The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is a prestigious tuition fee waiver awarded to exceptional and talented non-EU/EEA students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam).
As one of the top universities in the Netherlands, VU Amsterdam is committed to providing a world-class education to students from around the globe.
The VUFP is a merit-based scholarship program that recognizes and rewards outstanding academic achievement, talent, and potential.
Established to promote academic excellence and diversity, the VUFP has a rich history of supporting international students in achieving their academic goals.
The program’s purpose is to foster a community of talented and motivated students who will contribute to the academic and cultural landscape of VU Amsterdam.
Each year, VU Amsterdam commits approximately one million euros to the VUFP, demonstrating its dedication to attracting and supporting highly motivated and excellent students.
The scholarship program is highly competitive, and only a limited number of VUFP awards are available each year.
Benefits of the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme offers a range of benefits to support international students in achieving their academic goals.
The program provides a comprehensive package of financial and logistical support, enabling students to focus on their studies and research without unnecessary financial burdens.
The benefits of the VUFP include:
Full Tuition Fee Waiver: The VUFP covers the full tuition fee for the duration of the Master’s programme, up to a maximum of two years. This waiver is worth approximately €12,000 to €14,000 per year, depending on the programme.
Living Allowance: In addition to the tuition fee waiver, VUFP scholars receive a monthly living allowance of €1,000 to support their living expenses in Amsterdam. This allowance is intended to cover basic costs such as accommodation, food, and transportation.
Other Benefits: VUFP scholars also enjoy a range of additional benefits, including
- Visa Application Support: VU Amsterdam provides assistance with the visa application process, ensuring a smooth transition to the Netherlands.
- Accommodation Assistance: The university offers support in finding suitable accommodation in Amsterdam, including access to student housing.
- Orientation Programme: VUFP scholars participate in an orientation program, introduces them to the university, city, and Dutch culture.
- Academic Support: Scholars have access to academic support services, including language training and study skills workshops.
- Networking Opportunities: VUFP scholars become part of a community of talented international students, providing a valuable network for academic and professional development.
Overall, the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme offers a comprehensive package of financial and logistical support, enabling international students to thrive academically and personally during their time at VU Amsterdam.
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Eligibility Criteria for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme
The eligibility criteria for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme are as follows:
- Nationality Requirements: The candidate must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and be ineligible for the lower tuition fee.
- Academic Requirements: The candidate must have a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8.
- Language Proficiency Requirements: There are no language proficiency requirements mentioned in the scholarship criteria.
- Other Requirements: The candidate must be conditionally or unconditionally admitted to the first year of a full-time English-taught Master’s program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The degree with which the candidate is seeking admission must not have been obtained in the Netherlands. The candidate must not need to complete a preparatory program before the start of their master’s.
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How to Apply for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Program
The application process for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme is a straightforward and online-based process. To apply, candidates must follow these steps:
Firstly, candidates must submit their application for the Master’s programme at VU Amsterdam through the university’s online application portal, Studielink.
Once they have received their conditional or unconditional admission to the program, they can apply for the VUFP scholarship.
Next, candidates must complete the online VUFP application form, which typically opens in November and closes in February for the upcoming academic year.
The form requires personal information, academic background, and motivation for applying for the scholarship.
In addition to the online form, candidates must upload several required documents, including:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter (around 500–700 words) explaining why they are an excellent candidate for the scholarship
- Academic transcripts from previous degrees
- A copy of their passport
All documents must be submitted in English and meet the specific requirements outlined by VU Amsterdam.
It is essential to note that the submission deadlines are strict, and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
The deadline for VUFP applications is usually in February, but candidates should check the official website for the exact date.
After submitting their application, candidates will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.
The Selection Committee will then review all applications, and candidates will be informed of the outcome by email in April or May.
If selected, candidates will receive a scholarship offer, which they must accept or decline within a specified timeframe.
Once accepted, the scholarship will be awarded, and candidates can begin their Master’s program at VU Amsterdam in September.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Program?
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) to talented and motivated international students. The program provides a tuition fee waiver and a living allowance to support students in pursuing a Master’s degree at VU Amsterdam.
Who is eligible to apply for the VUFP?
Non-EU/EEA students who have been conditionally or unconditionally admitted to a Master’s program at VU Amsterdam are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet the academic requirements, language proficiency requirements, and other specific requirements as outlined by the university.
What are the academic requirements for the VUFP?
Applicants must have a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8 (or higher) in their previous degree. Additionally, they must meet the specific academic requirements for their chosen Master’s program at VU Amsterdam.
Do I need to speak Dutch to apply for the VUFP?
No, the VUFP is designed for international students, and the language of instruction is English. However, some knowledge of Dutch may be helpful for daily life in the Netherlands.
How do I apply for the VUFP?
Applicants must submit an online application form, which typically opens in November and closes in February. They must also upload the required documents, including a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and a copy of their passport.
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Conclusion
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme is a unique opportunity for talented and motivated international students to pursue a Master’s degree at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
With its tuition fee waiver and living allowance, the VUFP provides comprehensive support for students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
If you are an international student looking to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands, we encourage you to apply for the VUFP and take advantage of this excellent opportunity.