Master’s Forensic Science Student Banu from Kazakhstan Shares Her Journey of Studying at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hi! My name is Banu, and I come from Kazakhstan. I was born and raised there, and upon high school graduation, I decided to pursue my further academics abroad. I chose Biological Sciences as a major for my Bachelor’s and got accepted into Nagoya University in Japan, which offered me a fully-funded scholarship as well as a monthly stipend to complete my studies. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, I took a gap year to live and work in Japan, and figure out what I want to do in the future. As a result, I made a decision that I wanted to study forensics in Europe, since it is a cool field where I can apply my academic knowledge, and because I wanted to experience life and travel around Europe like I did in Asia during my time in Japan. I applied to University of Amsterdam for a Master’s in Forensic Science degree and got awarded Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, which secured my spot at UvA and offered me the opportunity to study and do what I truly want to.

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Details

I received Amsterdam Merit Scholarship from the University of Amsterdam worth €40.750 for a period of 24 months (2 academic years), which fully covers the tuition fee of €17,380 per year. Additionally, due to unexpected circumstances of one of the other scholars resigning, I received extra €8,708 for year 2025-2026 from the added AMS budget (but that was out of my control).

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I have received G30 Undergraduate Programs Scholarship from Nagoya University, which fully covered the tuition fee during my Bachelor’s studies and provided 500,000 yen stipend for 4 years awarded monthly. I also received JASSO Scholarship from the Japanese government for the first 6 months of moving to Japan in the form of monthly stipends of 30,000 yen. During my undergraduate studies, I was also awarded Faculty of Science Encouragement Award of 5,000 yen for my high grades (top 10% among all 2^nd year students), and Nakamura-Usui Prize for International Students of 100,000 yen for academic excellence and research skills.

Educational Background

The Biological Sciences degree that I did for my Bachelor’s was quite broad and covered a wide range of topics in Biology, from cells and plants to animals and human anatomy. I graduated with a GPA 4.16/4.30 and completed 135 credits equivalent to 270 ECTS. I also had the opportunity to intern in various research groups (I completed 7 internship projects!) during my studies (also during holidays), which equipped me with many useful skills in different research settings from wet labs to dry ones, from marine biology to bioinformatics. All that laboratory experience was very fulfilling and I learned a lot of things not only about research but also about my own self, my ambitions, my skillset and, of course, my surroundings.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Amsterdam?

I find all the necessary and relevant information on the official university websites, including application deadlines, admission process, and scholarships. I always make sure to check the eligibility criteria there before proceeding with any applications.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I have experience taking IELTS and SAT during high school, which I included in my college applications. I prepared mostly by doing practice exams and mock tests. For the SAT, my priority was time, so I practiced speed reading and being able to answer all questions on time. For IELTS, I mostly focused on perfecting my listening and reading skills, as I could get maximum points on those parts with just good practice, while for writing and speaking parts, it was most important for me to not panic or stress too much during the exam😊 I had to retake the IELTS exam before my Master’s application again, as my previous results from high school had expired by then.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?

I had all the necessary documents prepared beforehand, such as passport scans, transcripts, certificates, diplomas, grading/credit system explanation, etc., so it was all in one place when needed to submit. I have also worked on making my CV as clear and informative as possible, outlining all of my professional achievements, without “cluttering” it too much. I also made sure to write the motivation letters according to the university instructions, in order to specifically answer the questions they ask, while being concise and to-the-point. Lastly, I communicated with my previous academic supervisors and teachers well beforehand to ask for a recommendation letter, so that they would have enough time for it.

How is Your Experience at the University of Amsterdam?

The experience at UvA has been amazing, and it is a very different academic environment from the one I have experienced in Japan. One big advantage is that everybody speaks perfect English and is quite straightforward, so it is always easy to figure things out fast without any confusion. The students are all very open, proactive, and friendly, which made me feel at home even when abroad. The teachers and faculty staff are also very approachable and easy to talk to, which makes me feel comfortable working with them and learn from them. In many ways, it’s been a great honor and pleasure for me to study at UvA.

How Does the University of Amsterdam Support International Students?

There is an International Student Office at UvA that is always happy to help students with any questions they might have, including academics, housing, financials, etc. They are very welcoming and helpful, and I know that I can always ask for their assistance when needed.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Dutch?

All my classes are conducted in English. Dutch is not required at all for completion of the studies.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Dutch?

In my experience, international students have no problems academically if they do not speak Dutch in the Netherlands. Almost everyone in this country understands and speaks English at a good level, so it is very easy to integrate and have a fulfilling life without learning Dutch. I do, however, believe that knowledge of Dutch would be beneficial if you would like to secure a job in this country.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I can’t answer this question confidently, as the Admission Committee did not communicate this with me, but I think the full portfolio that you submit in your application matters and is viewed as a whole. Definitely, high grades are a must, but I also believe that a good CV makes all the difference. Lastly, it is very important to make the right impression during the interview, in order to present yourself not only as a smart person but also as a versatile, curious, and open-minded individual who is ready and willing to learn, and with a genuine passion for the field that you are applying for.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly nothing.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Believe in yourself and be confident when presenting yourself, whether through your motivation letter, CV, or during the interview. If you truly think you deserve this scholarship, it is much easier to convince others of the same, too, rather than if you don’t. Also, I would say keep learning new things, take extra courses/internships, and expand your knowledge outside of your field or even academics. It might at times seem irrelevant or unnecessary, but all of those extra experiences will shape you into the person who is definitely deserving of any scholarship there is, and the people in the admission committee will see that 😊