VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Non-EU/EEA passport holders not eligible for the lower tuition fee and not of Dutch nationality, with a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8, conditionally or unconditionally admitted to a full-time English-taught Master's at VU Amsterdam starting September 2027. Not for February starts or joint programmes where VU does not run admissions; no Dutch degree or current Dutch enrolment. You can apply for one programme only and must be admitted first.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) awards 20 to 25 full tuition waivers each year to talented non-EU/EEA students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Applying for VUFP automatically enters candidates for the VU NL Scholarship towards first-year living expenses.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Non-EU/EEA passport holders not eligible for the lower tuition fee and not of Dutch nationality, with a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8, conditionally or unconditionally admitted to a full-time English-taught Master's at VU Amsterdam starting September 2027. Not for February starts or joint programmes where VU does not run admissions; no Dutch degree or current Dutch enrolment. You can apply for one programme only and must be admitted first.
2. Note the deadline. Opens 1 Nov 2026, closes 1 Feb 2027 at 23:59 CET (apply for the Master's programme through Studielink by 1 Dec 2026 as advised; results mid-March 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Official VUFP-NLS application form; Bachelor transcript and GPA proof (>= 8.0/10 equivalent); Official grading scale explanation; Conditional or unconditional VU Master admission confirmation (all merged into a single PDF file).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Faculties nominate top candidates in February -> Central VUFP Committee selects recipients -> Results announced in mid-March

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Register for your Master programme in Studielink by 1 December so you are conditionally admitted before the 1 February VUFP deadline
2. Merge the VUFP-NLS form, GPA proof and grading scale into a single PDF as required
3. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
8. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Non-EU/EEA passport holders not eligible for the lower tuition fee and not of Dutch nationality, with a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8, conditionally or unconditionally admitted to a full-time English-taught Master's at VU Amsterdam starting September 2027. Not for February starts or joint programmes where VU does not run admissions; no Dutch degree or current Dutch enrolment. You can apply for one programme only and must be admitted first.

What does VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cover?

Merit-based tuition fee waiver only (living costs are not covered); VU Amsterdam has committed about EUR 1 million to attract students

When is the deadline for VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Opens 1 Nov 2026, closes 1 Feb 2027 at 23:59 CET (apply for the Master's programme through Studielink by 1 Dec 2026 as advised; results mid-March 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Host countries: Netherlands.

What documents do I need for VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Official VUFP-NLS application form; Bachelor transcript and GPA proof (>= 8.0/10 equivalent); Official grading scale explanation; Conditional or unconditional VU Master admission confirmation (all merged into a single PDF file).

How are applicants selected for VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Faculties nominate top candidates in February -> Central VUFP Committee selects recipients -> Results announced in mid-March

How much work is the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam application?

High: Studielink MSc registration by 1 December + combined VUFP-NLS single PDF upload in VU dashboard by 1 February