Amsterdams Universiteitsfonds - Studiebeurs

What you get

You receive a one-off study grant to help you finish your degree at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The amount is set individually, based on a detailed budget you submit, so there is no fixed figure. The grant comes from the Amsterdams Universiteitsfonds (AUF), the university's own fund. It is not a regular scholarship. The fund does not hand out general study grants and steps in only in rare cases, for example for talented international students, refugee students, or students who run into money trouble through no fault of their own. In 2019, 17 UvA students received a grant.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at the University of Amsterdam.
• Your situation: You are in serious, unexpected financial trouble that is not your fault. The fund awards grants only in rare cases.
• Nationality: Dutch and international students can both apply.
• Field of study: All subjects are eligible.
• Backing from staff: You can get at least one UvA teacher to recommend you, and the student dean (studentendecaan, the staff member who supports students with personal or study problems) to back your application.
• What is ruled out: You cannot use this grant to fund a master's degree abroad.

How to apply

You apply at any time through the AUF online form. There is no fixed deadline, because the grant is not advertised on a schedule. You submit a motivation letter, your CV, a transcript of your results, a teacher's recommendation, a supporting letter from the student dean, and a detailed budget. If you are shortlisted, the grants committee (Commissie Studiebeurzen) invites you to explain your case in a personal interview.

How realistic are your chances?

Be realistic: the AUF only makes an exception in rare cases, so the bar is high and few applications get through. Your prospects depend far less on grades than on whether you can prove a genuine, unforeseen emergency and back it with a teacher's recommendation and the dean's support. If you have a clear, well-documented case and a convincing budget, it is worth applying. If you are simply looking for extra funding, this is not the right source.