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The University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam - An overview

The University of Amsterdam’s origins go back to 1632 and, nearly four centuries later, it continues to attract students from all over the world, and ranks in the top 20 universities in Europe and 58th globally (QS, 2023). A public, research-focussed university, with 42,324 students drawn from over 100 different countries, UvA (as it is commonly referred to) offers one of the largest selection of courses taught in English in all Europe, with over 200 at Master’s level alone.

Amsterdam is not only innovative, lively and exciting, but it has also been ranked 11th in the World Quality of Living index and comes in at No 1. in Europe in The Economist‘s safe city rankings.

What degrees can I do in English at the University of Amsterdam?

NB: *PPLE and Liberal Arts and Sciences are so-called Selective Programs and there is intense competition to get a place, which is why candidates have to undergo a selection process. Since this can be time-consuming, the deadlines for applying to these courses are earlier than for  standard courses. Contact Elab for further detailed information on deadlines and how to apply.

What are the language requirements for the University of Amsterdam?

You will be asked to submit a certificate of English language competency. This can be:

Qualification

Score Selective programs

Score all other programs

IELTS

7 (6.5 in each section)

6.5 (6 in each  section)

TOEFL

100

92

CAE

190

180

Whichever test you choose to submit, it must have been taken in the last two years  and has to be uploaded by 1 May (if you are an EU student).

What are the entry requirements to the University of Amsterdam?

These differ from course to course. If you have a clear idea of which subject you wish to study, then get in touch with us at Elab and we will give you up to date information and guidance. As a leading global research university, with an overall acceptance rate of 26 per cent, and 4 per cent for international students, you need to offer high grades, so start working!

What is the application process?

You will need to fill in an online form and upload a number of documents, including but not limited to:

  • certified and translated transcripts of your school grades
  • a transcript of your secondary school diploma
  • a CV
  • your English test results

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What are the deadlines for applying to the University of Amsterdam?

  • PPLE -1 March
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences- 1 February
  • Psychology -15 January
  • Business Administration -15 January
  • If you need housing on your bachelor’s program -1 April
  • If you do not need housing -1 May

Check with Elab if you are not sure what category you fall into.

Fees at the University of Amsterdam

If this is your first degree, you will pay half of the undergraduate statutory tuition fee in the first year (50% of 2,314 euros).

If this is your second degree, you will pay an institutional tuition fee, which varies from 14,600 to 20,000 for a one-year Master’s, and 10,400 per year for a two-year Master’s, to upwards of 8,300 if you are taking a second bachelor’s degree (all prices in euros). Note that tuition fees for medicine are higher and average out at 30,000 euroes a year. Contact Elab for more information on current and projected tuition fees.

How much will accomodation cost?

The University of Amsterdam has a partnership with a number of non-profit housing associations, who reserve accommodation in twenty locations in the city for its students.

There are four types of accommodation available:

These prices are approximate and depend on the size of the room you are allocated, since it is not possible to specify where precisely you want to be assigned. None of the university accommodation is more than 45 minutes away from the city centre.

You will need to pay a deposit, which ranges from 0-1500 euros, and pay 1 to 1.5 months’ rent in advance. You will also be liable for municipal taxes, for waste collection and water, and a one-off payment, from 300-800 euros to the university housing service.

Research at the University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam has a high research output, an international focus and close ties with over 40 universities across the world.

It is impossible to provide a full, comprehensive list of the many areas which are currently being studied, but among them are:

  • Gravitation and astroparticle physics
  • Sustainable chemistry
  • Soft matter
  • Quantum matter and information
  • The brain and cognition
  • Urban dynamics
  • Cultural heritage and identity
  • .. etc.

The standard of research output is extremely high. For example, the University of Amsterdam Media and Communication department is ranked first in the world by QS.

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Does the University of Amsterdam have a campus?

Amsterdam is a compact city and the university’s buildings are mainly scattered around the historic canal ring city centre, which is renowned for its fascinating architecture, blending the modern with buildings dating back to the 15th century. The science, medicine and dentistry faculties are located outside the city centre.

What leisure activities will I find at the University of Amsterdam?

The university offers 50 sports activities, from aerobics to ice skating, skiing to golf – and everything in between. There are clubs and societies to join, catering to every taste.

Its CREA cultural centre is the home of drama, photography, dance, film and photography.

And then, of course, there is Amsterdam itself, which, as we all know, throbs with life, choices, options and  every form of entertainment under the sun. You will never be bored or at a loss about what to do if you decide to study at the University of Amsterdam.

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I want to apply to the University of Amsterdam. What is the next step?

Get in touch with Elab and we can work together to maximise your chances of gaining a place at the prestigious, forward-looking University of Amsterdam. We have sent  hundreds of students to the Netherlands, and have dedicated consultants who can advise you on the courses you could take, and provide you with essential information on living and studying in Holland.

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