About
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level to more than 26,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 122 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.
Quick links
- More information about the various Bachelor’s programmes
- More information about the various Master's programmes
- More information about the PhD programmes
- Tuition fees for international programmes
- Find out about admission requirements, numerus fixus, premasters, and how to apply at Admission and application.
- Go to scholarships to find a list of the scholarship programmes that are most commonly awarded to our Master students.
- Curious about student life at VU Amsterdam? Click here to ask our International Student Ambassadors.
VU Amsterdam is located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language spoken. The campus is surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands hosting over 700 companies.
With more than 26,000 students, of which 4,088 are international, VU Amsterdam conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance. We distinguish itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes: Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World and Governance for Society. As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world. In addition, VU Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
VU Amsterdam offers English taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in different fields of interest, namely:
- Art, Culture and History
- Behavioural and Social Sciences
- Computer Science, Mathematics and Business
- Economics, Business and Law
- Health and Movement Sciences
- Language and Communication
- Natural Sciences
- Religion and Philosophy
Furthermore, VU Amsterdam provides three- or four-year research intensive PhD programmes, or part time PhD programmes with a duration above four years, organized in graduate schools of nine VU Amsterdam faculties. The doctorates are internationally-oriented, multi and interdisciplinary, curiosity and results driven, creating an impact in science, society and economy.
Upcoming Events
Bachelor Open Days 30 & 31 October 2020
Click here for more information or here to pre-register.
Master's Evening 1 December 2020
Click here to pre-register.
A multicultural community
VU Amsterdam is an internationally renowned university located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Amsterdam is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, boasting 179 different nationalities and English is widely spoken. At VU Amsterdam people of different nationalities work and study closely together, creating an international and dynamic academic community. Diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, is regarded as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
International students and staff
With around 4,088 international students and 122 different nationalities on campus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam represents a wide range of voices. To make the transition to Amsterdam easier, the university helps students find accommodation, apply for scholarships, tackle immigration matters and prepare for international and Dutch labor markets.
Top reasons to study here
- VU is located in lively and multicultural Amsterdam, the city with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands;
- VU is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away;
- VU is consistently listed among the world's top universities in various rankings.
For more information go to: www.vuamsterdam.com or take a look on our Facebook, YouTube channel, blog, LinkedIn or Instagram.
- VU houses a Sports Center with good facilities, many types of classes and a gym. Provides cheap entrance for students and the possibility to subscribe for a short period of time. A basketball field, multiple beach volleyball fields and tennis tables are located on the campus ground, free to use for students any time of day.
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Medical Center has a general practice serving the local community. As part of the teaching hospital, it provides training and experience to medical students and conducts scientific research. VU students who live in Amsterdam (except Amsterdam Noord) or Amstelveen can register as patients.
- The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bibliotheek [university library] offers resources for study and research by providing a collection of scientific information to meet the demand of the questions posed. Approximately 90% of the collections accessible by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bibliotheek are available digitally and, therefore, available to members of staff and students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Free WIFI is available for all students and employees on campus. There are several computer rooms, a notebook study room and internet work spaces to study comfortably and quietly. All faculties have their own study and computer rooms, often combined.The buildings are generally opened from 7AM to 11PM on weekdays and from 8AM to 6PM during the weekend.
Services from our international office
Our International Office offers excellent services and assists you with housing, visa, residence permits (if applicable) and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands. We also offer a pick-up service from Schiphol airport and an extensive introduction programme in August during which you can arrange all kinds of practical matters, and can participate in social events and an intercultural programme.
An International Student Advisor (ISA Bachelor's, ISA Master's) will help you with the application procedure, possible scholarship applications and any other information you may need about your study programme.
For those international students who wish to be prepared to enter the (Dutch) labour market after their study, VU International Office organizes various events and activities throughout the year such as the annual Career Event and CV workshops, Interview Training and Meet & Greets with companies.
You can approach student counsellors and a student desk with any specific questions you may have. Guidance and support are offered to students with a disability.
Campus
Almost all of our students, staff and programmes are located on campus: a single building complex in the business district of Amsterdam.
The Main Building has a permanent exhibition space, which showcases work of beginning and established artists. All over the campus you can view the university's art collection, including an art route through the public areas. The campus has its own bike repair shop, which also sells reasonably priced second hand bikes.
Social life
There are several types of student bodies at the university, mostly linked to a field of study. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an organization for all international and Dutch students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It brings together students from around the world to introduce them to the university, to Amsterdam and to make them feel at home. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam organizes a host of activities, including cocktail parties, weekly get-togethers (borrels), weekend trips and social gatherings every two weeks.
Check out the specific requirements for admission and language requirements for masters here!
