Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships

The Netherlands has become a popular destination for international students, providing world-class education and a dynamic cultural experience. For Pakistani citizens interested in studying abroad, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers an exceptional chance through its Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (AMS).

The University of Amsterdam offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS), a very competitive scholarship program. Its principal purpose is to attract academically talented students from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) to study Master's degrees at the UvA. These scholarships demonstrate the University of Amsterdam's dedication to establishing an international diverse academic environment.

Programs Offered

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is offered across various Master's programs at the University of Amsterdam. While exact eligible programs and scholarship amounts vary by faculty, common fields include:

• Economics and Business: Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Public Policy.
• Humanities: Diverse Master's programs.
• Law: International & European Law, Law & Finance.
• Psychology: All Master's programs.
• Science: Biomedical Science, Quantum Matter, Earth and Environment, Sustainable Energy Technology.
• Social Sciences: Various Master's programs.
• Communication Science: Master's programs.
• Child Development and Education: Master's programs.

Always check the specific faculty's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligible programs, criteria, and deadlines.

Benefits

The AMS provides significant financial support to its awardees, while the actual amount varies based on the faculty and program. In general, the scholarship attempts to partially or entirely cover tuition and may provide a living allowance.
Key advantages include:

• Tuition charge Waiver: The scholarship can range from €2,000 to €25,000, and it often covers the entire tuition charge for the duration of the program.
• Living Allowance: Some faculties may provide an additional allowance to cover living costs. Some scholarships, for example, include an additional €5,000 in living expenses.
• Prestigious Recognition: Receiving an AMS is a sign of academic brilliance, which boosts your academic profile and future professional chances worldwide.
• International Network: Scholars join a strong international student and alumni network at a world-class university.
• Support Services: The UvA actively assists international students with practical issues such as visa applications, bank account opening, and locating housing.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Pakistani citizens must meet general standards as well as faculty-specific requirements.

• Non-EU/EEA Nationality: You must possess a non-EU/EEA passport. Pakistani citizens are eligible.
• Admission to an UvA Master's Program: You must have applied for and preferably obtained an unconditional offer of admission to a full-time English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam. The scholarship will only be provided if you are accepted into the program.
• Excellent Academic Record: This is an important factor. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated strong academic success in previous studies. This usually means:
  • A high GPA, sometimes equivalent to a First Class Honours (UK system) or 3.7 or higher (USA system). For the Dutch system, it's usually an 8.0 out of 10.
  • Proof of being in the top 10% of your graduating class (a statement signed by your dean or a competent academic institution is frequently required).
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet UvA's English language standards. This typically includes:
  • IELTS Academic: A total score of 7.0, with minimum scores (often 6.0 or 7.0) in each component.
  • TOEFL iBT: A total score of 100, with minimum scores (often 22 or 24) in each component.
  • Cambridge Assessment English: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a total score of 190 across all skills.
• No Other Full Coverage Scholarship: You should not be receiving a full coverage scholarship during the same period of study as the AMS.

How to Apply

Applying for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) for Pakistani citizens involves two main stages:

• Program Admission:
  • Choose a Master's program at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and apply through Studielink and the UvA's admissions portal.
  • Submit all required admission documents: academic transcripts (HEC-verified), degree certificates, English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), CV, motivation letter for the program, and two recommendation letters.
• Scholarship Application:
  • The AMS application process varies by faculty; some have a dedicated form, others incorporate it into the program application.
  • Prepare additional scholarship-specific documents: a concise motivation letter for the scholarship (300-500 words), proof of academic excellence (e.g., top 10% class ranking), and potentially a financial plan, research plan, or details of extracurricular activities.
  • Adhere strictly to faculty-specific deadlines, which typically range from mid-January to May.
  • Await notification of the scholarship decision, usually by the end of March for early applications.

FAQs

1. Is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship a fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students? 

The AMS is mainly a partial scholarship, helping with a big chunk of your tuition fees and sometimes even providing a living allowance. While it's a great help, it might not cover everything. Some faculties might offer amounts that come close to full coverage, depending on how much your program costs.

2. What GPA do Pakistani students need to be competitive for the AMS? 

There's no set GPA conversion for Pakistani degrees, but you should aim for a really strong academic record. This usually means having a first-class honors degree or a high GPA that places you among the top 10% of your class.

3. Is IELTS required for Pakistani students applying for the AMS? 

Yes, you need to show proof of your English skills, usually through IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, for both admission to the UvA's English-taught programs and the AMS.

4. Can I apply for other scholarships if I apply for the AMS? 

 You can't get a full coverage scholarship at the same time as the AMS for the same study period. But you can apply for other partial scholarships that, when added to the AMS, might help cover more of your expenses. Just be sure to check the specific rules for each scholarship.

5. What are the chances of getting the AMS for a Pakistani student? 

The AMS is competitive and attracts many talented students worldwide. Your chances largely depend on how strong your academic record is, how good your motivation letter is, and the quality of your recommendation letters. Being one of the top students will definitely help.

6. What if I have a provisional admission letter? Can I still apply for the scholarship? 

You generally need to have applied for a Master's program at UvA. You don’t need the final admission decision when submitting your scholarship application, but the AMS will only be given to students who complete their enrollment.

7. Are there any specific visa requirements for Pakistani students after receiving the scholarship? 

Yes, once you have the scholarship and admission, you'll need to apply for a Dutch study visa. The University of Amsterdam will help you with the visa application process. You'll need to show you have enough financial means (which the scholarship helps with), a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and other required documents.