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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): Courses, Admission, Cost
- Private University
1 Campus- Estd. 1880
Last updated on 14 Oct '25About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
VU Amsterdam is private university in Amsterdam, Netherlands that was established in 1880. The university offers 21 courses at undergraduate level and 148 courses at postgraduate level in top academic fields through its 9 academic faculties. At the university, pursuing bachelor's degree programs often takes 3 years to 4 years, while pursuing master's degree programs typically takes 12 months. International students can study these courses in 10 streams and 27 specializations. Some of the popular fields of study are Oncology, Business Law, Criminology, Geology and Human Resources. In Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025, the university has secured the rank #8.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Listed below are some key reasons why Vrije is popular among Indian students for higher studies:
- Provides easy access to major European cities and transportation hubs
- International Student Support on campus is offered to international students by VU Amsterdam's International Office with regard to key services such as housing, visas, and other administrative aspects of studying in the Netherlands.
- Fosters a collaborative work environment through programs like the VU Amsterdam India Science Program, providing research and education opportunities
Staying on-campus at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) can significantly enhance your campus life experience. By staying on-campus, you will live and study in comfort and convenience within one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world, Amsterdam. The campus is in Zuidas, Amsterdam's business district, with easy access to transportation hubs and the city center. VU Amsterdam provides a centralized on-site campus with various amenities like sports fields, restaurants, and study spaces. Students can benefit from modern facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational options.
While studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, it is possible to find part-time jobs. Many employers offer students zero-hour contracts, allowing flexibility to balance work with studies or exams. Additionally, the Netherlands has a great demand for international graduates, offering job opportunities in various fields like engineering, research, medicine, data science, and management. After graduation, international students can benefit from an Orientation year to seek employment and transition to a work visa in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Ranking 2025
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is among the top universities in the Netherlands and globally category. It ranked at #8 in the Netherlands by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. The university is also one of the top-ranked universities in the world and it ranks #221 in the World University Ranking by QS in 2025.
According to THE (Times Higher Education), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) ranking is #125 in 2024, which showcases a declined trend when compared with 2023.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) subject ranking for 2025 are given below:
| Amsterdam Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| #7 | LL.M. |
| #2 | MSN |
| #5 | M.A. |
| #5 | M.Arch |
| #7 | Others PG |
#112
#8
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the top public universities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is ranked #207 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university is also ranked #82 in the Best Global Universities ranking. Additionally, in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, VU Amsterdam was ranked 121st. The university also holds a position of 66th in the world, 20th in Europe, and 3rd in the Netherlands according to the CWTS Leiden Ranking.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) courses
Currently, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers 173 courses to international graduate, UG and Research students. Some of the well-known fields of study offered at the university are Mass Communication and Media, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Accounting and Commerce and Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ). Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) also provides many specializations for international students and some popular ones include Oncology, Business Law, Criminology, Geology and Human Resources. Students who wish to study UG courses can choose from 21 courses offered at the university. A few of these courses include B.E. / B.Tech, B.Sc., B.A., B.J.M.C. and LL.B.. On the other hand, students who want to pursue master’s degrees at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), can select a course from 148 courses some of which include M.Sc, MBA/PGDM, MIM, Others PG and LL.M..
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Some of the most preferred courses by Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam include Master in Computer Security, Master in Finance: Financial Management, Master in Computer Science (Foundations of Computing and Concurrency), Master's in Environment and Resource Management, Master in Business Administration (Human Resource Management), Master in Cognitive Neuropsychology (Research), and Master in Law and Politics of International Security, among others.
People's opinions on Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for MBA are mixed. Students have praised the MBA programme for its holistic approach, collaborative learning environment, and flexibility for part-time students to apply their learning immediately in their workplaces. However, some students have expressed concerns about the English proficiency levels of some students, the strictness in group work, and the lack of diversity in student activities.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Admission 2025
To take part in the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) admission process, students must check the entry requirements and then, fill out the application form. Also, students are required to pay the application fee amount and submit the documents as per the application deadline. Standardized test scores accepted by this university from international students are IELTS and TOEFL. A few of the documents that can be submitted while submitting the application are LOR and CV.
- Application fees :Euro 100
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Yes, an average Indian student can join Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. However, the admission requirements vary for each program, and the university assesses each application individually. The student must submit an official application via Studielink and check the specific admission requirements on the page of their Bachelor's degree program. The general admission requirements include a minimum percentage of 75, participation in activities like sports, leading projects, and community services, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Yes, there are many students from other countries studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In the academic year, there were over 85,000 international students enrolled at Dutch universities, which is a 7.3% increase from the previous year. At VU Amsterdam specifically, there were 6,610 international students enrolled, showing a 14.1% increase compared to the previous year. The growth in international student enrollment is significant and contributes to the diversity and internationalization of the university.
To apply to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as an international student for a Master's program, follow these steps:
Apply in Studielink: Submit your application in Studielink. The deadline varies based on whether you need a residence permit, with most programs having a deadline of 31 May.
Complete Your Application on VU.nl: After applying in Studielink, you will receive login details for the VU student portal via email within 48 hours. Log in to your dashboard on VU.nl, complete the application by answering all questions, and upload the requested documents in PDF format.
Submit Required Documents: Submit all required documents by 31 August unless otherwise communicated. If certified copies are needed, hand them in at the Student Desk or send them by postal mail.
VU AmsterdamScholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
To study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Indian students have various scholarship options available:
- VU Scholarships:
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship Programme)
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) - VUFP Scholarship:
Available for Master's programs taught in English.
Grant benefits include monthly payments of €1,300, international travel reimbursement of up to €1,000, and coverage of residence permit costs. Tuition fees are not waived.
