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NETHERLANDS · AMSTERDAM

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

private · Founded 1880 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university in Amsterdam offering many English-taught programs with a focus on societal relevance and interdisciplinary research. It provides a vibrant international environment with various scholarship opportunities for prospective students.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1880
Students: 31,000
International students: 6,000
Acceptance rate: 60%
Tuition (intl): €3–20k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Established in 1880, VU Amsterdam focuses on delivering quality education and impactful research. The university offers a diverse range of Bachelor's and Master's programmes, many of which are taught in English, catering to an international student body. VU Amsterdam is known for its commitment to societal relevance and interdisciplinary research. The university aims to contribute to a better world through its academic endeavors, fostering an environment where students and researchers can explore complex issues and create innovative solutions. Its campus is situated in the vibrant Zuidas business district, providing a dynamic setting for academic and professional development. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and personal development, VU Amsterdam prepares students for successful careers and active roles in society. The university's mission and core values highlight a dedication to responsible and open scholarship.

Why study here

Access to a wide range of English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Opportunities to engage in impactful and interdisciplinary research.
Benefit from a campus located in Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, offering strong connections to industry.
Experience a diverse and international student community.
Develop critical thinking and responsible scholarship in a supportive academic environment.

Student life

VU Amsterdam offers a rich student life with various opportunities to get involved. The university is committed to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among its students, with initiatives and resources for well-being. The campus culture promotes engagement in events and activities, encouraging students to connect with peers and explore interests outside of academics. Additionally, being in Amsterdam provides access to numerous cultural, social, and recreational activities.

Fees

InternationalNon-EU/EEA students pay institutional tuition fees, typically around €8,000-€16,000 per year for bachelor's programmes and up to roughly €20,000 for some master's programmes, depending on the field. EU/EEA students pay the lower statutory fee (around €2,530 per year). Always check the specific programme page for exact rates.

HomeEU/EEA students and Dutch students pay the statutory tuition fee set by the Dutch government, approximately €2,530 per year (a reduced rate often applies for first-year bachelor's students).

LivingAmsterdam is an expensive city; budget roughly €1,000-€1,500 per month for accommodation, food, insurance and personal costs.

Tuition differs between EU/EEA (statutory fee) and non-EU/EEA (institutional fee) students. Health and liability insurance and a residence permit are required for many international students.

Admissions

Academic Background (Master's)A university Bachelor's degree from a research university in a related field. Some programmes may require specific coursework or a minimum GPA.

IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 (no subscore below 6.0)

TOEFL iBTOverall 92 (no subscore below 20)

Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE)176-184 (with at least 169 in each skill)

Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE)185-199 (with at least 180 in each skill)

Rankings

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024#125

QS World University Rankings 2024#207

Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) 2023#101-150

U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2024#107

University scholarships

VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)Partial to full tuition

Holland Scholarship€5,000

Orange Tulip ScholarshipVaries

Accreditation

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is officially recognised by the Dutch government and its programmes are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).

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 →

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Netherlands

Bachelor's Programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a wide range of Bachelor's programmes designed for students seeking to deepen their knowledge and broaden their horizons. The university provides an open and inclusive academic environment where students can develop their ideas and future plans. VU Amsterdam encourages students to be themselves and discover their potential. With over 50 Bachelor's programmes available, the university aims to help students find the right fit for their interests and talents.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Netherlands

Master's Programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a wide range of Master's programmes for students looking to advance their careers and professional development. The university provides an open, inclusive, and scientific learning environment, aiming to help students discover their potential. With over 200 Master's programmes available, VU Amsterdam encourages prospective students to explore their options through open days, taster days, and student-for-a-day experiences. The university is situated on a vibrant campus and is recognized as the most sustainable university in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Netherlands

Overview of Minors

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a range of minors as part of its Bachelor's programs. These minors provide opportunities for students to explore subjects outside their primary field of study, broaden their academic horizons, and tailor their education to their specific interests. The university is committed to providing a comprehensive and flexible academic experience, allowing students to personalize their learning journey.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Netherlands

PhD at VU Amsterdam

Pursuing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) equips you to become a curious, innovative, and engaged academic researcher. You will develop expertise in your field, learn to look beyond disciplinary boundaries, and follow a program that supports your broad professional development. Our PhD candidates are trained to tackle complex issues and conduct independent research, preparing them for careers both within and outside academia. PhD candidates are integrated into Graduate Schools, which serve as communities and academic networks. VU Amsterdam fosters a research culture that prioritizes openness, transparency, cooperation, and diversity. You can undertake a PhD program either as an employee of VU Amsterdam or through external funding sources like scholarships. Self-funded candidates conduct their research independently using their own resources.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Master's Programmes

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a range of Master's programmes designed for students seeking advanced academic study. The university emphasizes research and provides opportunities for students to engage with current academic debates and develop their skills in a dynamic learning environment. VU Amsterdam is committed to fostering an inclusive and international community, attracting students from around the globe.

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 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Non-EU/EEA students typically pay institutional tuition fees ranging from approximately €8,000-€16,000 per year for bachelor's programmes and up to roughly €20,000 for some master's programmes. EU/EEA and Dutch students pay the statutory tuition fee, around €2,530 per year.

What are the English language requirements for admission?

To demonstrate English proficiency, applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no subscore below 6.0), or a TOEFL iBT score of 92 overall (with no subscore below 20). Other tests like Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency are also accepted.

What is the cost of living for students in Amsterdam?

Living in Amsterdam is considered expensive, with an estimated monthly budget of €1,000-€1,500 needed for accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses.

What kind of research opportunities are available at VU Amsterdam?

VU Amsterdam is known for its impactful and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on societal relevance. Students can engage in research that aims to contribute to a better world and create innovative solutions.

Does Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, VU Amsterdam offers several scholarships for international students, including the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) which covers partial to full tuition, the Holland Scholarship offering €5,000, and the Orange Tulip Scholarship with varying amounts.

Last updated 3 July 2026