University of Amsterdam

Netherlands

University History

University of Amsterdam was founded in 1632. It is a public research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  The University is one of two large, publicly funded research universities in the city. The University of Amsterdam is among three oldest university in the Netherlands. University of Amsterdam is one of the largest research universities in Europe. 

In 1632 University of Amsterdam was founded by the municipal authorities in Amsterdam. The first two professors at university were Gerardus Vossius and Caspar Barlaeus. In 1961, the national government made the university a national university, and gave it its current name, the University of Amsterdam. The University of Amsterdam started working in partnership with the Hogeschool van Amsterdam. In 2008, the University of Amsterdam and VU University together founded the Amsterdam University College (AUC), which is an interuniversity institute that offers a three-year Bachelor (Honors) degree in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program.

University Programs, Courses and Schools

University of Amsterdam has 7 schools and colleges located in its 4 campuses- University Quarter, Roeterseiland Campus, Amsterdam Science Park and Amsterdam UMC. The campuses offer wide learning opportunities and challenges to the students. The 7 schools and colleges of the University of Amsterdam are;

•  School of Economics and Business
•  School of Humanities
•   School of Law
•  School of Sciences
•  School Social and Behavioral Sciences
•  School of Dentistry
•  School of Medicine

University Achievements

University of Amsterdam is a well-known university in the Netherlands. QS World University Rankings ranked the University of Amsterdam in the top 75 in four out of five of the subjects: Social Sciences & Management (41), Arts & Humanities (43), Life Sciences & Medicine (69) and Natural Sciences (75). Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranked the University of Amsterdam 30th in Arts & Humanities and 40th in Social Sciences. In 2017, CWTS Leiden Global university ranking ranked the University of Amsterdam in the Global Top 8 in the field of social sciences and humanities. The CHE Excellence Ranking ranked the university excellent in all seven categories for research, making it the only Dutch institution to achieve this place.

University USP

The University of Amsterdam is ranked 62nd in Times Higher World Rankings 2020 and is the #1 Dutch university in the Europe Teaching Rankings. University has 7,000 international students and researchers from over more than 100 countries, the institution offers one of the widest options of English-taught master's studies in Europe.

University Notable Alumni

University of Amsterdam’s alumni has expert alumni from different backgrounds who are there to serve based on their common passion and responsibility towards the university. Some of the alumni members of University of Amsterdam are-

•  Prime Ministers Pieter Cort van der Linden
•  Tobias Asser, 1911 Nobel Prize for Peace
•  Christiaan Eijkman, 1929 Nobel Prize for Medicine
•  Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff, 1901 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
•  Johannes Diderik van der Waals, 1910 Nobel Prize for Physics
•  Pieter Zeeman, 1902 Nobel Prize for Physics
•  Frits Zernike, 1953 Nobel Prize for Physics
•  Sophia Antoniadis

University infrastructure & services

Campuses

University Quarter-

The University Quarter campus of University of Amsterdam is the main campus located in the heart of the city. The campus serves as a home to School of Humanities and the University Library.

Roeterseiland Campus-

Roetersieland campus of University of Amsterdam serves as a home to three schools- Economics and Business, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Law. CREA, the student cultural organisation, is also located in this campus.

Amsterdam Science Park Campus-

Amsterdam Science Park Campus of University of Amsterdam is one of the largest science campuses in Europe. Amsterdam Science Park campus serves as a center for research innovation and entrepreneurship. Amsterdam Science Park campus is also home to the University Sports Center and Amsterdam University College.

Amsterdam UMC-

Amsterdam UMC campus of University of Amsterdam joins together the university teaching hospitals of the University of Amsterdam and the VU University (VUmc). University of Amsterdam’s medical students learn the profession by working alongside doctors, nurses and patients at the AMC located in Amsterdam South-east.

Libraries-

 Libraries at the University of Amsterdam are an important part of the educational experience and an invaluable resource for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also for the broad community. University of Amsterdam offers students 9 libraries to study - University Library Singel, P.C. Hoofthuis Library, Library Learning Center (REC H), Science Park Library, Allard Pierson Reading Room, Law Library (REC A), Latin American Research and Documentation Center (CEDLA), Book depot (IWO) and Artis Library. The libraries offer a wide range of books and other materials and services to support academic studies and enhance research work at University of Amsterdam. The libraries have a vast collection of books, e-journals and e-books etc. University library is focused to provide high-quality library resources, programs, and services to the students. The libraries provide flexible and well-equipped surroundings to everyone’s research and learning needs. The libraries support the student learning experience, creation and administration of knowledge, and also contribute to advancements in teaching and research programs                                                                                                       

