Free University of Amsterdam Scholarship

The Free University of Amsterdam offers scholarships for international Master’s students in need of financial support. These scholarships are open to applicants from non-EU/EEA countries.

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Free University of Amsterdam)

Founded in 1880, the Free University of Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) was established on the principle of “freedom,” referring to independence from both government and religious influence. The university campus and affiliated hospital are situated just 15 minutes by public transport from Amsterdam’s city center, in the southwest of the city—an area recognized for its growth potential and status as one of Amsterdam’s newest and rapidly developing economic districts.

According to leading international ranking tables, the university consistently places among the world’s top 150 institutions. It is home to 11 faculties, covering disciplines from philosophy and law to medicine. Together, these faculties offer a wide range of programs, including over 50 Bachelor’s degrees, 100 Master’s degrees, numerous doctoral programs, and various other academic opportunities.

Scholarships at the Free University of Amsterdam

To support international Master’s students in financing their studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a range of scholarship opportunities. Some of the available options include:

Vrije Universiteit Fellowship Programe (VUFP)

The VU Fellowship Programe (VUFP) offers talented and ambitious non-EU/EEA students a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. To attract outstanding and highly motivated candidates, VU Amsterdam has committed approximately €1 million in funding.

Study Level	Master’s degree
Value	covers the tuition fees
Nationality	non-EU/ EEA, No Dutch nationality
Scholarship Application Date	From 1 November to 1 February (23:59 CET)

Before applying for the VUFP scholarship, you must first obtain conditional admission to a Master’s program. When you apply for the VUFP, you are automatically considered for the HSP—no separate application is needed. Finally, submit your VUFP application through your personal VU dashboard.

When you apply for the VUFP scholarship, you are automatically considered for the Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP), with no separate application required. The HSP provides a contribution toward living expenses, offering either €5,000 or €10,000 for the full duration of your studies.

Holland Scholarship (HSP)

The Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP) is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, together with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is open to non-EEA students applying for the first year of a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Study Level	Master’s degree
Value	5.000 EUR or 10.000 EUR
Nationality	non-EU/ EEA, No Dutch nationality
Degree Program Registration Date	From 1 October to 1 December
Scholarship Application Date	From 1 November to 1 February

By applying for the VUFP scholarship, you are automatically considered for the HSP—no separate application is needed.

Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is funded through the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP). Exceptional students from Indonesia and India are eligible to apply for this competitive VUFP/OTS award. Recipients of the OTS scholarship are exempt from paying tuition fees.

Study Level	Master’s degree
Value	Tuition fee waiver
Nationality	Indonesia and India
Degree Program Registration Date	From 1 October to 1 December
Scholarship Application Date	1 February

Fulbright Program

Each year, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program allows the Fulbright Center to welcome 20–25 students from the United States. Eligibility is limited to U.S. applicants, and no awards are granted to American students already residing in the Netherlands. The fellowship provides 12 monthly stipends of €1,300, up to €1,000 for international travel expenses, and reimbursement of approximately $250 for the residence permit fee. Tuition costs are not covered and may vary depending on the program.

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP), funded by the Dutch government, is a scholarship initiative designed to support sustainable development by offering education and training opportunities to professionals from partner countries.

Applicants from the following countries are eligible to apply:
Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, and Yemen.

For full details, please visit the official scholarship page.