Application Process:
After applying for the Fulbright grant, prepare and submit an application for the VU Fulbright award.
To get a scholarship at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Academic Excellence Scholarship:
Minimum grade point average of 85%
Excellent mastery of English
Demonstrate academic excellence
Write a motivational essay of 500-1000 words
Provide a professional letter of reference - Equal Access Scholarship:
Select one course
Answer four questions in the application form
The results of the scholarship selection will be announced in May - VU Amsterdam Summer School Scholarship:
No specific academic requirements mentioned
2 yearsVU AmsterdamStudents Ratings & Reviews
2 Verified Reviews- Academically oriented
- Multi-dimensional
- Friendly
- Sporty
- 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
VU Amsterdam Placements 2025
Commonly asked questions On Placements
After completing an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you can expect a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors. The programme equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for career advancement and success in today's dynamic business landscape.
Some potential job opportunities after obtaining an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam include roles in:
Business services
IT start-ups
Corporate banks
Online retail firms
International NGOs.
Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam prefer various sectors for part-time jobs. These sectors include positions at the university such as in the faculty-student council, student associations, and student buddies. Additionally, part-time job opportunities at organizations on the VU campus like Spar or the Basket are popular choices. Indian students can also explore vacancies for student assistants, which were previously listed on VU Studentjobs but now require creating vacancies via a new ATS system.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Fees
The annual costs for international students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) can differ based on the course being applied for. The first-year tuition fees to study at the university for undergraduate students around EUR 4,140 - 19,110 and for graduate students it is EUR 5,940 - 36,750. The average living costs for students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is EUR 4,500 - 7,800. Additionally, students will also have to cover other expenses such as for Books, Supplies, Food, Rent, Acommodation, among others.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(51 courses) | INR 13 L - 38 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100, PTE |
MBA/PGDM(40 courses) | INR 16 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
M.Sc.(38 courses) | INR 16 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
M.A.(43 courses) | INR 6 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100, PTE |
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses) | INR 10 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
B.Sc.(2 courses) | INR 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
B.A.(8 courses) | INR 4 L - 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
M.Phil(4 courses) | INR 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE |
MIM(4 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100, PTE |
B.J.M.C.(3 courses) | INR 9 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The tuition fees for both the universities are as follows:
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam:
For undergraduate degree tuition fees: €8,796-€12,110 (course fees).
For postgraduate degree tuition fees: €14,110-€24,310 (course fees).
Erasmus University Rotterdam:
For EU/EEA students: €2,209 per year.
For non-EU/EEA students: Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €15,000 per year.
Students must know that the Vrije Universiteit tuition fee varies with different programs available for international students at different levels. On a general note:
For UG: Domestic students: Starts from INR 1.86 L per year
International Students: Starts from INR 2.09 L per year
For PG: Domestic students: Around INR 93 K per year
International students: Around INR 95 K per year
It is highly recommended to go through the fee structure of different programs form the official website.
Living at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam can vary in cost depending on the type of accommodation. The housing prices offered by VU Amsterdam range from €375 to €1,175 per month, with an average rent falling within this range. Additionally, there is a housing application fee of €250 per semester or €500 per academic year. It is advisable to plan for living expenses between €975 and €1,500 per month, which includes rent but not tuition fees. Public transport in Amsterdam can cost around €70 - 100 per month, and having a bicycle is a cheaper option for transportation.
VU AmsterdamCollege comparison
Compare VU Amsterdam with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.44 L - 38.48 L | #194 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 18.32 L - 25.58 L | #103 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 9.42 L - 33.5 L | #147 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 18.64 L - 23.56 L | #119 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 11.37 L - 23.56 L | #279 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 9.42 L - 19.79 L | #203 QS, 2026 |
CompareVU AmsterdamStudying in Netherlands
Key Facts About Netherlands
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Campus Life
VU Amsterdam has 1 campus and 9 departments or schools in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
VU Amsterdam campus life is known for inclusivity and diversity. The students are welcoming, & faculty are well versed in their respective areas of study. Student events are a regular theme, providing ample opportunities to students to interact, learn & grow their network. The university’s student clubs, offer a number of recreational opportunities over the duration of the academic year, to have fun & learn alongside fellow peers.
Further, students gain access to a number of state-of-the-art facilities including well-equipped classrooms, study lounges, libraries, sports grounds & more as part of the university campus.
VU Amsterdam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a year ago
Some of the documents necessary in the visa procedure for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands include a copy of their passport (valid for more than 6 months), an antecedents certificate, a TB statement, and other specified documents. Most students must pay a fee of €275; how
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Groningen University and Vrije University Amsterdam are renowned institutions offering unique and various campus cultures and a good universities to study AI course at . However, if we compare both, the graph is little higher for University of Amsterdam. As it’s more famous than Groningen Universit
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Indian students applying to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the 2024-2025 academic year have specific deadlines to adhere to based on their circumstances:
Jun 1, 2025: Deadline for EU/EEA students.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is highly ranked globally, particularly in fields like Arts and Humanities, Biology and Biochemistry, Economics and Business, and many more. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide based on various indicators of excellence. Some of the prominent alumni
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
To gain admission to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's MBA program, work experience is not a mandatory requirement. The key prerequisites for admission include a Bachelor's degree in (International) Business Administration, Economics, or Econometrics and Operations Research from Vrije Universiteit Amst
A
Contributor-Level 9
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VU Amsterdam
VU University Amsterdam picture
University Campus
Science Building
VU AmsterdamLocation
| University City | Amsterdam, Other - Netherlands, Netherlands |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 8,51,573 |
VU AmsterdamCampuses
De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visit official siteVU AmsterdamContact Information
De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam ( Other - Netherlands)
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