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!

Bachelor's Day 5 & 6 November: Click here to pre-register!

Master's Event 7 December: Click here to pre-register!

Lively 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.

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.

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.

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 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)
• PhD/Doctorate programs (leading to PhD/Doctorate)
• Non-degree programs (Study Abroad & Exchange/ Summer/Winter School)

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.

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 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.

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.