Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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? Have a look here.
• Visit our campus virtually here.

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

For more information about our (upcoming) open days and webinars please visit https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/vu-master-s-event

Meet us in your own country

VU Amsterdam is frequently present at international education fairs around the world. It will be a pleasure to meet you at our stand! Please join one of our presentations, take a brochure or flyer and ask our colleagues and alumni about all that you need to know about studying at VU Amsterdam. 

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.