ranked 12th out of over 200 cities worldwide in a quality of living survey by Mercer. In the pan-European International Student Barometer survey, 96% of students reported feeling safe and secure, and 97% described Amsterdam as the place to be. The city is well connected for travel within Europe and has excellent global links, making it a top destination for international students.

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship: Key Details at a Glance

• Scholarship Name: Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
• Host University: University of Amsterdam (UvA)
• Host Country: Netherlands
• Level of Study: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs
• Eligible Students: Non-EU/EEA international students
• Scholarship Value: Varies by faculty, ranging from €2,000 to €25,900
• Application Deadline: Varies by faculty, generally between January 15 and March 1
• Language of Instruction: English
• Academic Year: September intake

Scholarship Value and Financial Benefits

One of the most common questions students ask is: how much does the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship actually cover? The honest answer is that it depends on the faculty and program you are applying to.

For master’s students, the scholarship value can range between €2,000 and €25,900 depending on the faculty. For the academic year 2026-2027, the Amsterdam Law School is offering an AMS worth €25,900. For the Faculty of Economics and Business, the scholarship covers the full tuition fee plus an additional €5,000 allowance for the one-year duration of the program. For bachelor’s students, the AMS is worth €6,000 per year, totaling €18,000 over a three-year bachelor’s program.

In some faculties, the scholarship amount is equivalent to the tuition fees only, while in others it includes a living allowance as well. It is important to visit the specific faculty page to understand exactly what you will receive. Scholarship renewal for students in two-year programs is also possible, but it depends on satisfactory academic progress. For example, students at the Faculty of Science must earn at least 40 ECTS in their first year to remain eligible for the second-year scholarship.

Additionally, AMS recipients may also receive a top-up scholarship in the form of the Holland Scholarship, which is a Dutch government-supported program that supplements institutional scholarships. This means your total financial support could potentially be even higher than the AMS amount alone.

Eligible Faculties and Programs

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is available across multiple faculties at UvA. Each faculty manages the scholarship independently, which means the eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and scholarship amounts may differ from one faculty to another. Below is a list of the faculties currently participating in the AMS program:

• Child Development and Education
• Communication Science
• Economics and Business
• Humanities
• Law (Amsterdam Law School)
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Science
• Social Sciences

For master’s students in Economics and Business, the scholarship is worth the full tuition fee plus €5,000. For the Faculty of Science, one or two AMS scholarships are awarded per academic year, making it extremely competitive. For the Amsterdam Law School’s LLM programs, the scholarship for 2026-2027 stands at €25,900. The psychology faculty offers a scholarship covering part of the tuition fee, with the exact amount to be confirmed by the faculty.

For the Child Development and Education faculty, the scholarship is applicable to students admitted to the Research Master’s programme in Child Development and Education, or the Master’s programme in Pedagogical Sciences, specifically the Youth at Risk track.

All programs under the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship are taught in English, which makes them accessible to students from all over the world without needing to learn Dutch. The Netherlands was actually one of the first countries to launch international study programs taught entirely in English, which has made it a leading destination for global students.

Eligibility Criteria for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The general eligibility requirements for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship are broadly the same across all faculties, though individual faculties may add their own specific criteria. Here are the core requirements you must meet:

Nationality

You must hold a non-EU/EEA passport to be eligible for the AMS. Students who are citizens of EU or EEA member states are not eligible. You should not be entitled to receive Dutch study grants or loans through the Dutch government’s Studiefinanciering system.

Academic Excellence

This is the most critical eligibility factor. You must have an outstanding academic record. Most faculties require that you belong to the top 10% of your graduating class. In terms of GPA equivalence, this generally means a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (US system), an upper first-class honors degree (UK system), or a score of 8.0 or above on the Dutch 10-point scale. Some faculties, such as Economics and Business for master’s students, require at least a Magna Cum Laude designation (Dutch system), a first-class honors degree (UK), or a GPA of 3.7 or higher (US).

Admission to a Degree Program

You must have submitted a complete application to a degree program at UvA. In many faculties, you do not need to have received your formal admission decision before applying for the scholarship. You can submit the scholarship application at the same time as your program application.

First-Time Student

In most faculties, you must be applying to the UvA program for the first time. Applicants who are already enrolled or who have previously studied at UvA are generally not eligible.

Recent Graduate

Your previous degree must have been completed within the last three years before the scholarship application deadline. This ensures the scholarship targets students who have recently excelled academically rather than those who graduated long ago.

No Full-Coverage Scholarship

You must not currently receive any other full-coverage scholarship for the same period of study. The AMS is designed to fill a financial gap, not to supplement another full scholarship.

Visa Compliance

You must be able to comply with Dutch visa and immigration conditions as outlined by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), if applicable to your nationality.

