Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): Courses, Admission, Cost

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#110 in World

#8 in Netherlands

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  • About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) courses
  • VU Amsterdam Popular Courses
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Admission 2025
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Fees
  • + 6 more items

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

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Year of establishment
1880
Also known as
VU
University website
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Student website
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No. of campus
1
Scholarships available
1
Endowment value
INR 482 million
Accepted exams
UG/PG course ratio
7.52
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Why do Indian students choose to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

Indian students choose to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for several reasons:

Location and Accessibility: Situated in Amsterdam, a city known for its quality of life, good transport links, and world-class education, VU Amsterdam provides easy access to major European cities and transportation hubs.
International Student Support: With about 10% of the student population being international students, VU Amsterdam's International Office offers excellent services to assist with housing, visas, and other administrative aspects of studying in the Netherlands.
Research Opportunities: Through programs like the VU Amsterdam India Science Program, the university fosters collaboration with Indian institutions, providing research and education opportunities that contribute to global challenges and promote international partnerships.

Q:   Will my campus life be better at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam than staying off-campus?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Is it possible to get into Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's MBA programme without work experience?
A: 

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 Amsterdam or a Dutch university. Suppose you have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) bachelor’s degree, In that case, you can gain direct admission after completing the pre-master program, which involves specific academic criteria like a GPA of 7.5 or higher. 

Q:   What is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam famous for?
A: 

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 of the university include:
Christine Aaftink: Multiple National Champion Sprinter in skating.
Rena Bakhshi: Program Manager for the Netherlands eScience Center's natural sciences and engineering domain.
Jan Peter Balkenende: Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, studied history and law at VU.
Jacobus Boomsma: Evolutionary biologist specializing in social evolution and mating systems. 

VU Amsterdam Popular Courses

MS
M.A.
MBA/PGDM
M.Sc.
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₹15 LGet Fee Details

₹37 LGet Fee Details

₹16 LGet Fee Details

₹16 LGet Fee Details

View AllMS Courses

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Admission 2025

  • Application fees :Euro 100
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Can an average Indian student join Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Are there many students from other countries studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   How is applying to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam different from applying to other universities in Netherlands?
A: 

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.  

Q:   What are the deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What are the documents required in the visa process for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands?
A: 

Some of the documents required in the visa process for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands include a Copy of passport (valid for more than 6 months), antecedents certificate, TB statement, and other specified documents. A fee of €275 is applicable for most students; exceptions exist for specific programs.

There are two types of Procedures:
Residence Permit (VVR) Procedure: No entry visa required, allowing entry with a passport for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vatican City State.
Long Stay Entry Visa (MVV) and Residence Permit (VVR) Procedure: An entry visa is required for all other non-EU countries.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(51 courses)
INR 13 L - 37 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100
M.A.(43 courses)
INR 6 L - 17 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100
MBA/PGDM(40 courses)
INR 16 L - 24 LGet Fee Details
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
M.Sc.(38 courses)
INR 16 L - 24 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
B.J.M.C.(3 courses)
Duration3-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
Others PG(9 courses)
INR 17 L - 18 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above
B.A.(8 courses)
INR 4 L - 13 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
LL.M.(5 courses)
Duration1 year
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100
BBA(5 courses)
INR 9 L - 14 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses)
INR 10 L - 19 LGet Fee Details
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
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View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   Is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cheaper than Erasmus University Rotterdam?
A: 

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.

Q:   How much money is required in Indian rupees to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

To study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the tuition fees vary based on the programme and whether you are a local or international student. Here is a breakdown of the costs in Indian rupees:
For Bachelor's programs:
Local students: Starting from INR 1,86,000 per year.
International students: From INR 2,09,000 per year.

For Master's programs:
Local students: INR 93,000 per year.
International students: INR 95,000 per year.

Q:   How expensive is it to live at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is 92.

Some of the other accepted English proficiency exams include:
IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
TOEFL with a minimum score of 92
CPE/CAE with a minimum score of 176

Applicants from non-English speaking countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and China are required to provide proof of English proficiency through one of these tests. 

VU Amsterdam
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.2/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Friendly
  • Liberal
  • Academically oriented
Student Views
  • 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships4
Part time work3
Post study jobs5
Quality of faculty4
Student Life5
Value for money4
Public transportation4
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration4
K
Kshitij Kavimandan Verified Icon
Master in Computer Science (Big Data Engineering) - Batch of 2025
4.2
A supportive academic environment with cultural enrichment.
Tips: Before joining this university students should know that the university offers a supportive academic environment, but finding part-time work requires initiative, as roles are not always publicized. While I didn't avail myself of any scholarships, the resources provided for student support are extensive, aiding in adaptation. The country offers permits, allowing non-EU graduates to stay up to 12 months to seek employment or start a business. Over 9,000 companies in the Netherlands are recognised sponsors authorized to hire international talent and sponsor work visas. Notable companies include Booking.com, Bunq, and Netflix.
Dislikes (Part time work): Finding on-campus opportunities requires initiative, as universities often don't directly publicize part-time positions. Generally, students must proactively search for these roles, whether through departmental emails, or networking with faculty and fellow students.
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024Read more
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VU Amsterdam
Placements 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What are the popular sectors that Indian students prefer for doing part-time jobs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
A: 

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) Ranking 2025

#110

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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#8

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   What is the rank of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the world?
A: 

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. 

VU Amsterdam
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Compare VU Amsterdam with other similar colleges

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M.A.
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VU Amsterdam
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VU Amsterdam
Location

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University CityAmsterdam, Other - Netherlands, Netherlands
Size of cityMedium
Population of City8,51,573

VU Amsterdam
Campuses

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Address

De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands

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VU Amsterdam
Contact Information

Address

De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam ( Other - Netherlands)

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