About
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level to more than 26,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 122 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.
Quick links
- More information about the various Bachelor’s programmes
- More information about the various Master's programmes
- More information about the PhD programmes
- Tuition fees for international programmes
- Find out about admission requirements, numerus fixus, premasters, and how to apply at Admission and application.
- Go to scholarships to find a list of the scholarship programmes that are most commonly awarded to our Master students.
- Curious about student life at VU Amsterdam? Click here to ask our International Student Ambassadors.
VU Amsterdam is located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language spoken. The campus is surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands hosting over 700 companies.
With more than 26,000 students, of which 4,088 are international, VU Amsterdam conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance. We distinguish itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes: Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World and Governance for Society. As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world. In addition, VU Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
VU Amsterdam offers English taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in different fields of interest, namely:
- Art, Culture and History
- Behavioural and Social Sciences
- Computer Science, Mathematics and Business
- Economics, Business and Law
- Health and Movement Sciences
- Language and Communication
- Natural Sciences
- Religion and Philosophy
Furthermore, VU Amsterdam provides three- or four-year research intensive PhD programmes, or part time PhD programmes with a duration above four years, organized in graduate schools of nine VU Amsterdam faculties. The doctorates are internationally-oriented, multi and interdisciplinary, curiosity and results driven, creating an impact in science, society and economy.
Upcoming Events
Bachelor Open Days 30 & 31 October 2020
Click here for more information or here to pre-register.
Master's Evening 1 December 2020
Click here to pre-register.
A multicultural community
VU Amsterdam is an internationally renowned university located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Amsterdam is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, boasting 179 different nationalities and English is widely spoken. At VU Amsterdam people of different nationalities work and study closely together, creating an international and dynamic academic community. Diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, is regarded as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
International students and staff
With around 4,088 international students and 122 different nationalities on campus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam represents a wide range of voices. To make the transition to Amsterdam easier, the university helps students find accommodation, apply for scholarships, tackle immigration matters and prepare for international and Dutch labor markets.
Top reasons to study here
- VU is located in lively and multicultural Amsterdam, the city with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands;
- VU is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away;
- VU is consistently listed among the world's top universities in various rankings.
For more information go to: www.vuamsterdam.com or take a look on our Facebook, YouTube channel, blog, LinkedIn or Instagram.
- VU houses a Sports Center with good facilities, many types of classes and a gym. Provides cheap entrance for students and the possibility to subscribe for a short period of time. A basketball field, multiple beach volleyball fields and tennis tables are located on the campus ground, free to use for students any time of day.
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Medical Center has a general practice serving the local community. As part of the teaching hospital, it provides training and experience to medical students and conducts scientific research. VU students who live in Amsterdam (except Amsterdam Noord) or Amstelveen can register as patients.
- The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bibliotheek [university library] offers resources for study and research by providing a collection of scientific information to meet the demand of the questions posed. Approximately 90% of the collections accessible by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bibliotheek are available digitally and, therefore, available to members of staff and students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Free WIFI is available for all students and employees on campus. There are several computer rooms, a notebook study room and internet work spaces to study comfortably and quietly. All faculties have their own study and computer rooms, often combined.The buildings are generally opened from 7AM to 11PM on weekdays and from 8AM to 6PM during the weekend.
Services from our international office
Our International Office offers excellent services and assists you with housing, visa, residence permits (if applicable) and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands. We also offer a pick-up service from Schiphol airport and an extensive introduction programme in August during which you can arrange all kinds of practical matters, and can participate in social events and an intercultural programme.
An International Student Advisor (ISA Bachelor's, ISA Master's) will help you with the application procedure, possible scholarship applications and any other information you may need about your study programme.
For those international students who wish to be prepared to enter the (Dutch) labour market after their study, VU International Office organizes various events and activities throughout the year such as the annual Career Event and CV workshops, Interview Training and Meet & Greets with companies.
You can approach student counsellors and a student desk with any specific questions you may have. Guidance and support are offered to students with a disability.
Campus
Almost all of our students, staff and programmes are located on campus: a single building complex in the business district of Amsterdam.
The Main Building has a permanent exhibition space, which showcases work of beginning and established artists. All over the campus you can view the university's art collection, including an art route through the public areas. The campus has its own bike repair shop, which also sells reasonably priced second hand bikes.
Social life
There are several types of student bodies at the university, mostly linked to a field of study. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an organization for all international and Dutch students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It brings together students from around the world to introduce them to the university, to Amsterdam and to make them feel at home. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam organizes a host of activities, including cocktail parties, weekly get-togethers (borrels), weekend trips and social gatherings every two weeks.
Check out the specific requirements for admission and language requirements for masters here!
English language requirements
