Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Welcome to 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.
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.
Vrije Universiteit 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, Vrije Universiteit 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.
Chat live with students from VU
Do you want to know what it's like to study at VU? Visit the link below to student ambassadors and get answers to all of your burning questions about academic and student life.
Programs
Scholarships & funding
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.
Contact school
Why study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is in the Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad
Awards & Accreditations
16 worldwide
Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking
104th worldwide
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018
236th worldwide
International QS World University ranking 2021
Student services & facilities
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.
Campuses
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.
Student lifestyle
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.
Accommodation
The Services team of International Office assists you with finding accommodation and applying for a visa and/or residence permit (if applicable). You can also live chat with the visa and accommodation team through VU Amsterdam's website. Please have a look under the Contact section for the latest opening hours, as availability is subject to change.
Reviews
Average rating 4.8
Based on 4 reviews.Contact
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Want to get more information about this institute and its programs? Fill out the following form and we'll pass it on directly to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
I just finished my first year in the program and I am very happy that I made the move to Amsterdam and chose the John Stuart Mill College for my studies. PPE really changes the way you think about the world and will always leave you to ask for more than one angle when solving problems. The program can be quite demanding but the community is ther...