By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer & Data Scientist
Last verified on: October 11, 2025

1. Overview

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a UvA-wide funding scheme for master’s students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
Within the Amsterdam Law School, the AMS is specifically available for selected LLM tracks such as International and European Law; European Private Law; Law & Finance; and International Criminal Law. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
Its purpose is to attract highly qualified international law students and diversify the student body. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

2. Benefits / Funding

The official AMS page for Law does not yet list a fixed scholarship amount for 2026-27 (as of last verification). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
However:

• For 2025-26, past AMS awards at UvA Law have been around €22,500 for law master’s students. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• The funding may take the form of full or partial tuition waiver (i.e. covering tuition fees) rather than a full stipend. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• The AMS funding does not typically cover living expenses, accommodation, visa fees, or health insurance (unless otherwise specified). (As of last verification, the official law-school AMS page does not state that living costs are included.) (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Because of variable coverage, applicants should refer to the AMS page for their specific LLM programme to confirm whether any partial stipend or allowance is offered.

3. Eligibility

Here are the eligibility conditions based on the latest official information:

• Nationality / Residency: You must hold a non-EU/EEA passport. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Not eligible for Dutch state student grants (Studiefinanciering). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Applied for a UvA master’s (LLM) programme: You must submit a full application for your chosen LLM by the relevant deadline. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• First master’s at UvA: AMS is not awarded to students who already hold a master’s degree at UvA. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Programme eligibility: Only for selected LLM tracks (International & European Law; European Private Law; Law & Finance; International Criminal Law) at Amsterdam Law School. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• GPA / Academic merit: The selection requires a high GPA. For non-law BAs, only the law courses are considered in GPA. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Visa compliance / full-time enrolment: You must be able to satisfy Dutch immigration requirements and enrol full-time for the academic year. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Ineligibilities / caveats:

• The AMS does not apply to EU/EEA citizens.

• If you already have an equivalent scholarship covering the same period, you may be ineligible. (The rule for multiple awards is implied but not explicitly stated in the law AMS page.) (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• The official page does not specify a maximum time since the bachelor’s degree (e.g. number of years) for law applicants.

4. Timeline & Deadlines

Below is the most up-to-date schedule based on the UvA Law School AMS page and LLM programme pages:

Note: For certain law tracks, programme deadlines may have earlier dates or early-bird deadlines for scholarship eligibility. E.g. LLM Guide notes that 15 January is the scholarship cut-off for many law tracks. (LLM Guide)

Always verify the specific LLM programme page you are applying to (for International & European Law, etc.) for exact timeline variations.

5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

The application process involves two intertwined steps: applying for admission to the LLM, and applying for the AMS.

1. Choose your LLM programme (e.g. International & European Law, Law & Finance).

2. Submit your LLM application via the UvA central admission system by 15 January (or earlier if required). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

3. Submit the AMS scholarship application using the UvA scholarship portal / law school’s online form (link becomes active before December). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

4. Upload required supporting documents (see checklist below) by the same 15 January deadline. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

5. Selection committee reviews your full application (LLM + scholarship docs). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

6. Decision is communicated by UvA Law School.

7. Accept the scholarship and complete enrolment by 1 September. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Important note: The UvA Law School AMS page states that the link to the scholarship application is published by 1 December at the latest. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Also, you do not need to have your admission decision before applying for the AMS, but your enrolment must eventually be confirmed. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

6. Required Documents Checklist

Below is a list of documents to include in your AMS application (as per UvA Law School rules):

• Academic transcripts (all years) & GPA calculation (for law courses if non-law background) (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• CV (curriculum vitae) (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Letter of motivation (max ~500 words) explaining choice of LLM and relevance of scholarship (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Proof of non-EU/EEA nationality (copy of passport) (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• (If applicable) Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). The law school page does not explicitly mention English test in AMS page, but this is part of general LLM application. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Any additional documents required by that specific LLM programme (e.g. recommendation letters). The AMS page itself does not explicitly require references. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

If you apply simultaneously for the Julia Henriëtte Jaarsma-Adolfs Scholarship too, you only need one motivation letter. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

7. Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

The AMS selection committee evaluates based on:

• Academic merit (GPA): Strong grades, especially in law subjects. The AMS law page states a benchmark comparable to 8.0 (on Dutch 10-point scale), first-class honours (UK), or 4.0 (USA). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Quality of motivation letter (max ~500 words): clarity in motivation, alignment with LLM, and impact of scholarship. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• CV / extracurricular achievements: involvement in research, law clubs, internships, leadership. The “overall quality of your application” is also considered. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

• Fit with programme: how well your prior experience and goals align with the LLM specialization.

• Availability of funds and ranking among candidates: There may be limited number of AMS awards in law tracks, so only top candidates succeed.

It is notable that incomplete applications are not considered. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

8. Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Show exceptional academic record in law (or law courses if your degree is in a related field).

• Make your motivation letter compelling and focused — explain how this particular LLM fits your career, why the scholarship is crucial, and what you will contribute.

• Highlight research interest or unique law projects, internships, moot courts, publications.

• Demonstrate leadership and international exposure (e.g. student societies, volunteer work).

• Start early — collect transcripts, verify grading conversion, refine your CV and motivation.

• Use clear structure in documents, proofreading, and professional presentation.

• Consult your referees early (if needed by your LLM) and ask them to highlight your top percentile standing.

• Follow the specific LLM programme’s requirements because some tracks may require additional essays or prerequisites.

9. Official Links & Apply Now

Here are the key official resources:

• U v A Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (general page) — details of AMS for master’s programmes (UvA) (https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html)

• Law School AMS page — specific rules, deadlines, and eligible LLM tracks (https://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/organisation/faculties/amsterdam-law-school/practical-matters/scholarships/amsterdam-merit-scholarship-ams/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html)

• LLM programme pages (various tracks) — check your track for admission & scholarship specifics

• The scholarship application portal link is published via the Law School AMS page (the form link should be live by December). (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Apply Now: Use the UvA Law School AMS application portal (accessible through the AMS law page above).

10. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can EU/EEA nationals apply for the AMS?
A1: No. The AMS is available only for non-EU/EEA nationals. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Q2: Do I need to already have an admission decision before applying for AMS?
A2: No. You must submit the LLM application and the AMS application by the same deadline, even before admission decision is finalized. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Q3: Can I combine AMS with another full scholarship?
A3: The official law AMS page does not explicitly state this, but typically if you already hold a full scholarship covering the same period, you may lose eligibility or the AMS may be reduced. Always check with the admissions office.

Q4: Does the AMS cover living costs?
A4: As of last verification, the AMS law page does not specify coverage for living costs, accommodation, visa, or health insurance. The funding tends to cover tuition. (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Q5: What if my bachelor’s degree is older?
A5: The official law AMS page does not mention a maximum age of the bachelor’s degree or years since obtaining it. If this is a concern, contact the AMS contact in the law faculty for clarity.

Call to Action

If you're an international law student (non-EU/EEA) aiming for a high-quality LLM at UvA, apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship now via the UvA Law School AMS application portal (link available from the law-school AMS page above). Make sure your LLM program application and complete scholarship documents are submitted by 15 January (23:59 CET).

Apply now via UvA AMS Law page (https://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/organisation/faculties/amsterdam-law-school/practical-matters/scholarships/amsterdam-merit-scholarship-ams/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html)

Disclaimer: While I have actively verified all major facts from official UvA sources, always double-check dates, amounts, and application details on the official UvA AMS and Law faculties pages before submitting your application.