Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam overview
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is one of the Netherlands' leading research universities. Since its founding, VU University Amsterdam has stood for scientifically and value-driven education, research, and assessment. With nearly 30,000 students, VU was established in 1880 and has carried its long educational tradition to the present day. As a private university, the institution has its own academic hospital and the VU Medical Center (VUmc). The university is a respected institution with faculties spanning the arts, sciences, social sciences, and medicine.
The university ranks highly in global rankings. Placing 121st in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the institution also ranks 214th in the QS World University Rankings. VU Amsterdam is the pride of Amsterdam, the city with the highest student density in the Netherlands.
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is one of the Netherlands' leading research universities. Since its founding, VU University Amsterdam has stood for scientifically and value-driven education, research, and assessment. With nearly 30,000 students, VU was established in 1880 and has carried its long educational tradition to the present day. As a private university, the institution has its own academic hospital and the VU Medical Center (VUmc). The university is a respected institution with faculties spanning the arts, sciences, social sciences, and medicine.
The university ranks highly in global rankings. Placing 121st in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the institution also ranks 214th in the QS World University Rankings. VU Amsterdam is the pride of Amsterdam, the city with the highest student density in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam faculties and programs
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam scholarships and financial aid
VU offers scholarship opportunities for students in both its summer school and graduate programs. With a university scholarship, you can enjoy a more comfortable student life abroad.
You can find detailed information about the scholarships available for the university's summer school on this page.
You can find detailed information about the scholarships available for the university's graduate programs on this page.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a preparatory program called “Foundation Year for International Students (VASVU)” to help students entering higher education for the first time develop university readiness and language proficiency.
In addition, prospective students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam must meet the following admission requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma (GPA: 80+) and completion of at least 4 courses with exams under the Advanced Placement (AP) Program (AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Capstone, and vocational education courses are not accepted).
or - 4-Year High School Diploma (GPA: 80+) and a diploma from at least one international program such as International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, or GCE A-Level
or - 4-Year High School Diploma and acceptance into — and successful completion of the first year of — an undergraduate program offered by an internationally recognized university providing four-year bachelor's degree education
- In addition, the university may request to see the applicant's YKS exam results.
- French Baccalaureate
- Graduation from an institution awarded the LabelFrancEducation (GPA: 80+)
- English language proficiency certificate for English-medium programs
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- Dutch language proficiency certificate for Dutch-medium programs
- A Dutch proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as ITNA or STRT administered by language training centers and institutes
Prospective students wishing to apply to graduate programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam must meet the following admission requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Strong GPA
- A minimum of 180 ECTS credits accumulated during undergraduate study
- Relevant Work Experience
- A GRE/GMAT score may be requested depending on the specific admission requirements of the department applied to
- English language proficiency certificate for English-medium programs
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- Dutch language proficiency certificate for Dutch-medium programs
- A Dutch proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as ITNA or STRT administered by language training centers and institutes
Take a closer look at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
One of two universities in Amsterdam, VU's main campus is home to its institutes and faculties. Each faculty covers a specific scientific field, which is in turn divided into particular disciplines. The university's faculties are as follows:
- Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)
- Faculty of Science (BETA)
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences (FGB)
- Faculty of Humanities (FGW)
- Faculty of Medicine (GNK)
- Faculty of Law (RCH)
- Faculty of Social Sciences (FSW)
- Faculty of Religion and Theology (FRT)
- School of Business and Economics (SBE)
The library on campus includes dedicated sections for Students, Researchers, and Teaching Staff. In addition to thousands of notable works, the library also holds special collections.
Campus life at the university is lively and enjoyable. You can socialize at the cafes and restaurants on campus and find more affordable food and drinks compared to other spots in the city. By participating in the workshops and events offered by the university, you can connect with other students and find opportunities to develop yourself both academically and socially. You can also arrange your accommodation on campus and create a living environment that suits you.
The university has many distinguished alumni who have excelled in science, the arts, academia, medicine, and beyond. Here are a few notable names who graduated from the university:
- Jan van Aartsen - Politician
- Jan A. Aertsen - Philosopher
- Eddy Agbo - Biologist
- Victor Allis - Computer scientist
- Jaap Dronkers - Sociologist
- Pearl Dykstra - Psychologist
- Mirjam Ernestus - Professor, scientist
- Albert Hanken - Mathematician
- Maria van Daalen - Poet
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cost of living
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Location
Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Contact
How to Get Into Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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