Then the Archaeology programme is just the thing for you. Check here whether you meet the admission requirements and find out how to apply.
Turn the past into your future
Check whether you meet the admission requirements and apply
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Applying with non-Dutch previous education for Archaeology (EN track)
Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
Application fee payment options and possible exemptionsAdmission requirements
Applicants holding a non-Dutch pre-university diploma apply via the International Office. We check if your previous education meets a number of requirements*. If you do not yet meet the requirements but expect to do so in the future (such as obtaining your diploma), you can already apply. We will evaluate your application and inform you of our admission decision.
Requirements that apply:
1. A diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO-diploma
See the Diploma Requirement List for examples of accepted diplomas per country.
Please note: this list is meant to give you an indication of admissibility; no rights can be derived from it.
2. Proof of sufficient proficiency in English
You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Diploma Requirement List webpage. Although complete applications are preferred, you can begin your application before you have completed the test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.Application documents
- Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
- VU Application Form - Bachelor; please download the correct format from this page. In the document you are asked to provide further details about your previous education level.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results.
VU English language requirements
Application procedure:
Application deadline
The final application deadline for non-EU/EEA students is 1 April and for Dutch and EU students the final deadline is 1 May. Do you have a non-Dutch nationality? Then you may be eligible for housing via the International Office Accommodation Services. An early application is then strongly recommended.Ready to apply?
Have you read the information above and are you ready to apply? Great! Click here for the application procedure.Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
By selecting Archaeology in Studielink you can start you application – in your VU dashboard, the next application step, you can confirm your choice for the English-taught track. If you have your Studielink set to Dutch you can find the programme under Archeologie.
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*Not directly eligible for admission?
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may in some cases be asked to sit (an) entry exam(s) to prove they are eligible for admission. The required tests may include one or more of the following subjects at 6 VWO level:- History (VU History test)
- A 6 VWO subject of your choice
You can obtain your certificates to resolve these deficiencies at various institutions.
To ensure that your application is processed in time in order to study and register for the exams we ask applicants to apply for their bachelor's programme of choice before:- 15 December if you are applying via the 21+ Entrance exam route
- 1 April for all other students
Note that in addition to these tests, all applicants will need to submit proof of sufficient proficiency in English. You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Language Requirements webpage.
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Admission requirements with Dutch previous education for Archaeology (EN track)
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Archeology at VU Amsterdam.Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:- English at 6 VWO level
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:- English at 6 VWO level*
*Applies only to a completed Dutch programme HBO bachelor
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
Admission requirements for 21+ entrance exam with a valid Dutch home address and residence permit for Archeologie (EN track)
Do you not meet any of the above program requirements and are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the program based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained:
- Passing certificate English at 6 VWO level
- Passing certificate History at 6 VWO level
- Passing certificate of 6 VWO level subject of your choice
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. The application deadline for 21+ Entrance exam is 15 December 2024. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
Admission requirements with Dutch previous education for Archeologie (NL track)
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Archeology at VU Amsterdam.Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:- Dutch: at least NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)*
*Does not apply to a completed Dutch programme HBO propaedeutic year ór Dutch at 5 HAVO level.
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:- Dutch: at least NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)*
*Does not apply to a completed Dutch programme HBO bachelor ór Dutch at 5 HAVO level.
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
Admission requirements for 21+ entrance exam with a valid Dutch home address and residence permit for Archaeologie (NL track)
Do you not meet any of the above program requirements and are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the program based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained:
- Passing certificate English at 6 VWO level
- Passing certificate Dutch: at minimal NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT of EDUP)*
- Passing certificate History at 6 VWO level
- A Dutch 6 VWO level course of your choice
*The Dutch language requirement does not apply to achieved subject Dutch at 5 HAVO level.
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. The application deadline for 21+ Entrance exam is 15 December 2024. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
Admission requirements with non-Dutch previous education for Archeologie (NL track)
A non-Dutch previous education does not always give direct admission. Therefore, it is important that you register for the study in Studielink as soon as possible. You will then receive an email with information about your personal VU Dashboard. Here you can upload all the necessary documents for assessing your admission. Upon receipt, you will be informed by email whether you are admissible to the programme.
The following additional admission requirements may apply:
- Passing certificate English at 6 VWO level
- Passing certificate Dutch: at minimal NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT of EDUP)
- Passing certificate History at 6 VWO level
- A Dutch 6 VWO level course of your choice
The final admission requirements applicable to you will be communicated by the admissions committee once your application is assessed.
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes. -
VU Study Choice Check
Check your study choice
It is compulsory to participate in the VU Study Choice Check activity of this programme!
VU Study Choice Check helps you to find out whether this study programme really suits you and matches the image and expectations you have. The VU Study Choice Check is part of the application procedure.
More information about the Study Choice Check 2025-2026 will be published soon!
For general information about Study Choice Check, please check t the website VU Studiekeuzecheck (in Dutch) or VU Study Choice Check (in English). Do you have a specific question about the study choice check activity of this study programme? Please contact studiekeuzecheck.fgw@vu.nl. -
Binding Study Advice (BSA)
The BSA is an advice given to all Bachelor’s students on four occasions during their first year of studies concerning their study progress. The fourth recommendation, issued at the end of the first year, is binding in nature. To continue to the second year you must have obtained a certain number of credits.
To receive a positive BSA for this study programme you must have obtained a minimum of 48 EC (credits) at the end of the first year of enrolment. Every student has access to an overview of the obtained study results and assessments are available for inspection after registration of the test result.
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General questions
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