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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ('VU Amsterdam') is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 190 English-taught programmes at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level to more than 24,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 84 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.

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History

VU stands for Vrije Universiteit, which translates literally as Free University. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was the first university in the Netherlands established in 1880 by Abraham Kuyper, with no interference from the church or the state. This heritage is still very much part of who they are.

Education

For more information about our (upcoming) open days and webinars please visit https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/vu-master-s-event

Research

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is consistently listed among the world’s top universities in various rankings; is located in one of the most dynamic and fast growing business districts in the Netherlands; is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away; helps you with housing, visas and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands; offers an international environment. A quarter of the students in our English-taught programmes come from abroad;provides high-quality education in small and highly interactive classes.

Career

The overview of vacancies gives you a list of current vacancies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This list is continually updated so you can always see what is currently available. They therefore advise you to visit the website regularly to see whether a suitable vacancy has been posted for which you may submit an application. If no vacancies are available, you may send an open application to the faculty or department you are interested in, enclosing your profile. An application for a specific vacancy is however preferable.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

For a complete overview of scholarships for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, visit our scholarship search.

University Ranking

World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
136 -11
2024
125 -4
2023
121
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
151
2023
151
2022
151
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
221 -14
2024
207 7
2023
214
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
78 4
2023
82
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world.

Student services

An International Student Advisor (ISA) assigned to the faculty you are interested in will help you with the application procedure and any other information you may need. Once you have been admitted to the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdams programme, the Services-teams at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam International Office can help you find accommodation and apply for a visa and residence permit (if applicable). The International Office offers orientation periods for international students in August, consisting of social events, sports activities and a cultural programme.

Housing services

If you plan to study at VU Amsterdam it is essential to think of a place to live. Unfortunately, finding a room in Amsterdam is difficult and stressful. The housing market in the Netherlands is extremely tense, especially in Amsterdam. Many Dutch and international students are searching for student rooms. Housing prices are high: rental prices at the private market often start at €750 and up. Start your search early and be prepared to search in surrounding villages and towns. We advise you not to come to the Netherlands if you do not have a permanent accommodation before the start of your study programme.

Library services

VU Amsterdam Bibliotheek [university library] offers resources for study and research by providing a collection of scientific information to meet the demand of the questions posed.Approximately 90% of the collections accessible by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bibliotheek are available digitally and, therefore, available to members of staff and students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ICT services

Free WIFI is available for all students and employees on campus. There are several computer rooms, a notebook study room and internet work spaces to study comfortably and quietly. All faculties have their own study and computer rooms, often combined.The buildings are generally opened from 7AM to 11PM on weekdays and from 8AM to 6PM during the weekend.

Medical services

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Medical Center has a general practice serving the local community. As part of the teaching hospital, it provides training and experience to medical students and conducts scientific research. VU students who live in Amsterdam (except Amsterdam Noord) or Amstelveen can register as patients.

Campus life

Almost all of our students, staff and programmes are located on campus: a single building complex in the business district of Amsterdam.

The Main Building has a permanent exhibition space, which showcases work of beginning and established artists. All over the campus you can view the universitys art collection, including an art route through the public areas.

The campus has its own bike repair shop, which also sells reasonably priced second hand bikes.

Sports facilities

Sports Center with good facilities, many types of classes and a gym. Provides cheap entrance for students and the possibility to subscribe for a short period of time. A basketball field, multiple beach volleyball fields and tennis tables are located on the campus ground, free to use for students any time of day.

Student clubs

There are several types of student bodies at the university, mostly linked to a field of study. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an organization for all international and Dutch students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It brings together students from around the world to introduce them to the university, to Amsterdam and to make them feel at home. ESN Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam organizes a host of activities, including cocktail parties, weekly get-togethers (borrels), weekend trips and social gatherings every two weeks.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is fully recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a research university. All degree programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are either accredited by or in the process of being accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders.

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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