Extensive introduction and social programme
Internationally oriented university with strong links to people and society
Education and research at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam covers a wide range of fields that often cut across disciplinary boundaries. Founded in 1880, our university is consistently ranked amongst the world’s best 200 research universities. With around 6,500 international students from 127 different countries, we pride ourselves in being a diverse and internationally-minded institution. We invite you to experience Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for yourself for the duration of one or two semesters. Through the Semester in Amsterdam programme, you can choose from more than 1,100 English-taught courses, allowing you to design a study abroad experience that’s uniquely yours and tailored to your academic ambitions. Immerse yourself in life on campus, explore the many options the city of Amsterdam has to offer and become part of a committed student community.
Application deadlines
A normal workload for one semester is 30 ECTS credits. Most courses are 6 ECTS credits. Periods 3 and 6 are optional. Students are required to have a course load of 18 to 30 ECTS per semester.
How to apply
Studying abroad is a personal and academic enrichment. It is a valuable addition to your studies and can give your career prospects a positive boost. You will study alongside students from different parts of the globe, with different views on life and fields of study. This will not only enrich your network, it will also broaden your horizon and give you an international perspective.
The Semester in Amsterdam Programme welcomes students from universities that are not partnered with VU Amsterdam or do not qualify for their university’s exchange programme with VU Amsterdam. We also welcome students from providers and partner universities who have a study abroad agreement with VU Amsterdam.
If you wish to take part in the Semester in Amsterdam programme, visit our How to Apply page to review our entry requirements, read our application guide and directly start your online application.
Course offer
Whether you want to gain knowledge about an entirely new topic, or deepen the knowledge in your current study area, VU Amsterdam is a great choice to invest in your future. As a Semester in Amsterdam student, you can either choose one of our minor programmes or assemble your own course list from hundreds of English-taught courses.
Courses
VU Amsterdam offers hundreds of English-taught courses at bachelor’s and master’s level, ranging from arts and culture, social sciences, neurosciences and computer sciences, to economics and business administration. You can put together a personalized course selection by choosing from the extensive list of modules that has been made available to Semester in Amsterdam students.
Minor programmes
Semester in Amsterdam students are encouraged to follow one of the 45 minor programmes. These are set selections of 5-6 related courses that span the duration of the entire semester. Most of these programmes are interdisciplinary, meaning that they are available to students with a variety of academic backgrounds. One big advantage of selecting a minor programme is that you will never have overlapping courses in your schedule. In addition, most minors focus on a particular study area, making this a valuable addition to your resumé.
For an extensive overview of the individual courses as well as the (faculty) minors, please scan the QR code and visit our website which contains detailed information.
Take courses from 6 faculties at VU Amsterdam:
• School of Business and Economics
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
• VUmc School of Medical Sciences
Examples of minor programmes:
• Development and Global Challenges
• European Urban and Cultural History
• Global Health
• Technology, Law and Ethics
• Decision Making in Business and Society
• Genes, Cognition and Behaviour
• Managing Digital Innovation
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Sustainability: Management and Innovation
• Risk Management for Financial Institutions
• Psychology and the Brain
• Hot Topics in Neurology and Psychiatry
Meet locals with our buddy programme
Services and facilities offered to Semester in Amsterdam students
We aim to make the process of applying as a Semester in Amsterdam student as easy as possible. Representatives of the international office provide guidance in arranging housing and visa matters. In addition, we organise introduction activities to help you get acquainted with the university and life on campus.
house-chimney-blank Accommodation
We provide a wide range of quality student housing. We have several housing options available for Semester in Amsterdam students, making it a great way to meet people when your first arrive. All housing locations are within short distance of the university by bike or public transport.
id-card Visa
Students from non-EU countries will have to complete the immigration procedure before starting their studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. No need to worry, as representatives from the international office will apply for a visa on your behalf.
Explore Dutch culture and history through our social programme
user-group Introduction activities
Our introduction activities include a crash course in Dutch, a student festival and campus activities to make you feel at home directly when you arrive, and to help you meet fellow students. We also offer an introductory trip to a different city in the Netherlands giving you the chance to explore more of our beautiful country!
handshake-angle Buddy programme
A buddy programme has been set up specifically for international students. Buddies are (Dutch) VU students who will help you get settled and who can introduce you to the Dutch way of life. We organise various social activities throughout the semester, such as a karaoke night, pub quiz and a picnic.
flower-tulip Social programme
We offer an extended social programme throughout the semester for all Semester in Amsterdam students! We will visit museums, try out local cuisine, and take you to places where you can explore local cultural history and traditions. All activities are included and free of cost for Semester in Amsterdam students.
masks-theater Sports and culture
The VU Sports Centre offers a very wide range of opportunities to play sports and to keep fit. Griffioen is VU Amsterdam’s cultural center. Griffioen organises courses, and all types of performances. Our newest addition is Rialto, a theatre where you can enjoy films, specials, and festivals.
Outstanding performance in international rankings:
Leiden Ranking: #60 2024 edition
What former students say
“Overall, I looked back at my experience at VU Amsterdam and living in Amsterdam with nothing but good thoughts.”
Ryan, USA
High academic quality and cultural immersion comment
“I recommend participating in events or trips offered by the Semester in Amsterdam team. During the semester I studied abroad, I joined on the overnight trip to Texel, an island in the north of the Netherlands, an ice-skating event, and a visit to some museums in Amsterdam. Through these events, I was able to make friends, so participation will help you socialise. Also, we can go to these events for free. There’s no reason not to join!” Sakurako, Japan
All-inclusive social programme
Make the most of your study abroad by joining our free-of-charge social programme! We organise fun social activities and take you on excursions to cultural and historical places in the Netherlands, where you can explore historic windmills, learn about traditional cheese making, and enjoy homemade Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels. You’ll not only get to tour the Amsterdam canals by boat, but we’ll also make sure to show you the hidden gems of the city. You’ll end the semester with unforgettable memories and friends for life.
Did you know that Amsterdam has:
A higher safety rate than most other European cities
party-horn shield
180 nationalities
Almost as many bikes as inhabitants 934,500
165 canals and that the length of these canals combined is more than 100 km bridge-water
>300 festivals organised in the city on an annual basis