NETHERLANDS · AMSTERDAM

University of Amsterdam

public · Founded 1632 · Languages: Dutch, English

In short

The University of Amsterdam is a leading research institution offering over 200 English-taught programs across various disciplines. It is located in a vibrant European capital, providing a rich cultural experience and networking opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1632
Students: 41,000
International students: 12,000
Acceptance rate: 50%
Tuition (intl): €10–20k/yr
Languages: DUTCH, ENGLISH
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

For international students

Netherlands

Student visa & funds

Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.

Working while you study

Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.

After you graduate

After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100

Main intakes

SeptemberFebruary

Typical living cost

€1,200/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIND — Fees and required amounts for 2026 · Erasmus University Rotterdam — Working as a non-EU/EEA student · IND — Residence permit for orientation year · Study in NL — Admission requirements · StudyPath — Cost of living in the Netherlands (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

AI for Health (Medical informatics)

The AI for Health track is part of the Master's Programme in Medical Informatics at the University of Amsterdam. This programme focuses on applying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to solve complex problems in healthcare. You will explore areas such as deep learning, reasoning, natural language processing, image processing, and predictive modeling, all within a medical context. Designed for full-time study over two years, the track combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. You'll gain extensive knowledge about AI and learn how to implement this technology effectively in various healthcare settings, preparing you for a career at the intersection of AI and medicine.

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

Applied Anthropology (Cultural and Social Anthropology)

The Master's track in Applied Anthropology is designed for students passionate about using anthropological insights to address real-world challenges faced by governments, companies, and NGOs. This program emphasizes in-depth fieldwork and the crucial skill of translating complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for non-academic audiences. You will engage with contemporary applied anthropological theory and methods, developing creative solutions for partner organisations. Students in this program have previously tackled diverse questions, such as how museums can enhance visitor diversity, how municipalities can effectively support grassroots green initiatives, and how fishing communities navigate land reclamation projects. The program fosters a close-knit community through peer work and collaborative activities, encouraging students to take initiative and apply their knowledge to practical situations. The University of Amsterdam's Anthropology program is highly regarded, ranking among the top 15 worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

Artificial Intelligence

The Master's programme in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Amsterdam offers a deep academic understanding of AI and its real-world applications. This program is designed for students who want to become experts in the rapidly evolving field of AI, covering topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning. You will engage with both technical and scientific approaches to AI research, learning from world-renowned researchers and experts in an international and informal teaching environment.

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

Behavioural Data Science (Psychology)

The Master's in Behavioural Data Science at the University of Amsterdam equips students with the skills to use big data and advanced analytical techniques to understand human behaviour. This program is ideal for those interested in applying machine learning and statistical methods to real-world data, particularly within a psychological context. You will learn to extract actionable insights into how people think, feel, and act, enabling you to advise organisations across various sectors, from law enforcement to education. This one-year, full-time program focuses on practical application, small-group teaching, and developing in-depth knowledge of big data and psychological measurement. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in fields where understanding and interpreting human behaviour through data is crucial.

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (joint degree UvA/VU)

The Master's programme in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, a joint degree from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and VU Amsterdam, is designed for students interested in combining molecular and cellular biology with informatics, mathematics, and data science. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on unraveling the biomolecular differences between health and disease through the use of machine learning, sequence analysis, computational models, and systematic experiments. Students will benefit from the combined expertise and research environments of both universities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze large-scale molecular datasets and develop algorithms to derive biological insights. The curriculum covers both Bioinformatics, exploring biology through data, and Systems Biology, understanding life as a system by integrating experiments with mathematical modeling. This full-time, English-taught programme is delivered across UvA Science Park and VU Campus locations. It prepares students for a significant impact in life sciences research, with graduates often securing employment even before completing their studies, thanks to strong industry connections and ample research opportunities.

University of Amsterdam · Netherlands

Business Administration (English track)

The Bachelor's in Business Administration at the University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate. You will explore various essential aspects of management, including finance, marketing, accounting, strategy, human resources, international business, sustainability, entrepreneurship, business ethics, and data management. The program emphasizes practical learning through teamwork, helping you develop crucial skills for effective collaboration in diverse settings. The English track of this program has a limited number of places (numerus fixus), requiring a selection procedure for admission. There is also a Dutch track available with identical content and level, but without a selection procedure.

Scholarships

for Netherlands

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Rubicon Programme

For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.

Nuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships

Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.

University of Groningen

Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship

Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.

Maastricht University

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Amsterdam?

+

Non-EU/EEA students can expect institutional tuition fees ranging from €10,000–€20,000 per year for bachelor's and master's programs. Fees for medicine and professional programs may exceed €25,000 annually. EU/EEA students pay the statutory Dutch tuition fee, which is approximately €2,314/year for bachelor's programs.

What are the living costs for students in Amsterdam?

+

Average living costs in Amsterdam are estimated between €1,100–€1,600 per month. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, though the rental market can be competitive.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

+

For English-taught programs, you typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5–7.0 overall, or a TOEFL iBT score of 92–100, depending on the specific program. Cambridge C1 Advanced with a grade of B or A is also accepted.

What academic qualifications are needed for admission?

+

For bachelor's entry, a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO level is required, with international qualifications assessed individually. For master's programs, a relevant bachelor's degree with strong academic performance is typically needed.

Does the University of Amsterdam offer scholarships for international students?

+

Yes, the University of Amsterdam offers scholarships such as the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) for outstanding non-EEA master's students, the Holland Scholarship, and the UvA-Huygens Scholarship for excellent non-EEA students.

University of Amsterdam

Why study here

Student life

For international students