What the funding covers
- Tuition fees only, for the first year and, on a two-year programme, the second if you earn all first-year credits.
- NL Scholarship: €5,000 towards living costs in the first year, for 20 to 25 students. You are considered automatically with your fellowship application.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Waived for fellows |
| Living costs | You, with €5,000 for NL Scholarship holders |
Who can apply
- A non-EU/EEA passport, not eligible for the lower fee, with no earlier Dutch degree or enrolment. The NL Scholarship also excludes students from Suriname and Switzerland.
- A bachelor's GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8.
- Conditional or unconditional admission to a full-time English-taught master's starting in September 2027.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality except citizens of the European Union and the EEA countries outside the EU.
Documents you will need
- A master's application to VU
- The VU Fellowship application in the VU dashboard
How to apply
- Apply for your master's; VU advises doing so by 1 December 2026.
- Once conditionally admitted, submit the fellowship application in the VU dashboard between 1 November 2026 and 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. You may choose one programme and submit once.
- Results come in mid-March 2027 and must be accepted by the end of March.
Before you apply: things to know
- Incomplete applications are not evaluated.
- Fellows act as VU ambassadors during their master's.
- Living costs beyond the €5,000 NL Scholarship are yours to cover.
Common questions
What does the VU Fellowship cover?
Tuition fees only. Some applicants also receive a €5,000 NL Scholarship towards living costs.
When is the VU Fellowship deadline?
1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. VU advises applying for the master's by 1 December 2026.
What grades do I need?
A bachelor's GPA equivalent to a Dutch 8.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Dec 1, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Sep 8, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 22, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Oct 6, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 20, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Nov 3, 2026 · NOWSecond draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 17, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 24, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Dec 1, 2026Deadline