Through the U21 network, a global partnership of world-renowned universities, the UvA offers 12 Summer School scholarships worth €2,350 each. Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are open from 5 February to 5 March 2026.

Who can apply

While we prioritise students facing barriers to studying or traveling abroad (those with specific learning needs, physical or mental health conditions, or financial constraints) this programme is open to everyone. Students from all disciplines and study stages are encouraged to apply.

Universitas 21

Universitas 21External link (U21) is partnership between the University of Amsterdam and a global network of world-leading universities that share a commitment to collaboration and internationalisation. From universities in China to Chile, the U21 network aims to build a more inclusive and study abroad community, offering a wide range of accessible virtual, blended, and in-person programmes for their students worldwide.

Benefits of a U21 summer school scholarship

With a U21 summer school scholarship, you decide where, what, and when to study abroad. Some U21 universities also offer virtual summer schools.

In addition, course credits earned abroad can often be transferred to your UvA degree. Be sure to consult your study advisor and get approval from the Examination Board before you apply.

Still undecided? U21 also offers free, accessible, short programmes that are separate from the scholarships and provide UvA students with an easy way to start building their international network and CV from home. Explore other U21 opportunitiesExternal link.

Destinations

Students choose only one destination from the following universities:

1. UC Chile (Chile)
2. Fudan University (China)
3. University of Hong Kong (SAR)
4. Waseda University (Japan)
5. Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
6. National University of Singapore (Singapore)
7. Korea University (South Korea)

You can find more information about the U21 universities and their summer school offer on the UvA World Map for summer schoolsExternal link, in the section ‘Summer schools or short programmes’.

Funding

There are 12 scholarships available worth €2,350 per student. The scholarship is paid in two instalments: 70% before departure and 30% after return.

The scholarship can be used to cover (part of) the programme fees for the summer school at your host institution and may, in some cases, also contribute to accommodation costs.

Please note that the scholarship is not intended to cover all expenses.

How to apply

You apply for the U21 summer school scholarship through the University of Amsterdam, and separately enrol for your chosen summer school at the host university by paying the tuition fees.

Meet the conditions to apply for U21

To apply, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are enrolled as a full-time fee paying student at the University of Amsterdam from the moment of application until your return from abroad.
• You enrol for a full-time course load as defined by the partner institution.

Excluded from selection

You are excluded from selection if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You submitted an incomplete application.
• You are not able to attend the obligatory pre-departure information meeting(s).
• You are not enrolled as a full-time fee paying student at the University of Amsterdam from the moment of application until the end of the programme.
• You have participated in an exchange during your higher education or you have been selected for a future exchange.
• You have participated in NICE, INCiTE or U21 in the past or you have been selected for NICE in the future.

Request priority

Applicants who can provide proof of financial and/or medical barriers to studying or studying abroad will receive priority consideration. If you're unable to provide documentation for priority status, you are still encouraged to apply, though without priority consideration.

You may qualify for priority consideration based on one or two criteria:

1. Financial constraints - If you are receiving the "aanvullende beurs" (supplementary grant) from DUOExternal link, submit an official document from DUO showing you receive a grant of more than €0.00. You can find this statement when you log into ‘Mijn DUO’. A screenshot from "Mijn DUO" is not valid.
2. Physical or mental health condition - If you have a condition that affects your studies or ability to study abroad, complete and submit this medical statement (pdf). Please do not include any personal medical information, such as medications or diagnoses.

Important: no exceptions to these document requirements can be accommodated.

Priority categories

• Category 1: Submit both a valid DUO statement and a medical statement.
• Category 2: Submit either a valid DUO statement or a medical statement.
• Category 3: Students who do not meet the above criteria may apply without priority consideration.

Apply in the following steps

1. Select your destination through the UvA World Map. There is only one application round and your choice of destination does not affect your chances of selection. You may request to change your destination later with permission.
2. Gather documentation - If applicable, obtain your medical statement and/or DUO letter. If not, continue to step 3.
3. Obtain a brief recommendation letter from a peer (a class mate, for example).
4. Submit your application and attach your medical statement and/or DUO letter if applicable. The application link will be available here on 5 February 2026.

Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare your application.

After application

The 12 students are selected through a lottery process, following these steps:

1. We determine your priority category (first, second, or third).
2. A lottery is conducted among applicants in priority category 1.
3. If spots remain, a lottery is held for priority category 2, followed by category 3, as needed.

After submitting your application, you will be notified about the results and any potential next steps through your student email.

Get informed

• Register for various workshops around gaining an international learning experience.
• Each year in November, the UvA organises the annual Study Abroad Month, in which you can find out more about the international opportunities during your study programme. In-person information sessions on the Short-term Learning Opportunities take place on 5 November and 19 November 2025. Learn more about the Study Abroad Month.

Questions

This programme is coordinated by the Office of International Student Mobility, the central international office of the UvA. Please email global@uva.nlExternal link if you have any questions. Please read this page beforehand and specify that your question is about the U21 summer school scholarships.