Summer school in Asia: INCiTE
Summer school in Asia: INCiTE
The transformative INCiTE summer school, in Cambodia this year, offers a unique opportunity for students from top universities to collaborate on innovative solutions to global challenges. Along the way, students will also sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, gaining invaluable experience in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Applications for the INCiTE programme for the 2024–2025 academic year are now closed. New information about INCiTE 2025–2026 will be available in November 2025, in advance of the Study Abroad Month.
In brief
Who should apply?
Are you passionate about intercultural collaboration and tackling social issues aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? If so, INCiTE offers an ideal opportunity for you!
This programme is open to full-time UvA students from all study levels and disciplines who have not previously participated in a Study Abroad experience (such as an exchange) in higher education and have not been selected for a future Study Abroad opportunity.
In the selection process, we give priority to students who face barriers to studying or travelling abroad (such as students with specific learning needs, physical or mental health issues, or financial constraints).
Who is involved?
The INCiTE summer school is a collaborative programme bringing together students from the University of Amsterdam, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Sydney, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, the Jiangsu Education Services for International Exchange, and the National University of Management Phnom Penh.
What does INCiTE offer?
You will collaborate in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams of 4 to 6 students from INCiTE institutions to tackle a global challenge related to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as health, climate change, or food security. Your team will develop an innovative solution and build a business model from scratch.
Throughout the two-and-a-half-week programme, you’ll take part in three dynamic courses: Intercultural Intelligence, Systems Thinking, and introductory Entrepreneurship. These classes will equip you to create practical solutions in the form of products or services. The programme culminates in a Project Fair, where your team will showcase its solution.
Beyond academics, INCiTE offers a variety of cultural and social activities like city trips, networking events, and company visits, providing a well-rounded, inspiring summer. On-site well-being support is also available to help you navigate the programme’s intensity and enrich your experience.
When is INCiTE?
- Applications open: 26 February 2025
- Applications close: 26 March 2025
- INCiTE summer school: 8 July to 23 July 2025
Where is INCiTE?
Each year, INCiTE is hosted in a different Asian country. For 2025, the programme will unfold at the National University of Management in Cambodia.
Previous editions of INCiTE have taken place in Suzhou, China, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Danang, Vietnam.
Get informed
- Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on important deadlines and dates for our international short-term programmes.
- Register for workshops hosted by the Office of International Student Affairs to get helpful tips to overcome the challenges in applying, and how to prepare.
- Each year in November, the UvA organises the 'UvA Study Abroad Month' where you can find out more about the possibilities to study abroad during your study programme. Learn more about this event.
Why choose INCiTE?
Prepare for the job market
In today’s fast-paced global workplace, higher education must equip students with the skills needed to thrive in their careers, and the INCiTE Summer School is an ideal platform for that development. This unique programme immerses you in diverse cultures while helping you cultivate competencies vital for today’s job market.
Broaden your horizon
You will gain crucial skills such as problem-solving, intercultural collaboration, international entrepreneurship, social innovation, and systems thinking. Additionally, you’ll build an international network and learn from world-class academics, enhancing your CV with valuable entrepreneurial and intercultural communication skills. While the programme does not offer ECTS credits, it provides a profound international experience comparable to a semester exchange, culminating in a certificate that you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile.
Funding
Total scholarship amount: €1,800
Deductions:
- Approximately 50% will be deducted upfront to cover:
- Programme fees
- Accommodation
Remaining Scholarship Distribution:
- 70% disbursed before departure
- 30% disbursed after return
How to apply
Meet the conditions to apply
All applicants must meet the following two conditions:
- You are 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 not participated in an exchange during your higher education and have not been selected for a future study abroad experience (such as an exchange).
Request priority for the INCiTE summer school
The INCiTE programme is especially suitable for the following groups of students who face challenges in studying abroad: students with financial constraints, specialised learning needs, and/or physical or mental health conditions. Applicants who provide proof of belonging to one or more of these groups will be given priority in the selection process.
If you're unable to provide the required documentation, we still encourage you to apply, though without priority consideration.
Priority consideration
You may receive priority consideration based on one or two criteria:
- Financial Constraints - If you are currently receiving, or if you have previously received the "aanvullende beurs" (supplementary grant) from DUO, submit an official document from DUO showing you receive a grant of more than €0.00. You can download this document from your inbox when you log in to your Mijn DUO profile. A screenshot from "Mijn DUO" is not valid.
- Physical or Mental Condition - If you have a physical or mental condition that affects your studies or ability to study abroad, fill out and submit this medical statement (pdf). Please do not include any personal medical information, such as medications or diagnoses.
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: Other students may apply without priority consideration.
Apply in the following steps
- Gather Documentation - If applicable, obtain your medical statement and/or DUO letter. If you don’t have these documents, you can proceed to step 2.
- Email Your Application - Send an email to global@uva.nl with the subject line: “INCiTE Application + [Your Name].” Attach your medical statement and/or DUO letter. If you wish to continue your application without priority, please indicate this in your email. Once we receive your email and assign you a priority category, we will send you the link to the application form.
- Complete the Application Form - Fill out the application form, which will require a brief recommendation letter from a peer (to be copied into the form) and a brief motivation statement. You will also need to rank three global challenges related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare your application, as this is the final step.
After application
Selection
25 students are selected through a lottery process, following these steps:
- We determine your priority category (first, second, or third).
- A lottery is conducted among applicants in priority category 1.
- 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 within a few days. And if selected, you will be asked to confirm your placement.
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 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 a study abroad experience (such as an exchange) during your higher education or have been selected for a future study abroad experience (such as an exchange).
Questions?
This programme is coordinated by the Office of International Student Affairs, the central international office of the UvA. Please email global@uva.nl if you have any questions. Please read this page and the attached fact sheet beforehand.