University Statistics

Students Approx 43,000
Intl. Students Approx 12,000
Founded 1632

The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), established in 1632 as the Athenaeum Illustre, stands as one of the oldest and largest research universities in the Netherlands. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, the university is deeply integrated into the city’s intellectual and cultural fabric, offering a unique urban academic experience. UvA is renowned for its high-quality research and diverse academic offerings across seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine, and Dentistry.

With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and critical thinking, UvA attracts a significant number of international students and faculty, fostering a truly global academic environment. Many of its bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught entirely in English, making it highly accessible to students from around the world. The university consistently ranks among the top universities globally, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education and groundbreaking research.

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UvA plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary societal challenges through its research, contributing significantly to advancements in various fields from artificial intelligence and quantum physics to urban studies and global health. Its location in Amsterdam provides students with unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, professional networking, and personal growth within one of Europe’s most dynamic and international cities.

Available Programs

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Campus Life

Campus life at the Universiteit van Amsterdam is uniquely shaped by its integration into the city itself, rather than a traditional enclosed campus. Students experience Amsterdam as their campus, with university buildings spread across various historic and modern districts, including the City Centre Campus, Roeterseiland Campus, Amsterdam Science Park, and Amsterdam UMC. This distributed model fosters a dynamic urban student experience, allowing students to easily access the city's rich cultural offerings, from museums and theatres to parks and vibrant nightlife.

Despite the lack of a single central campus, UvA boasts a lively and diverse student community supported by over 200 student associations. These organizations cater to a wide range of interests, including academic fields, sports, arts, social causes, and international student communities, providing ample opportunities for engagement, networking, and personal development. The university also offers modern study facilities, state-of-the-art libraries, and excellent sports amenities through Universum, promoting a balanced and enriching student lifestyle within the bustling metropolitan environment.

Admission Information

Admission to the Universiteit van Amsterdam for international students typically involves a multi-step process, starting with an application via Studielink, the Dutch national application portal. Following the Studielink application, prospective students are required to submit their supporting documents directly to UvA through its online application system. The specific requirements vary significantly depending on the chosen program (bachelor's or master's) and the applicant's academic background.

Common requirements for bachelor's programs include a recognized secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma (e.g., International Baccalaureate Diploma, A-levels, or other national diplomas), proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 90), and sometimes specific subject prerequisites. For master's programs, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized university, a strong academic record, and English language proficiency. Some programs, particularly those with a numerus fixus (fixed number of places), have earlier application deadlines and may require additional selection procedures.

Non-EU/EEA applicants are advised to apply well in advance, usually by January 15th for numerus fixus programs and by April 1st for most other programs, to allow sufficient time for visa and housing arrangements. EU/EEA applicants generally have deadlines in May or June. It is crucial for all applicants to meticulously check the specific admission criteria and deadlines for their desired program on the UvA's official website.