Required Documents for the Application

While the exact documents required vary between faculties, the following list covers what most faculties expect you to submit. It is strongly advised that you also visit your target faculty’s page for the most accurate requirements.

• Letter of Motivation: Most faculties require a motivation letter of up to 500 words. You should explain why you are choosing the specific master’s program, how the scholarship aligns with your academic and career goals, and what impact it will have on your future. Some faculties allow up to 300 words for a shorter version specifically focused on why you deserve the scholarship.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of all years of your undergraduate degree, clearly showing your GPA or grade percentage.
• Proof of Top 10% Standing: Many faculties ask for a statement signed by a dean, board member, or academic supervisor confirming that you graduated in the top 10% of your class.
• Letter of Recommendation: Some faculties ask for at least one reference letter from a professor or academic supervisor who can speak to your academic achievements.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should include academic achievements, relevant work experience, research projects, and extracurricular activities.
• Proof of English Proficiency: You will need to provide a valid English language test certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted qualification. This document must not be older than two years.
• Budget Plan or Financial Statement: Some faculties, such as the Child Development and Education faculty, ask for a brief budget plan to show how the scholarship will help you fund your studies.
• Passport or Nationality Document: As proof that you hold a non-EU/EEA passport.

Application Process: Step by Step

The application process for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship may seem complex at first, but once you understand the structure, it becomes much more manageable. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Program and Faculty

Start by selecting the master’s or bachelor’s program you want to apply for at UvA. Make sure the program is offered by one of the faculties participating in the AMS. Visit the official UvA website and check the faculty page to confirm that the AMS is available for your chosen program in the current academic year.

Step 2: Submit Your Degree Program Application

Before or alongside applying for the scholarship, you must submit a complete application to your chosen UvA program through the university’s admission portal. Most faculties require your program application to be completed before or by January 15.

Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship

The scholarship application is usually a separate process from the program application, though in some faculties you simply tick a box on the program application form to indicate your interest. In other faculties, such as the Amsterdam Law School, you fill out a dedicated scholarship application form through the university’s Qualtrics portal. Follow the specific instructions of your target faculty.

Step 4: Upload All Required Documents

Gather all the required documents, including transcripts, your motivation letter, proof of top-10% standing, and English proficiency certificate. Upload these through the university portal before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered, so double-check everything before submitting.

Step 5: Wait for the Selection Decision

After the application deadline, the faculty’s selection committee reviews all applications and makes its decisions. For most faculties, applicants are informed of the outcome by the end of March or by June at the latest. If you are selected, you will be notified in writing and asked to formally accept the scholarship.

Step 6: Accept the Scholarship and Confirm Enrollment

If you are awarded the scholarship, you must accept it in writing and confirm your enrollment in the program. Failure to enroll by the start of the academic year in September may result in the scholarship being withdrawn and offered to the next eligible candidate.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship differs depending on the faculty. However, most deadlines fall between January 15 and March 1. Here is a general breakdown:

• Amsterdam Law School (LLM programs): January 15, 23:59 CET
• Faculty of Economics and Business: January 15
• Faculty of Science: January 15
• Faculty of Child Development and Education: January 15
• Faculty of Psychology: March 1
• Other faculties: Check the specific faculty page for the exact deadline

Please note that these deadlines are subject to change for each academic year. Always verify the current deadlines by visiting the official UvA website for your chosen faculty.

Selection Criteria: What Makes a Strong Candidate?

Because the AMS is a merit-based scholarship, the selection committee looks very closely at your academic record. Here is what they typically evaluate:

Academic Performance

This is the primary criterion. You should be in the top 10% of your graduating class. The quality of your previous academic institution is also taken into account. Graduating with distinction from a highly reputable university will strengthen your application significantly.

Quality of Motivation Letter

The motivation letter carries significant weight. A strong letter explains your genuine reasons for choosing the specific program at UvA, how the scholarship will impact your studies and career, and what you bring to the university’s academic community. It should be personal, focused, and no longer than 500 words unless the faculty specifies otherwise.

Financial Need (Secondary)

While merit is the primary factor, some faculties such as the Child Development and Education faculty do consider financial need as a secondary criterion. Submitting a clear and honest budget plan can help in such cases.

Overall Application Quality

Beyond your grades and letter, the overall impression your application makes matters. A well-organized, complete, and thoughtful application shows the committee that you are serious about your studies and respectful of the process.

Tips to Strengthen Your Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Application

Competition for the AMS is intense, especially for high-value scholarships like those offered by the Law School and Faculty of Economics. These tips can help you put together a competitive application:

Apply early. Do not wait until the deadline is one day away. Start gathering your documents as early as possible, especially transcripts and letters of recommendation, since these take time to obtain from your home institution.

