Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Quality of education

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has a sterling reputation for the fine quality of its teaching. You work in relatively small groups, in which considerable emphasis is placed on interaction and a personal approach. The teaching is well-organized. This is reflected, for instance, in the clear structure of the study programmes.

Lively Amsterdam

As a student of VU Amsterdam, you stand to benefit from all the advantages offered by the capital. In just over fifteen minutes you are in the lively centre of Amsterdam, where there are numerous shops, places of entertainment, parks, and pavement cafes. Amsterdam is safe and English is widenly spoken.

Personal supervision

VU Amsterdam devotes considerable attention to personal study advice. 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

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is readily accessible by public transport. Schiphol Airport is only eight minutes away by train. Amsterdam Zuid Station is within walking distance of VU Amsterdam. There is also a rapid tram connection to Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, with a journey time of just sixteen minutes. VU Amsterdam is also easy to reach by car, being situated close to Amsterdam’s orbital motorway.

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.

VU International Office Services

• Visa/residence permit
Find out if you require a visa/residence permit and how this will be arranged.
• Accommodation
Information on accommodation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
• Registration at the municipality
When you have arrived in the Netherlands you must register with the municipality. Find out what you need to do.
• Introduction activities
After your arrival, numerous introductory activities will take place at VU Amsterdam.