Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Top reasons to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Studying with a green Conscience
VU Amsterdam champions sustainability and environmental responsibility with green buildings and parks on campus. Committed to climate change research and eco-friendly practices, we are at the forefront of promoting a greener future through innovative education and initiatives.
Be part of a diverse student community.
VU Amsterdam is known for its diverse and welcoming community, with students from over 120 countries. We create a supportive environment that fosters personal connections and collaborative learning, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking an inclusive academic experience.
An excellent history in education
Experience an affordable university in Amsterdam with nearly 150 years of excellence in science education and research. Join a vibrant community of international students and earn a prestigious degree in a rich academic environment. Choose us for a transformative educational journey!
Your gateway to Europe
VU Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam's thriving Zuidas business district, providing excellent access to Europe's cultural and professional opportunities. Studying here offers valuable internships and networking connections, placing you at the centre of a dynamic European landscape. Open doors to your future career with an education that connects you to the continent!
Image gallery
Overview of the university
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral level. Students and staff of 122 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.
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. 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, the university conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance. 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. 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 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
Click here for VU Amsterdams's information brochure about bachelor programmes, and here VU Amsterdams's information brochure about our master programmes.
Programs and courses at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
183 courses at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, listed alphabetically:
Videos
Articles and news
Key facts and statistics
Student reviews
Each year, we organise an online session for aspiring Master's students that covers everything you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Master's webinar took place on Tuesday, October 15, at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recordings all year.
During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:
- Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
- Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
- Get the latest insights on scholarship opportunities;
- Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.
Each year we organise an online session for aspiring Bachelor's students that covers all you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Bachelor's webinar took place on Thursday 24 October at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recorder version all year.
During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:
- Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
- Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
- Ask all your questions about the housing market in Amsterdam;
- Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.
Location
The main campus of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Amsterdam is shown on the map below:
Accommodation
Studying at Vrije Universiteit and living in Amsterdam is a great experience, but finding a room can be a challenge.
The international office of VU Amsterdam can help with arranging accommodation for international students.
The International Office offers accommodation to participants in English-taught degree programmes. There are furnished and unfurnished rooms with private or shared facilities. The number of rooms available is limited so we cannot guarantee accommodation for every student, but the International Office will do its utmost best to find suitable accommodation for everyone.