VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's flagship merit scholarship for outstanding international Master's applicants, including those from Sri Lanka. Depending on the award level, it covers either part or effectively all of the difference between the international tuition fee and the statutory fee, making a Master's at a leading Dutch research university substantially more affordable. VU Amsterdam teaches a wide range of English-taught Master's across business, science, law, social sciences, and health, in one of Europe's most international cities. For Sri Lankan graduates targeting a research-strong, English-medium Dutch Master's, the VUFP is one of the most accessible named scholarships, awarded purely on academic excellence.
Annual cycle — applications typically due around 1 February for the following September intake
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Partial to (effectively) full tuition
Level
English-taught Master's programmes
Basis
Academic excellence
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Partial / Full Tuition Scholarship (Master's). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
International Applicant
Open to non-EU/EEA international applicants, including Sri Lankans, applying to an eligible VU Amsterdam English-taught Master's programme.
Excellent Bachelor's Record
A strong Bachelor's degree with results in the top tier of your class. The VUFP is highly competitive and reserved for academically excellent candidates.
English Proficiency
You must meet VU's English requirements (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) unless waived. Many Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with standard tests.
Conditional / Full Admission
You typically need a (conditional) admission to an eligible Master's before applying for the fellowship. Apply for admission early to meet the scholarship timeline.
Eligible Programmes
Not every programme participates in the VUFP each year. Check that your chosen Master's is on the current eligible list before relying on this award.
account_tree Application Process
Apply for Master's admission
Apply to your chosen eligible VU Amsterdam English-taught Master's early enough to obtain (conditional) admission before the scholarship deadline.
Submit the VUFP application
Complete the separate VUFP scholarship application with your motivation, academic record, CV, and references by the published deadline (typically ~1 February).
Selection
A selection committee assesses applicants on academic excellence and motivation against the available budget. The programme is competitive.
Award and enrolment
Successful applicants receive a fellowship offer applied to their tuition. Accept your place, arrange your Dutch entry visa/residence permit, and enrol for September.
About VU Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading research university consistently ranked among the world's top 150, with a strong international community and a wide English-taught Master's portfolio. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most connected, English-friendly cities, and the Netherlands' post-study 'orientation year' permit lets graduates stay to find work.
Top 150
World University Ranking
Merit
Scholarship Basis
Orientation Year
Post-Study Stay Permit
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat NL actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for NL, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)
University of Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Programme (ALSP)
Eindhoven University of Technology