Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a leading, innovative, and socially engaged research university.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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It means "Free University" in Dutch. This refers to the university's founding principle in 1880 of being independent from both the church and the state. This heritage of freedom and responsibility continues to shape our values of open-minded and engaged scholarship today.
Yes, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a publicly funded and recognized research university. It is a member of the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (UNL) and its degrees are accredited by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
VU Amsterdam offers a wide range of Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught entirely in English. We also have programmes taught in Dutch. The language of instruction for each specific programme is clearly stated on its course page on our official website.
For most Bachelor's programmes, the deadline for non-EEA students is 1 April, and for EEA students it is 1 May. For Master's programmes, deadlines vary but are typically 1 April or 1 May for non-EEA students and 1 June for EEA students. Always check the specific deadline for your chosen programme on our website.
Typically, you will need a copy of your passport, a certified copy of your diploma and transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). Some programmes may require additional documents like a reference letter or a sample of academic writing.
All students with an international diploma must apply via the VU Online Application System, Studielink. You will create an account, select your programme, and upload all required documents. The admissions board will review your file, and if you meet the requirements, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer of admission.
The VU campus is located in the safe Zuidas business district and is monitored 24/7 by a professional security team and CCTV. Security personnel are present on campus and can be contacted via a central emergency number. We have clear safety protocols and provide regular information sessions on personal safety.
In any emergency, you should immediately call the central VU Security number, which is operational 24/7. They are trained to handle medical emergencies, security incidents, and fires, and will coordinate with police and medical services if necessary. This number is prominently displayed on university materials and the website.
VU Amsterdam has confidential advisors for unacceptable behaviour, including harassment, bullying, or discrimination. You can contact them for advice, support, and to formally report an incident. The university takes all reports seriously and has a procedure to ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Yes, for many programmes you can participate in a "Proefstuderen" (Sample Study) day. This allows you to experience lectures, meet professors, and talk to current students. You can find the schedule and register for these events through the official VU Amsterdam website under "Bachelor's Days" or "Master's Events".
Class sizes vary depending on the programme and year. In the first year of a popular Bachelor's, lectures can be large (200+ students), but these are always accompanied by smaller, interactive tutorial groups (15-25 students). Master's programmes and specialized courses generally have much smaller class sizes, fostering close interaction.
It is possible, but there are procedures and deadlines to follow. You must apply for the new programme through Studielink and meet its admission requirements. It's crucial to discuss this first with your current study advisor to understand the implications for your study progress and tuition fees.
VU Amsterdam offers several merit-based scholarships for excellent international students, such as the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) and the Holland Scholarship. The availability, eligibility, and application deadlines vary per faculty and programme, so you should check the "Scholarships" section on the official website for your specific course.
Yes, for most university-specific scholarships, you must submit a separate application after you have applied for the degree programme itself. The scholarship application usually requires additional documents, such as a motivation letter, a CV, and sometimes a recommendation letter.
The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) provides tuition fee waivers, but they do not typically cover all living expenses. For a full-ride scholarship that covers both tuition and living costs, students usually need to look for external funding bodies, such as the Dutch government (e.g., Orange Knowledge Programme) or other international organizations.
VU Amsterdam cannot guarantee housing for all students. However, through the VU International Student Accommodation (VU ISA) service, we reserve a limited number of rooms for international degree and exchange students, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It is crucial to apply for housing as soon as you receive your admission letter.
The VU campus has its own train station, Amsterdam Zuid, which is only two stops from Amsterdam Central Station (a 6-minute train ride). The campus is also well-served by trams and buses. This makes commuting from anywhere in the city very convenient and fast.
Finding accommodation in Amsterdam is challenging and competitive. The VU ISA service is the best starting point for international students. We strongly advise against coming to Amsterdam without having secured housing in advance. Start your search early and be prepared for high costs.
Non-EEA graduates can apply for the "Orientation Year" visa (Zoekjaar in Dutch). This residence permit allows you to stay in the Netherlands for one full year after graduation to search for a job or start a business without needing a work permit.
You must apply for this permit through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The application can be submitted up to three months before your current student residence permit expires. VU Amsterdam's International Service Desk (ISD) can provide you with general information and the necessary documents from the university.
The main requirement is that you have successfully completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD programme at a recognized Dutch educational institution, like VU Amsterdam. You must apply within three years of graduation, and you must have had valid residence permit for study during your programme. You also need to meet income and health insurance requirements.

University Of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Application Statistics

24000
3000
14000
10000
2976
8
€ 12000
€ 8000
€ 2083
3
33
75 %
6.5
550

Learn About -

* All cost are in EUR

University Of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Application Statistics

24000
3000
14000
10000
2976
8
€ 12000
€ 8000
€ 2083
3
33
75 %
6.5
550

Learn About -

* All cost are in EUR

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