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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam


About

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English taught programs at Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. level to over 26,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 122 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community. The University distinguishes itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes: Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World, and Governance for Society.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English-taught programs 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.

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 ourselves 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 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.

Quality of education

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) has a sterling reputation for the fine quality of its teaching. You work in relatively small groups, in which considerable emphasis is placed on interaction and a personal approach. The teaching is well-organized. This is reflected, for instance, in the clear structure of the study programs.

Open Days

Do you want to get to know Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and all of its programs? 'Then join our open days!

Living in Amsterdam

The university 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. As a student of VU Amsterdam, you stand to benefit from all the advantages offered by the capital. In just over fifteen minutes you are in the lively center of Amsterdam, where there are numerous shops, places of entertainment, parks, and pavement cafes. Amsterdam is safe and English is widely spoken.

Learn more about living in Amsterdam

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Accommodation

If you plan to study at VU Amsterdam it is essential to think of a place to live. Unfortunately, finding a room in Amsterdam is difficult and stressful. The housing market in the Netherlands is extremely tense, especially in Amsterdam. Many Dutch and international students are searching for student rooms. Housing prices are high: rental prices at the private market often start at €750 and up. Start your search early and be prepared to search in surrounding villages and towns. We advise you not to come to the Netherlands if you do not have a permanent accommodation before the start of your study programs.

Personal supervision

VU Amsterdam devotes considerable attention to personal study advice. Right at the start of your course of study, you will be introduced to your program’s study advisor. This person will offer you advice about any problems that you might have with your course of study, and answer questions about the job market.

Unique identity

VU Amsterdam was the first university in the Netherlands established by a private person, with no interference from the church or the state. This heritage is still very much part of who we are: VU stands for Vrije Universiteit, which translates literally as ‘Free University.’ From the very beginning, the university has determined its own areas of research, created its own study programs, and practiced its own didactic methods.

Accreditation

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is fully recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a research university. All degree programs at VU University Amsterdam are either accredited by or in the process of being accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands, and Flanders. This body was established by an international treaty and guarantees the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium through the accreditation of study programs.

Types of programs

VU Amsterdam offers four types of programs:

  • Bachelor’s degree programs (leading to BA/LLB/BSc)
  • Master’s degree programs (leading to MA/LLM/MSc/MPhil)
  • Ph.D./Doctorate programs (leading to Ph.D./Doctorate)
  • Non-degree programs (Study Abroad & Exchange/ Summer/Winter School)

Organization

VU Amsterdam is a traditional Dutch university presided over by an Executive Board (three members) and has 10 faculties directly under the Executive Board. Each faculty provides one or more Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree programs and carries out research. They are all organized differently, but most have a board, a central staff, and several departments and graduate schools. The university also has a number of service departments, of which the International Office is one, and there are a number of interdisciplinary research institutes.

Private or public?

VU Amsterdam is one of 14 public universities which are recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education and is therefore partially government-funded. Under the Dutch system, the government subsidizes recognized universities on the basis of their student numbers and also sets limits and guidelines for the tuition fees that these universities are allowed to charge. This ensures access to quality higher education for all Dutch citizens, rich or poor. VU Amsterdam welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

For more information about our (upcoming) open days and webinars please visit us

Easily accessible

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is readily accessible by public transport. Schiphol Airport is only eight minutes away by train. Amsterdam Zuid Station is within walking distance of VU University Amsterdam. There is also a rapid tram connection to Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, with a journey time of just sixteen minutes. VU Amsterdam is also easy to reach by car, being situated close to Amsterdam’s orbital motorway.

University campus

Almost all of our students, staff, and programs are located on campus: a single building complex in the business district of Amsterdam. Accordingly, in the course of your studies, it is very easy to familiarize yourself with other disciplines.

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.

If you plan to study at VU Amsterdam it is essential to think of a place to live. Unfortunately, finding a room in Amsterdam is difficult and stressful. The housing market in the Netherlands is extremely tense, especially in Amsterdam. Many Dutch and international students are searching for student rooms.

