Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) invites outstanding non-EU/EEA international students to apply for the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) 2026 — one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the Netherlands.
The fellowship provides full tuition fee coverage for selected Master’s programs, allowing high-achieving students to pursue a world-class education at VU Amsterdam — located in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic, diverse, and innovative cities.
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities, widely recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and social impact.
With over 120 nationalities represented, VU Amsterdam offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The university is situated in the Zuidas business district, providing close connections to major international companies and research institutions.
VU Amsterdam offers more than 200 English-taught Master’s programs across multiple disciplines, focusing on interdisciplinary education, sustainability, and global engagement.
Degree Level
The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) 2026 is available for students applying to Master’s degree programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Available Fields of Study
VU Amsterdam offers a wide range of English-taught Master’s programs eligible for the fellowship, including:
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Social Sciences and Humanities
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Business and Economics
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Computer Science and Engineering
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Environmental and Earth Sciences
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Health, Life, and Biomedical Sciences
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Law, Governance, and Public Policy
Scholarship Benefits
The VU Fellowship (VUFP) provides generous support to talented students:
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Full tuition fee coverage for one- or two-year Master’s programs.
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Automatic consideration for the NL Scholarship, offering an additional €5,000 or €10,000 contribution toward living expenses for the first study year.
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Approximately 20–25 NL Scholarships are awarded annually in combination with the VUFP.
Note: The fellowship does not cover living expenses such as accommodation, meals, travel, or health insurance. Applicants must secure separate financial support for these costs.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is exclusively available to non-EU/EEA international students.
Applicants with Dutch or EU/EEA citizenship are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the VU Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Hold a non-EU/EEA passport and be ineligible for statutory tuition fees.
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Not hold Dutch nationality.
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Demonstrate academic excellence, equivalent to a Dutch GPA of 8.0/10 in the Bachelor’s degree.
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Have received a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time English-taught Master’s program starting in September 2026.
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The previous degree (Bachelor’s) must have been obtained outside the Netherlands.
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Applicants must not require a preparatory or pre-master’s program.
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The scholarship is not applicable for joint-degree or February intake programs where VU Amsterdam is not the admitting institution.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
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Official Bachelor’s degree transcript (including GPA and grading scale).
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Motivation letter demonstrating academic excellence and career goals.
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Admission letter or conditional offer for a Master’s program at VU Amsterdam.
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Copy of a valid passport and other documents requested by the faculty.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Master’s program applications open | October 1, 2025 |
| VUFP scholarship application portal opens | November 1, 2025 |
| Recommended deadline to complete Master’s admission | December 1, 2025 |
| Final scholarship application deadline | February 1, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
| Scholarship results announcement | Mid-March 2026 |
| Scholarship acceptance confirmation | End of March 2026 |
| Start of classes | September 2026 |
How to Apply for the VU Fellowship (VUFP) 2026
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Submit an online application for a Master’s program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam via the VU Admission Portal starting October 1, 2025.
Step 2: Wait for Admission Confirmation
Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, you can proceed with the scholarship application.
Step 3: Apply for the VU Fellowship (VUFP)
Complete and submit the VUFP scholarship application form in the VU Dashboard before February 1, 2026.
Step 4: Automatic NL Scholarship Consideration
All eligible VUFP applicants are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship (no separate application required).
Step 5: Await Selection Results
Results will be announced in mid-March 2026, and successful candidates must confirm their acceptance by end of March 2026.
Why Study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
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Globally recognized university ranked among Europe’s best.
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Diverse international community representing over 120 countries.
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Located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a hub of business, innovation, and research.
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Strong emphasis on sustainability, social responsibility, and interdisciplinary learning.
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Access to cutting-edge research facilities and professional networking opportunities.
FAQs: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam VU Fellowship (VUFP) 2026
1. What is the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)?
The VUFP is a fully funded scholarship that covers the full tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students pursuing a Master’s degree at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the VUFP 2026?
Only students holding non-EU/EEA passports and applying for a full-time English-taught Master’s program at VU Amsterdam are eligible.
3. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No, the VUFP covers tuition fees only. However, selected students are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship, which provides €5,000 or €10,000 toward living expenses.
4. Can I apply if I hold EU citizenship?
No, the VUFP is specifically for students outside the EU/EEA region.
5. When is the application deadline?
The final application deadline for the VU Fellowship Programme 2026 is February 1, 2026.
6. Do I need to apply separately for the NL Scholarship?
No. All eligible VUFP applicants are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship.
7. What GPA is required for selection?
Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic performance, equivalent to a Dutch GPA of 8.0/10.
8. Can I apply for joint-degree programs?
No, the VUFP does not apply to joint-degree or February intake programs.
9. When will the results be announced?
Scholarship results will be announced in mid-March 2026.
10. How can I apply for admission?
You can apply directly through the VU Amsterdam Admission Portal starting from October 1, 2025.
