Why choose VU Amsterdam

Reasons to study at VU Amsterdam

• Personal supervision

  VU Amsterdam devotes considerable attention to personal study advice during your studies. Right at the start of your course of study, you will be introduced to your programme’s study advisor. This person will offer you advice about any problems that you might have with your course of study, and answer questions about the job market. 

• Unique identity

  VU Amsterdam was the first university in the Netherlands established by a private person, with no interference from the church or the state. This heritage is still very much part of who we are: VU stands for Vrije Universiteit, which translates literally as 'Free University.' From the very beginning, the university has determined its own areas of research, created its own study programmes and practised its own didactic methods.

• Easily accessible

  VU Amsterdam is readily accessible by public transport. Schiphol airport is a major European hub, and several important European capital cities are within a few hours train journey of Amsterdam. Amsterdam Zuid Station is within walking distance of VU Amsterdam. There is also a rapid metro connection to Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station. VU Amsterdam is also easy to reach by car, being situated close to Amsterdam’s orbital motorway.

  Our history as a small trading nation means that connections with neighbouring countries and the wider world are very strong; this is reflected in the culture of business and education, in which an outward-looking, open approach is greatly valued.

• University campus

  Almost all of our students, staff and programmes are located on campus: a single building complex in the business district of Amsterdam. Accordingly, in the course of your studies, it is very easy to familiarize yourself with other disciplines.

• Amsterdam

  There are many reasons to study in Amsterdam. Despite its small size, the Netherlands has had a disproportionate impact on world affairs, from innovation to sport and environmental management. Combine this with a high quality of life, good transport links and access to world-class education, and it will become clear why students from all corners of the world have chosen to study here.

• Accreditation

  VU Amsterdam is fully recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a research university. All Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at VU Amsterdam are either accredited by or in the process of being accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders. This body was established by international treaty and guarantees the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium through the accreditation of study programmes.

• International environment

  About 10% of the student population is made up of international students. Our International Office offers excellent services and assists you with housing, visa and/or residence permits (if applicable) and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands.

• Study abroad

  During your studies at VU Amsterdam, you have the opportunity to go study abroad. As an exchange student, you will study at a VU partner university for a semester. It's a unique academic challenge during which you will live and study in an international environment. A guaranteed boost for your career and personal development. All in all, an unforgettable experience during your studies.

  VU students on exchange

• Innovative and creative

  The Netherlands is a land of innovators, from scientists to engineers, artists and entrepreneurs. This is due in no small part to the education system, which places a high value on original solutions and the active involvement of students.

  Renowned masters such as Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn have been followed by more recent figures such as the architect Rem Koolhaas and the designers Victor & Rolf, while a booming film and television industry cements the reputation of the Netherlands as a land of creativity.

• Multicultural

  The Netherlands has long been a destination for immigration; this has led to a multicultural society in which difference is celebrated and people are open-minded and tolerant. In addition, the Dutch are masters of foreign languages – in addition to their own language, most people speak fluent English and often another language such as German or French.

• Quality of life

  The quality of life in the Netherlands is among the highest in the world. A high level of social coherence, extensive investment in public facilities (including public transport), excellent healthcare facilities and a surprising amount of green space for such a densely populated country mean that the Dutch are amongst the most content people in the world.