Housing services-

On-campus- University of Amsterdam offers residential communities, where students from all over the country and the world live, learn and grow together. Students have an option to reside in the residence halls. The university offers nearly 3000 rooms. The University of Amsterdam’s residential halls offer support and convenience, as well as opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and interaction with all facilities and staff. The university’s residence halls are perfect for comfortable housing.  Students can select the room of their choice based on costs, hall facilities, location, availability. Through university’s affinity housing students can live in groups of like-minded students who share the same love for sports, literature, film and course. The various services offered in university’s residence halls are-

•  Fully furnished rooms
•  Large lounges with kitchens
•  All-inclusive utilities
•  Free Wi-Fi and cable TV
•  Free laundry facilities
•  Residence Life staff support
•  Programming created around a residential curriculum
•  24-hour security and on-call housing staff

Off-campus- University of Amsterdam assists students in finding off-campus housing near university’s campus. They provide convenient housing to students, faculty and staff nearby university. All students are not offered housing on-campus due to many enrollments every year, so they have to find off- campus accommodation to live.

Medical services-

University of Amsterdam provides medical services to students. The Health Services encourage students to live a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve their personal, academic and career goals. They also maintain an emergency response team which responds immediately to any accidents or injuries involving any person on campus. Primary and urgent healthcare, health clearances, routine women’s healthcare, emergency response and wellness education are all part of the services provided. The staff consists of certified physicians and nurses who are dedicated towards their work and provide high quality medical care to students.

Student’s clubs-

University of Amsterdam offers wide variety of students’ clubs and organization which provide wide range of opportunities for students to engross themselves. The university offers everything students need to stay active on campus. Some of the clubs at University of Amsterdam are-

•  Alax (Lacrosse) Club
•  Amsterdam Horseback Riding Club 
•  ASAC (Amsterdam Student Mountain Climbing Club)
•  Aquila (Amsterdam Student Athletics Organization)
•  ASCRUM (Amsterdam Student Rugby Club)
•  A.S.R. Nereus (Rowing club)
•  A.S.S.V. ESPRIT (Amsterdam Student Fencing Club)
•  Basketball Club Schrobbeler
•  Tennis club
•  NUTS Ultimate Frisbee Club

These are just a few clubs and organizations listed above. There are many other options available to choose from and engross yourself in.

University location

University Quarter- 1012 WX Amsterdam, Netherlands

 Roeterseiland Campus- Roetersstraat 11, 1018 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

 Amsterdam Science Park- Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam 

Amsterdam UMC- De Boelelaan 1117, 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Top Landmarks-

•  Anne Frank House
•  The Jordaan
•  A'dam Lookout
•  Museum Het Rembrandthuis
•  Centraal Station
•  Royal Palace Amsterdam
•  Begijnhof
•  Dam Square
•  Johan Cruyff Arena
• Amsterdam Canal Ring

International student’s info

Courses Offered-

University of Amsterdam offers Undergraduate programs and Graduate programs. Some of the courses are-

•  Ancient Studies
•  Archaeology
•  Business Administration
•  Anthropology
•  Linguistics
•  Media and Culture
•  Political Science
•  Psychology
•  Social Science

Student Support-

 The Office of International Student Affairs at University of Amsterdam provides international educational exchange via its services. It serves as the primary administrative, programming, and advising office for the international community. The office provides various services like-

•  immigration assistance and support to international students and exchange visitors through advising, programs, workshops and events.

•  serve as a guide for academic and administrative units in the collaboration, hiring and sponsorship of international students and exchange visitors.
•  provides on-going orientation and support services in a welcoming environment designed to help students in cultural adjustment.

Visa and Immigration Support-

Individuals need to apply for an entry visa (MVV) as well as a residence permit (VVR) if they want to study in the Netherlands.

Short-stay visa-

For stays of up to 90 days, individuals might need a short stay visa (Visum Kort Verblijf or VKV) to enter the Netherlands.

A VKV is issued as a sticker in the passport. The sticker gives information such as the expiry date of the visa, the maximum number of days anyone is allowed to stay and the countries to which they have been granted access. The VKV normally allows access to all countries in the Schengen area.

This type of visa is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days, which means that once you have been in the Schengen area for 90 days you may not return until another 90 days have passed.

