🇳🇱 Study in the Heart of Europe with the VU Amsterdam Fellowship (VUFP) 2026
The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is one of the Netherlands’ most competitive and prestigious funding schemes. It provides full tuition fee coverage for high-achieving international students who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership potential. In addition to the VUFP award, candidates are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship.
Academic Level and Eligible Programs
The VU Fellowship 2026 supports international students applying for English-taught Master’s programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. With over 200 programs across a wide range of disciplines, students can choose from exciting fields such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Business and Economics, Law, Governance and Public Policy, Computer Science and Engineering, Environmental and Earth Sciences, as well as Health, Life, and Biomedical Sciences. Whether you dream of becoming a global business leader, an environmental innovator, or a policy influencer, VU Amsterdam offers a world-class academic foundation to help you succeed.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the VU Fellowship receive full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of their Master’s program, whether one or two years. Additionally, outstanding students may be awarded the NL Scholarship, adding up to €10,000 in financial support for living costs. While the fellowship does not include travel, accommodation, or personal expenses, it significantly reduces the financial burden of studying in the Netherlands and allows recipients to focus entirely on their academic and personal growth.
Who Can Apply
The VU Fellowship is exclusively open to non-EU/EEA international students who do not hold Dutch nationality and are not eligible for statutory tuition fees in the Netherlands. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, equivalent to a Dutch GPA of 8.0 or higher, and possess a Bachelor’s degree obtained outside the Netherlands. Eligible candidates must also be conditionally or unconditionally admitted to the first year of a full-time English-taught Master’s program starting in September 2026. Please note that joint-degree or February-intake programs where VU is not the admitting institution are not eligible.
Why Choose VU Amsterdam
Studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means joining a community that values innovation, global citizenship, and social responsibility. Founded in 1880, VU Amsterdam is a research-driven university that combines academic rigor with real-world impact. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam’s modern Zuidas business district, the university offers an inspiring environment for collaboration, creativity, and cross-disciplinary learning. With students from over 120 nationalities, VU provides a truly international experience that prepares graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.
Application Process
Applying for the VU Fellowship Programme requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Candidates must first apply for admission to an English-taught Master’s program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Once the admission process is underway, applicants should complete the VUFP application through their student portal and upload the necessary documents, including an official Bachelor’s transcript with GPA, a motivation letter, proof of academic excellence, and a valid passport copy. An admission offer—conditional or final—is required to complete the scholarship application.