Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) is the University of Amsterdam’s most prestigious merit scholarship, created to attract exceptionally talented students from outside Europe to its master’s programmes. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands’ largest university and consistently ranks among the best in Europe, and the AES is reserved for a small number of truly outstanding candidates each year.

The scholarship is worth 25,000 euros, intended to cover tuition fees and living expenses for one academic year, with the possibility of an extension into a second year for eligible two-year master’s programmes. Beyond the funding, AES scholars join a dedicated community with a tailored extracurricular programme and gain access to an alumni and sponsor network, adding mentoring and connections to the financial support.

Eligibility is demanding. Applicants must hold a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationality, rank in the top 10 percent of their class or graduating year, and be admitted, or provisionally admitted, to an eligible UvA master’s programme for the first time. Candidates cannot already hold another full scholarship for the same period and must not be eligible for Dutch study finance. Because places are very limited, selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence and motivation.

Applying is integrated with the master’s admission process. You apply to an eligible UvA master’s programme and tick the scholarship box on the application, then upload the AES documents, including a statement from a dean or teacher confirming your top 10 percent standing and a motivation letter of up to 500 words. The deadline is 15 January. Graduate schools shortlist candidates and a central committee selects the recipients. For top international students aiming for a master’s in Amsterdam, the AES is a flagship route to funding.

• Hold a non-EU/EEA (and non-Swiss) nationality.
• Rank in the top 10 percent of your class or graduating year.
• Admitted, or provisionally admitted, to an eligible UvA master's programme for the first time.
• Not in receipt of another full scholarship for the same period of study.
• Not eligible for Dutch study finance (Studiefinanciering).

• EUR 25,000 per year covering tuition and living costs.
• Membership of the AES community with a tailored extracurricular programme.
• Access to the AES alumni and sponsor network.
• Possible second-year extension for two-year programmes.

• UvA master's application with the 'apply for a scholarship' box ticked.
• Certified academic transcripts including GPA.
• A letter from a dean or teacher confirming you are in the top 10 percent.
• One or two letters of recommendation.
• Motivation letter of up to 500 words, explaining why you should be nominated.
• Passport copy.

• Apply for an eligible UvA master's programme and tick the scholarship box on the application.
• Upload the AES documents, including the top-10-percent statement and motivation letter.
• Submit by the 15 January deadline (confirm the exact date for your programme).
• Graduate schools shortlist candidates and a central committee selects the recipients.