Residence permit

If anyone wants to stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days, they need to get a residence permit (VVR). The residence permit is a plastic card, about the size of a credit card. It serves as proof of your identity, nationality and lawful residency in the Netherlands. It allows an individual to enter and exit the Netherlands and travel through the Schengen area.

International Student Contact-

Office- Roeterseiland Campus
Building J/K
Valckenierstraat 65-67
1018 XE Amsterdam
The Netherlands

E-mail- [email protected]

Student life

student society-

University of Amsterdam’s student organizations or clubs are one of the best ideas to get involved in the campus. Organizations are assembled under an arrangement of causes, identities, and interests. Student organizations at the University of Amsterdam put on some of the most highly awaited campus events and offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement and leadership every year. The University of Amsterdam has various student organizations, so there is something for each student.

sports and fitness-

University of Amsterdam provides activities that promote healthy lifestyles and fitness for a huge population of students, faculty and staff. The university provides various sports activities and fitness rooms to keep students fit and healthy.

Health & Wellbeing-

Health and Wellness at the University of Amsterdam is to highlight the active process of change and growth that involves building resilience, persistence, and positivity in the phase of provocations. It is the initiative dedicated to help students incorporate in an overall well-being experience across campus. They allow students to actively indulge in well-being activities that provide support to a holistic lifestyle. Through this initiative, students will learn and understand resources and they will also learn how to help others in need.

Residential Life-

On-campus housing at the University of Amsterdam can easily accommodate a huge population of students. The residence halls offer 3000 rooms to students. The on-campus housing offers Residential Based Learning Communities on designated floors, areas or buildings where students request to live near others that share an interest in a particular social cause or academic area.

food & drink-

The University of Amsterdam provides a dining hall in the heart of the campus.  Dining is open to students, faculty, and staff. Dining plan offers different dining options which includes special dietary menus such as vegetarian and low-fat food. The plans are designed to fit the busy schedule of students, the plan assists all dietary preferences by providing a wide range of dining options and healthy food options. There are a number of cafes and restaurants available on-campus which provides a huge variety to students.

Short term getaways, weekend getaways

There are many short-term getaways near the University of Amsterdam to have fun like-

•  Anne Frank House
•  The Jordaan
•  A'dam Lookout
•  Museum Het Rembrandthuis
•  Centraal Station
•  Royal Palace Amsterdam 

and there are many other options also available to spend holidays and weekends.

Part time jobs

The Student Employment Services at University of Amsterdam provides employment opportunities to students who want to earn money while studying to pay their expenses. The Office of Student Employment helps students find part-time work that not only builds their bank account, it is also on or near campus, and gives them a relevant and meaningful career experience which enhances their resume. The jobs are posted on the university portal.

Student Safety

Crime Around the area-

University of Amsterdam keeps safety a priority. University’s Police Department provides 24/7 assistance to deter crime, and to increase personal safety and building security. A security desk is located in the lobby of each residence hall, which assists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the safety and identification of those entering and leaving the campus buildings. Students can call an officer to escort them anywhere on campus 24/7. The University is committed towards providing a safe, secure living and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff.

Famous courses

The famous courses at University of Amsterdam are-

•  Sociology
•  Psychology
• Dentistry & Oral Sciences
•  Political Science 

Campus recruitment

Process-

The Career and Employability Team at University of Amsterdam has an award-winning placement team that is dedicated to supporting students throughout their placement search. The university hosts recruitment events and fairs to provide jobs to students. In the final year as a trainee, more work experience is gained in one or more work placements in the Netherlands or abroad. The students can be placed  at museums, research institutions and private conservation studios.

Famous companies who recruit directly from University of Amsterdam –

• Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam
•  Atelier van Beemen, Amsterdam
•  Special Collections Leiden University Libraries, Leiden
•  Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem
•  Gemeentemuseum, Den Haag
•  Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Den Haag
•  Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo
•  Maritiem Museum, Rotterdam
•  Mauritshuis, Den Haag
•  Museum Het Valkhof, Nijmegen
•  Museum Volkenkunde, Amsterdam
•  Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, Amsterdam; Berg en Dal; Leiden
•  Paleis het Loo, Apeldoorn
•  Cultural Heritage Agency - Research, Amsterdam
•  Cultural Heritage Agency - Collections, Rijswijk
•  Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Application Requirements

• Create a new account
•  Completed Application Form
•  Submit required support documents
•   Academic Records
•  Pay the application fee 
•  Statement of Purpose
•  Recommendations
•  Standardized Test Scores

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