Housing prices are high: rental prices at the private market often start at €750 and up. Start your search early and be prepared to search in surrounding villages and towns. We advise you not to come to the Netherlands if you do not have a permanent accommodation before the start of your study program.

    VU International Office Services

    • Visa/residence permit
      Find out if you require a visa/residence permit and how this will be arranged.
    • Accommodation
      Information on accommodation at VU Amsterdam.
    • Registration at the municipality
      When you have arrived in the Netherlands you must register with the municipality. Find out what you need to do.
    • Introduction activities
      After your arrival, numerous introductory activities will take place at VU Amsterdam.
    • Unibuddy
      Curious about student life at VU Amsterdam? Click here to ask our International Student Ambassadors.

    Scholarships

    With our own scholarship, the VU Fellowship Program (VUFP), we offer highly motivated students with excellent study results the unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree with financial support provided by the university. The VUFP scholarship is a tuition fee waiver. The Holland Scholarship Program (HSP) is meant for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to follow a Master’s program in the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam embraces diversity as an enrichment to our teaching, research, and our contribution to society. This scholarship is specifically intended for excellent students who contribute to the diversity at our campus. As an international student planning to study at VU Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries. Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found on WWW.VU.NL/SCHOLARSHIPS OR WWW.GRANTFINDER.NL.

    VU Fellowship Program

    The VU Fellowship Program (VUFP) offers talented prospective students the unique opportunity to pursue a degree in a selection of Master’s programs at VU University.

    With their own scholarship, the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers highly motivated students with excellent study results the unique oppurtunity to pursue a Master’s degree with financial support provided by the university. The VUFP scholarship is a tuition fee waiver.

    The Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP) is meant for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to follow a Master’s programme in the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam embraces diversity as an enrichment to their teaching, research and contribution to society. This scholarship is specifically intended for excellent students who contribute to the diversity at their campus. As an international student planning to study at VU Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries.

    With more than 24,000 students, of which 4,088 are international, VU Amsterdam conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance.

    They distinguish themselves in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes:

    • Human Health and Life Sciences
    • Science for Sustainability
    • Connected World
    • 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.

    The Dutch higher education system has been ranked in the top 10 by Universitas 21. In the first Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking, VU Amsterdam is ranked 16th worldwide. In this ranking, universities are assessed based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to measure the impact of the universities on society. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018 (Shanghai Ranking) VU Amsterdam holds the 104th position. The international QS World University ranking 2021 places the Vrije Universiteit at number 236 in the world, which means the Vrije Universiteit belongs to the top 20% of the world.

    At VU Amsterdam, the teaching style can be described as student-centred: they encourage students to develop their own opinions through independent and creative thinking. This means that teaching is mainly conducted in small tutorials, where interactivity is the norm rather than the exception. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue with their professors.

    16 worldwide

    Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking

    104th worldwide

    Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018

    236th worldwide

    International QS World University ranking 2021

    As a student at VU Amsterdam, you will have a wide range of facilities at your disposal. You will have access to extensive libraries, a university-wide wireless network and numerous computers and reading rooms. The university’s sport centre offers more than 35 different sports and the Griffioen cultural centre organises a variety of courses in the arts as well as other cultural activities. In addition, in collaboration with a local movie theatre, VU screens the newest internationally awarded films in the main building.

    Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, boasting 180 different nationalities and where English is widely spoken. At VU Amsterdam 84 nationalities work and study closely together, creating an international and dynamic academic community. Curious about everyday life in Amsterdam, from the campus to what's going on throughout the city? Would you like to know how the Dutch educational system differs from your own? Ask one of their student ambassadors. They would love to answer your questions by sharing their personal experiences of living and studying at VU Amsterdam.

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    Program Admission Requirements

    Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

    Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.

    • Amsterdam

      Main building Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1105 , 1081 HV, Amsterdam

    Questions

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam