If you’re an international student (non-EU/EEA) looking to pursue a master’s degree in Europe, the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) offers a compelling opportunity. The scholarship is offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), located in the Netherlands, and is designed for high-achieving candidates admitted to an eligible English-taught Master’s programme at VU. (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
What Is the VUFP?
The VUFP is a merit-based fellowship aimed at supporting talented non-EU/EEA students to pursue full-time English-taught Master’s programmes at VU. It covers the tuition fees for either one-year or two-year programmes, subject to conditions. (Scholarships for Development) The University has committed funds (approximately €1 million in recent rounds) towards attracting such international talent. (After School Africa)
Key Features of the Scholarship
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Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for the Master’s programme you are admitted to. (Scholarships for Development)
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Duration: Can be awarded for a one-year or two-year Master’s. For two-year programmes, extension to the second year hinges on completing 100% of first-year credits. (Scholarships for Development)
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Automatic Consideration for Living Cost Contribution: When you apply for the VUFP, you are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) which gives a living‐cost contribution (typically €5,000 or €10,000 for the first year) for some awardees. (Scholarships for Development)
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Not covering all expenses: It is important to note that while tuition is covered, the VUFP does not guarantee full living cost support. You must plan for accommodation, insurance, travel, etc. (Opportunities and Careers)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the VUFP, you must meet all of the following criteria (or equivalent):
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Hold a non-EU/EEA passport (i.e., you are from outside the EU/EEA) and you are not eligible for the lower (EU) tuition fee. (Scholarships for Development)
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Not hold Dutch nationality. (After School Africa)
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Be admitted (conditional or unconditional) to the first year of a full-time English-taught Master’s programme at VU, starting in September of the relevant intake (February intakes are generally excluded). (Scholarships for Development)
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Have obtained your prior degree (the one you use for admission) outside the Netherlands. (My International Scholarships)
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Demonstrate academic excellence (for example a GPA equivalent to the Dutch “8” on a 10-point scale). (en_US)
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Not require a preparatory programme before starting the Master’s. (After School Africa)
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For two-year programmes: extension to year two conditioned on 100% credits in year one. (Scholarships for Development)
Application Process & Deadlines
Here’s a general overview of how to apply:
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Apply to the Master’s programme at VU via the national portal (e.g., Studielink) and the VU dashboard. For example: register via Studielink, complete your application in your dashboard. (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
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Get admitted (conditional or full) to the Master’s programme by the study programme’s deadline (often ~1 December for the September intake). (Scholarships for Development)
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Apply for the VUFP via your VU dashboard. Typical deadline: 1 February of the intake year (23:59 CET). (Opportunities and Careers)
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Selection & Award: Faculties nominate applications, central committee makes decision. Notifications often by mid-March. If awarded, you must accept/decline by end of March. (After School Africa)
Note: Always check the official VU website for the precise deadlines each year, as they may vary. (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Why Study at VU Amsterdam?
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Amsterdam is an international city with strong global networks and a high standard of living.
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VU offers many English-taught Master’s programmes which are attractive to international students.
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Receiving tuition coverage greatly lowers the financial barrier to studying abroad, making the VUFP appealing.
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The combination of scholarship + potential NL Scholarship support for living costs makes it more feasible for students from Indonesia or other non-EU countries.
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Opportunity for academic and personal growth in a multicultural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I apply if my Bachelor’s degree is from the Netherlands?
A: No. One of the eligibility criteria is that your previous degree must not have been obtained in the Netherlands. (My International Scholarships)
Q2. Does the VUFP cover living expenses?
A: No. The main scholarship covers tuition fees only. Some awardees may receive the NL Scholarship which contributes towards living costs (for the first year only), but this is not guaranteed. (Opportunities and Careers)
Q3. Can I apply if the Master’s programme starts in February?
A: Generally no. The VUFP is for programmes starting in September intake; February intake programmes are often excluded. (Scholarships for Development)
Q4. If the Master’s is two years, will the scholarship cover the second year?
A: Only if you successfully complete 100% of the credits in the first year. Without that, the extension is not guaranteed. (Scholarships for Development)
Q5. What kind of academic performance is expected?
A: Typically a GPA equivalent to a Dutch “8” (on a 10-point scale) and a strong academic record. (en_US)
Q6. Can I apply for multiple Master programmes and the scholarship for each?
A: While you may apply to several programmes, you may apply for the VUFP for only one programme and must select which one at the time of scholarship application. (Opportunities and Careers)
Summary & Final Thoughts
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is an excellent opportunity for talented, motivated non-EU/EEA students who wish to pursue an English-taught Master’s in the Netherlands. It removes a major cost barrier (tuition fees) and can be complemented by additional living cost support via the NL Scholarship. However, it remains competitive and has strict eligibility criteria, so early planning and strong preparation are essential.
If you are from Indonesia and considering this pathway: ensure you meet the eligibility, select an English-taught Master’s programme at VU, submit the Master’s application before the deadline, prepare a high-quality motivation letter + CV, and apply for the VUFP before the scholarship deadline.
