MastersPartial

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)

Last verified 19 October 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Retired: the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship has been folded into the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship at the University of Amsterdam.

Provider: University of Amsterdam
Host country: Netherlands
Region: Europe

Official source Track this application

Topics

Master's scholarships

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.
Funding: Partial
Study level: Masters
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.

Recorded funding information

Partial

About the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) (2026)

## Overview Unfortunately, the official page for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) at the University of Amsterdam is currently unavailable or has been moved. The information provided here is based on general knowledge and common practices for this type of scholarship, aiming to give you the most accurate details possible given the circumstances. The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious award designed for highly talented international students outside the EU/EEA region who wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Amsterdam. It is known for attracting students with outstanding academic records from across the globe. ## Benefits While the exact amount can vary from year to year, the AES is typically a partial scholarship. Historically, it has offered a significant financial contribution towards tuition fees and/or living expenses. It's important to note that it is generally not a fully-funded scholarship, meaning recipients will likely need to secure additional funds to cover all their study and living costs in Amsterdam. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria: * **Academic Excellence:** Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic merit, typically evidenced by outstanding grades in their previous Bachelor's degree. A GPA equivalent to a first-class honours degree is often expected. * **Nationality:** Candidates must be non-EU/EEA citizens. * **Admission to UvA Master's Program:** Applicants must have applied for and received admission into an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam. The scholarship is usually tied to admission to specific faculties or programs. * **No Other Scholarships:** Usually, recipients should not be simultaneously receiving another scholarship that covers the same expenses. ## Required Documents While the specific requirements may vary, applicants for the AES typically need to submit a comprehensive set of documents, which may include: * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A detailed CV outlining academic achievements, work experience, and any relevant extracurricular activities. * **Academic Transcripts:** Official transcripts of previous higher education (Bachelor's degree), including grades and proof of awarded degree. * **Motivation Letter:** A compelling letter explaining the applicant's motivation for pursuing the chosen Master's program at the University of Amsterdam and how the scholarship will support their academic and career goals. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Two letters of recommendation from academic referees who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential. * **English Language Proficiency:** Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, typically at a high level. * **Admission Letter:** A copy of the admission letter to a UvA Master's program. ## How to Apply The application process for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship is usually integrated with the Master's program application or follows shortly after admission. As the official page is unavailable, here's a general outline: 1. **Apply for a Master's Program:** First, prospective students must apply for and gain admission to an eligible English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam. 2. **Scholarship Application:** Once admitted (or sometimes concurrently with the Master's application), applicants will typically be invited or can apply for the AES. The application usually involves submitting additional documents as listed above. 3. **Faculty-Specific Information:** It is crucial to check the specific requirements and deadlines on the website of the faculty to which you are applying, as AES application procedures can vary between faculties. ## Key Dates Given the unavailability of the official page, specific deadlines cannot be provided. However, AES applications typically open in **November/December** for the following academic year, with deadlines often falling between **January and March**. Decision notifications are usually sent out in **April or May**. Candidates are strongly advised to regularly check the University of Amsterdam's official Master's admissions pages and departmental scholarship information for the most up-to-date deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The selection for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive and is primarily based on: * **Academic Merit:** The strongest emphasis is placed on outstanding academic records, including GPA, course grades, and the reputation of the applicant's previous institution. * **Quality of Motivation Letter:** A clear, well-articulated, and persuasive motivation letter is crucial. * **Quality of Recommendations:** Strong, supportive letters from academic referees significantly bolster an application. * **Extracurricular Activities and Experience:** Any relevant research experience, publications, volunteer work, or leadership roles can strengthen an application. * **English Language Proficiency:** Excellent scores in English language tests are expected. ## Tips * **Apply Early:** Ensure all Master's program and scholarship application documents are submitted well before the deadline. * **Tailor your Application:** Customize your motivation letter to the specific Master's program and highlight why you are an excellent candidate for both the program and the scholarship. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all application materials are free of errors. * **Seek Strong Recommendations:** Choose referees who know your academic work well and can write detailed, positive recommendations. * **Check Faculty Websites:** As scholarship administration can be decentralized, always refer to the specific faculty website for detailed information. ## Official Source Due to the page not being found, the official source cannot be directly linked. Please refer to the main University of Amsterdam website and navigate to the "Scholarships" or "Master's Admissions" section for the most current information regarding the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship. Look for information under the respective faculty pages as well.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Partial

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/scholarships-and-financial-matters/scholarships-and-loans/scholarships/amsterdam-excellence-scholarships/amsterdam-excellence-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) deadline & application timeline

No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; this does not imply rolling applications. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source for dates and any cutoff or time zone.

Ready to apply?

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Editorial verification note

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Last checked 10/19/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)?+

Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.

What funding does the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) offer?+

Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; a missing date does not mean applications are rolling.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/scholarships-and-financial-matters/scholarships-and-loans/scholarships/amsterdam-excellence-scholarships/amsterdam-excellence-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, be non-EU/EEA citizens, and be admitted to an English-taught Master's program at the University of Amsterdam.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

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