The glass-walled European Parliament Paul Henri-Spaak building facade in Brussels.

Netherlands Annual cycle — applications typically due around 1 February for the following September intake

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.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

University-funded

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Value

Partial to (effectively) full tuition

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Level

English-taught Master's programmes

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Basis

Academic excellence

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Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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International Applicant

Open to non-EU/EEA international applicants, including Sri Lankans, applying to an eligible VU Amsterdam English-taught Master's programme.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.