Thinking About Applying to the VUFP Scholarship? Read This First!
You’ve done it: you’ve taken the leap by deciding to study abroad at VU Amsterdam, and you’ve been accepted into your Master’s program! There is lots to prepare before you leave, and perhaps one of the most important aspects of studying abroad is to plan your finances for your time away.
Luckily, VU Amsterdam offers an amazing scholarship exclusively for international students. The Vrije Universiteit Fellowship Program (VUFP) is a merit-based scholarship that covers tuition for the duration of your master’s program, and it is awarded to outstanding students showing high academic and research potential. Though it is a competitive opportunity, it is worth taking the time to apply!
I was in your shoes last year, and was fortunate enough to receive the scholarship.
I'm very happy to share some of my own practical tips with you for your application.
1. Start early!
The application for the VUFP scholarship involves essay-style questions that require personal reflection and critical thinking. Give yourself enough time to think carefully about your answers! I recommend taking a look at the application questions at least a month before the due date.
2. Write about you, not what you think they’re looking for!
It’s easy to morph your passions, experiences, and motivations to make them seem different than they are. Evaluation committees for competitive scholarships like the VUFP really value original ideas and unique perspectives! Writing based on passion is much stronger than writing based on assumptions - be yourself and share what is important to you.
3. Bet on yourself!
The VUFP scholarship is competitive, but someone is going to get it - it could be you! Moving to the Netherlands involves considerable planning and logistics, and it is worth it to start the process early even before the results of the scholarship are announced. Consider starting the application for your visa/residence permit early (possible from 1 April once admitted) and starting to look for housing in Amsterdam as early as possible (possible immediately after your conditional admission)!
4.Get support from your peers
Just like my blog is meant to give you some inspiration, there are other ways to get in touch with current students. Among our international student ambassadors, we have several VUFP recipients. You can chat with them directly and they'll gladly share their own experiences. Some even shared their stories on camera!
5. Don’t be disappointed!
The process of applying for scholarships can be very rewarding, regardless of the outcome. Use this opportunity to reflect on your personal motivations to study at the VU to make your time here even more meaningful. Also, even if you don’t win the scholarship, there are plenty of other ways to get involved in academic life!
Best of luck with the application process - you’ve got this!
