Hey there, future Master’s student! Ever dreamed of studying abroad in a vibrant city like Amsterdam? Well, get ready because the **VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) Bursary** could be your ticket to making that dream a reality!
This incredible opportunity, offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, is specifically designed for talented international students (yes, that includes you, South Africa!) who want to pursue a Master’s degree. It’s more than just a scholarship; it’s a chance to gain world-class education and experience a new culture without the burden of tuition fees. Let’s dive in and see if this is your next big adventure!
Who Can Apply?
So, who’s eligible to snag this fantastic bursary? If you’re a non-EU/EEA student with a passport (like a South African passport!), then you’re already on the right track! Here’s a quick checklist to see if you qualify:
- You hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
- You are NOT a Dutch national.
- You’ve shown some serious academic chops (your GPA should be equivalent to a Dutch 8 – impressive!).
- You’ve been conditionally or unconditionally admitted to the first year of a full-time, English-taught Master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, starting in September 2026. (Heads up: students starting in February and joint programmes where VU Amsterdam doesn’t handle admissions are not eligible.)
- Your previous degree wasn’t obtained in the Netherlands.
- You don’t need to complete a preparatory programme before kicking off your Master’s.
What Does It Cover?
Now for the exciting part – what does this bursary actually pay for? The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme is a game-changer because it covers your **full tuition fees**! Imagine focusing purely on your studies without worrying about those hefty costs.
But wait, there’s more! When you apply for the VUFP, you automatically also apply for the NL Scholarship. If you’re granted this, it’s a wonderful boost towards your living costs, offering either 5,000 EUR or 10,000 EUR for your first year of study. Just remember, the VUFP itself covers tuition, and the NL Scholarship is a separate contribution towards living expenses for the first year.
This bursary can support you for either a one-year or two-year Master’s programme. If you’re on a two-year programme, the scholarship will continue into the second year, provided you achieve 100% of your first-year credits. Talk about motivation!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this opportunity? Here’s the lowdown on how to apply for the VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme Bursary:
- **First things first:** You NEED to have applied and been conditionally admitted to a Master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam *before* you can apply for the VUFP bursary itself. So get that Master’s application in!
- **Register in Studielink:** Make sure you register for your chosen Master’s programme in Studielink by **1 December 2025**. (Applications open from 1 October 2025).
- **Submit your VUFP Application:** Once registered and admitted (even conditionally), you’ll need to submit your VUFP application along with all your supporting documents in your VU dashboard. The final deadline for this is **1 February 2026**. (Applications open from 1 November 2025).
It’s super important to head over to the official website for the most accurate and detailed information, including access to the application portals and any specific guidelines. Don’t miss out on any crucial steps!
Official Scholarship Website: https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/scholarships-for-international-masters-students
If dreaming big and studying your Master’s in the Netherlands sounds like your kind of adventure, then don’t let this VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme Bursary slip through your fingers! Start preparing your application today, and remember to explore more amazing bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room to fuel your academic journey!
