Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers 130 English taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral level. Ten faculties share one campus and cover a wide spectrum of business, law, science, arts, and medicine studies. Students and staff of 84 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.

The university is located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language spoken. The campus is surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands hosting over 700 companies.

With more than 23,000 students, of which 3,300 are international, the university conducts cutting-edge research into problems of major societal and scientific importance. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam distinguishes itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes reflecting a strong level of involvement in current societal issues: Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World and Governance for Society.

As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, to engage with society and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world. In addition Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers English taught Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree programmes in different fields of interest, namely:

• Art, culture and history
• Behavioural and social sciences
• Computer science, mathematics and business
• Economics, business and law
• Health and movement sciences
• Language and communication
• Natural sciences
• Religion and philosophy

As a research university, the VU emphasises the link between education and a high standard of research. Students participate in study programmes with a well-defined structure where the teaching is organised and interaction between students takes place in small groups. They are also encouraged to personalise their study and have access to teaching staff and study advisors throughout their programme to help guide them in their own unique direction.

The VU identifies social involvement as a key aspect of its education. It asks its students to look beyond themselves and their study in order to focus on researching and resolving issues that are important to society as a whole. Much of the work done at the VU is therefore rooted in interdisciplinary research.

The overall quality of Dutch higher education is among the best in the world. The Dutch higher education system has been ranked 7th in the world by Universitas 21, a global network of research universities.

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017 (Shanghai Ranking) VU Amsterdam holds a position between 101 and 150. At VU Amsterdam, the teaching style can be described as student-centred: we encourage students to develop their own opinions through independent and creative thinking. This means that teaching is mainly conducted in small tutorials, where interactivity is the norm rather than the exception. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue with their professors.