Write a genuinely personal motivation letter. Generic motivation letters do not stand out. Connect your academic background to the specific program at UvA and explain in concrete terms why this scholarship is essential to your educational journey.

Request your top-10% proof in advance. Getting a dean’s or board’s signature confirming your class rank can take weeks at some universities. Request this document as soon as you decide to apply.

Check each faculty’s specific requirements. Never assume that what applies to one faculty also applies to another. Each faculty page on the UvA website lists its own criteria, required documents, and application method. Read those pages carefully.

Do not apply for another full scholarship simultaneously. If you are receiving a full-coverage scholarship from another source for the same study period, you are not eligible for AMS. Being transparent about this in your application is very important.

Maintain communication after applying. If your nationality, residence permit, or financial support situation changes during the academic year after receiving the scholarship, you are required to notify the scholarship office immediately. Failing to do so can result in the scholarship being withdrawn.

Combining AMS with Other Scholarships

One of the useful features of the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is that it can be combined with other partial scholarships and funding sources. Since AMS is not classified as a full-coverage scholarship in most cases, you can potentially supplement it with other awards.

For example, UvA occasionally supplements the AMS with the Holland Scholarship, which is a Dutch government-supported award available to international students from outside the EEA. If you are selected as an AMS candidate and also qualify for the Holland Scholarship, you may receive both, significantly reducing your total study costs.

If you are applying to the Amsterdam Law School and also wish to apply for the Mr Julia Henriette Jaarsma-Adolfs Fund Scholarship, you can do so on the same application form. You only need to submit one motivation letter for both scholarships in this case, which simplifies the process.

Why Study at the University of Amsterdam?

Beyond the scholarship itself, there are many compelling reasons why studying at UvA is a smart investment in your future.

UvA offers a highly interactive and independent style of learning that reflects the Dutch culture of critical thinking and individual autonomy. Students are encouraged to develop self-reliance, challenge ideas, and engage deeply with their field of study. This is very different from passive lecture-based education and produces graduates who are genuinely prepared for the professional world.

The university has strong connections to industry, research institutions, and government bodies across Europe and the world. Amsterdam is home to the headquarters of many multinational companies, including ASML, Booking.com, and Heineken, which creates excellent internship and networking opportunities for students.

UvA also supports its international students extensively. The university helps with practical matters like finding accommodation, opening a Dutch bank account, and applying for a residence permit. The international student community is large and diverse, making it easy to build friendships and professional networks from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

Can EU or EEA students apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?

No. The AMS is only open to students who hold a non-EU/EEA passport. Students who are citizens of European Union or European Economic Area countries are not eligible.

Can I apply for the AMS before I receive my admission decision?

Yes. In most faculties, you can submit your scholarship application at the same time as your degree program application. You do not need to wait for a formal admission offer before applying for the scholarship.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of scholarships awarded varies by faculty. Some faculties, such as the Faculty of Science, award only one or two AMS scholarships per academic year. Others may award a slightly larger number. In all cases, the scholarship is highly competitive.

Is the scholarship renewable for a second year?

In two-year programs, the scholarship can continue into the second year, but only if you meet the required academic progress benchmarks. For example, students at the Faculty of Science must achieve at least 40 ECTS credits in their first year to qualify for renewal.

Can I receive the AMS alongside another scholarship?

You can receive AMS alongside partial scholarships, but you cannot receive it alongside another full-coverage scholarship for the same period of study. Always declare any other scholarship funding you are receiving when you apply.

Do I need to speak Dutch to study at UvA?

No. All programs under the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship are taught entirely in English. You will not need to learn Dutch to complete your studies, though learning some basic Dutch phrases will certainly help you settle into daily life in Amsterdam.

How to Apply: Official Application Link

The application for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is handled by each faculty individually through the University of Amsterdam’s official website. To begin your application, visit the official Amsterdam Merit Scholarship page on the UvA website, select your faculty, and follow the specific instructions provided. Make sure to read your chosen faculty’s eligibility criteria and deadline carefully before applying.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is one of the most rewarding opportunities available to international students who want to study in Europe. With scholarship values reaching up to €25,900, programs taught entirely in English, and access to one of the world’s top research universities, the AMS is worth every bit of effort you put into your application.

Yes, it is competitive. But if you have an exceptional academic record, a clear sense of purpose, and the drive to put together a strong application, there is no reason why you cannot be one of the selected candidates. The key is to start early, follow each faculty’s specific instructions carefully, and present yourself as the outstanding student you already are.

Take the time today to identify which UvA faculty and program aligns with your academic and career goals, and begin preparing your application. The January 15 deadline comes faster than most students expect. Good luck, and we hope to see you studying in Amsterdam soon.