The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative, and committed: a leader in international science and a partner in innovation, the UvA has been inspiring generations since 1632. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a prestigious research university located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Known for its innovative teaching and interdisciplinary approach, The UvA is a top-100 university globally and ranks as one of Europe’s 20 best universities. It offers a wide range of programs across various fields, including humanities, social sciences, economics, law, and natural sciences. The University of Amsterdam has produced six Nobel Laureates, seven Spinoza Prize winners, and five prime ministers of the Netherlands.
The university has over 30,000 students, with around 25% coming from outside the Netherlands, making it a truly international institution. The UvA is working towards a sustainable and prosperous future through impact and innovation, achieved through collaboration that transcends the boundaries of existing knowledge. UvA is a member of the prestigious League of European Research Universities (LERU), emphasizing its commitment to high-quality research across various disciplines. With a 4.3% acceptance rate for international students, Program durations vary, with bachelor’s degrees generally taking three years and master’s programs one to two years. The application period typically opens in October and closes in April for international students.
Location
- City: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Campus: The university is located in the heart of Amsterdam, with several campuses spread across the city.
Available Programs
- Programs Offered: Over 200 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs across diverse fields, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Law, Natural Sciences, and Health.
Application Time
- Application Period: Generally opens in October and closes in April for international students, with specific deadlines varying by program.
Study Areas: Program List
- Humanities
- Philosophy
- History
- Literature
- Linguistics
- Art History
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Human Geography
- Economics and Business
- Economics
- Business Administration
- International Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Law
- Dutch Law
- International and European Law
- International Trade and Investment Law
- Law and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Health
- Medicine (MD)
- Dentistry (DMD)
- Health Sciences
- Communication and Information Studies
- Media Studies
- Information Studies
- Communication Science
- Education
- Educational Science
- Teacher Education
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Programs:
- High school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO
- Minimum GPA of 6.0 (out of 10)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 92-100 or IELTS 6.5-7.0)
Master’s Programs:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 7.0 (out of 10)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 92-100 or IELTS 6.5-7.0)
- Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores.
PhD Programs:
- Relevant master’s degree
- Research proposal
- Proof of English proficiency if applicable.
Required Documents to Apply
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Proof of English proficiency
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation (for master’s and PhD)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (for PhD applications)
- Application Fee : $100
Tuition Fees for International Students
Bachelor’s Programs:
- EU/EEA Students: €2,314 per year (standard tuition fee)
- Non-EU/EEA Students: €6,000 – €15,000 per year (varies by program)
Master’s Programs:
- EU/EEA Students: €2,314 per year (standard tuition fee)
- Non-EU/EEA Students: €10,000 – €20,000 per year (varies by program)
PhD Programs:
- Tuition fees for PhD programs may vary, but they are often covered by the university or funding bodies. Students may not pay tuition if they are employed as PhD researchers.
These fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the University of Amsterdam’s official website for the most current information. If you need assistance with anything else, let me know!
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
- Accommodation: €400 – €800
- Costs vary based on the type of housing (university dorms, shared apartments, or private rentals).
- Food: €250 – €400
- Monthly grocery expenses and occasional dining out.
- Transportation: €50 – €100
- Public transport passes for buses, trams, and metro in Amsterdam. A monthly pass typically costs around €90.
- Health Insurance: €50 – €100
- Mandatory for all students; costs depend on the provider and coverage.
- Study Materials: €50 – €100
- Books, supplies, and other materials required for coursework.
- Leisure Activities: €50 – €150
- Costs for entertainment, sports, dining out, and cultural activities.
- Miscellaneous: €50 – €100
- Personal expenses, mobile phone bills, and other unforeseen costs.
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses:
€1,000 – €1,500
Annual Living Expenses:
€12,000 – €18,000
Keep in mind that living expenses can vary depending on lifestyle choices, the area of residence, and personal habits. It’s always wise to budget accordingly and have some extra funds available for emergencies or unexpected costs
Why Choose This University
The University of Amsterdam is renowned for its diverse and vibrant academic community, cutting-edge research, and excellent student support services. The university’s strategic location in a cosmopolitan city provides students with ample opportunities for internships and cultural experiences, making it an ideal choice for international students.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Start your application early to meet deadlines.
- Research the specific requirements for your desired program thoroughly.
- Improve your English proficiency if necessary and consider retaking standardized tests if your scores are below the required thresholds.
- Explore scholarship opportunities available for international students.
Available Scholarships for International Students
- Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES)
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying for a master’s program.
- Amount: Up to €25,000 per year, covering tuition and living expenses.
- Application: Apply through the university when submitting your program application.
- Holland Scholarship
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program.
- Amount: €5,000, awarded for the first year of study.
- Application: Apply directly through the scholarship application portal.
- University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
- Eligibility: Selected students based on academic merit.
- Amount: Varies; typically provides partial tuition fee coverage.
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission to a master’s program.
- Talent Scholarships
- Eligibility: Outstanding students from specific countries and regions.
- Amount: Varies; typically partial funding.
- Application: Check specific program pages for eligibility and application details.
- Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
- Eligibility: Students from specific low- and middle-income countries.
- Amount: Covers tuition fees, travel, and subsistence costs.
- Application: Apply through the program’s official channels, in conjunction with your course application.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in specific Erasmus Mundus programs offered by UvA in partnership with other universities.
- Amount: Varies based on the program.
- Application: Apply through the Erasmus Mundus program application process.