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Do you want to make global news headlines with groundbreaking cybersecurity research or impact the security of billions of computers worldwide? Your first stop is our top Master’s programme Computer Security, powered by world-class researchers (VUSec and other CompSys groups).
The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.
The emphasis on low-level systems security is unique: other programmes tend to favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
Computer Security
Unique: one-of-a-kind Master's programme in the Netherlands one of the few of its kind in the world
Emphasis on low-level systems security: unique focus, in comparison with other programs that favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
High demand: both the industry and Computer Science research departments are chasing well-qualified graduates in this field
Personal attention: work together with the best researchers in the field
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Do you want to make global news headlines with groundbreaking cybersecurity research or impact the security of billions of computers worldwide? Your first stop is our top Master’s programme Computer Security, powered by world-class researchers (VUSec and other CompSys groups).
The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.
The emphasis on low-level systems security is unique: other programmes tend to favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
Computer Security
Unique: one-of-a-kind Master's programme in the Netherlands one of the few of its kind in the world
Emphasis on low-level systems security: unique focus, in comparison with other programs that favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
High demand: both the industry and Computer Science research departments are chasing well-qualified graduates in this field
Personal attention: work together with the best researchers in the field
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
92+
6.5+
Students must meet the following admission requirements:
1. Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.
2. Programme-specific requirements
A background in Computer Science and a demonstrable, highly advanced knowledge of Computer Systems is required (experience in Security is a plus). As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture. Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).
3. English-language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
2 Years
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
2,694 EUR
International
24,149 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Start at the programme page of the degree you are interested in. Read the admission requirements and application steps carefully. Then apply through Studielink, complete your application on your VU dashboard, pay the application fee (if required), and wait for the admission decision, which is usually communicated within 4–6 weeks.
Check the specific ‘Admissions’ section on your programme’s page for required documents. General requirements include your diploma, transcripts and other supporting documents. Documents should be in English, German, Dutch, French, Italian, or Spanish; others must be translated into English.
Yes, for Master’s, you can apply without a diploma copy; if conditionally admitted, you must send a certified diploma copy before the deadline.
The International Office checks your application for completeness. If there’s missing or incorrect information, they will contact you. Otherwise, your application is reviewed and you typically receive a decision within 4–8 weeks. Check your email (including spam) regularly for updates.
Computer Security
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
# =160QS Subject Rankings
24 monthsProgramme duration
24,149 EURTuition Fee/year
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.
The emphasis on low-level systems security is unique: other programmes tend to favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
Computer Security
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The programme addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.
The emphasis on low-level systems security is unique: other programmes tend to favor breadth over depth or focus on more theoretical cybersecurity aspects.
Computer Security
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following admission requirements:
1. Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.
2. Programme-specific requirements
A background in Computer Science and a demonstrable, highly advanced knowledge of Computer Systems is required (experience in Security is a plus). As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture. Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).
3. English-language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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