Free University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, or VU Amsterdam for short, is one of the largest research universities in the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam offers dozens of English-taught programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is geared toward international students. The university is ideal for those seeking a European education while maintaining a more reasonable budget compared to the US or UK.
Erasmus University Rotterdam is located in the Netherlands, in Rotterdam—Europe’s largest port and one of the region’s key economic centers. Founded in 1913, the university is now among Europe’s leading research universities.
EUR’s core competencies include economics, business, management, social sciences, medicine, and data science. The university actively participates in international research and collaborates with European institutions and major corporations.
Erasmus University Rotterdam is well suited for those considering an academic career, work in international companies, consulting, finance, analytics, and public policy.
| Degree of study | Bachelor's, Master's and PhD |
| Percentage of accepted students | 30-50%, depending on the faculty and program |
| Probability of employment after training | After graduation, more than 90% of students find a job or enroll in graduate school within the first six months |
| Scholarships | Partial/targeted (including for foreign students subject to funding conditions) are available |
| Directions | Economics and business, law, psychology, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine and healthcare |
| Type | Public research university |
| Student building size | More than 25,000 students |
| % of international students | About 25-40% |
| Campus | A modern university complex with academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, sports and student areas, as well as dormitories and cafes. Compact and convenient for students to study and live |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was founded in 1880 and today ranks among the largest academic universities in the country. The university is located in the southern part of Amsterdam and has its own campus, home to faculties, research centers, libraries, and student infrastructure.
VU positions itself as an international research university. It actively develops programs in business, economics, social sciences, psychology, data science, medicine, and STEM disciplines. Most master’s programs are taught entirely in English, making VU particularly attractive to international students.
VU Amsterdam is suitable for those focused on academic development and careers in international companies, consulting, analytics, IT, or research organizations.
Cost is a key consideration for most applicants. The Netherlands is considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe in terms of price-quality ratio, but studying still requires financial planning.
A student’s annual budget at VU Amsterdam consists of two main components: tuition and living expenses. Mandatory items include:
Even with a relatively moderate tuition, living expenses in Amsterdam are often the most expensive item on the budget.
Admission to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam follows a standard Dutch process, but requirements vary greatly depending on the specific program. The university doesn’t use a single “template” for all programs, so it’s always important to check the requirements on the page of your chosen course.
In general, the admissions committee evaluates not only formal criteria but also how well the candidate’s profile matches the academic and career goals of the program:
| Academic requirements | The application is based on previous grades and a suitable profile. For undergraduate programs, it is important that the school program is recognized in the Netherlands and matches the university's level of preparation. For master's programs, a key factor is the compatibility of the degree's subject area with the chosen program. |
| English level | Most programs at VU Amsterdam are taught in English. IELTS or TOEFL results are usually required to prove English proficiency, but alternative certificates are sometimes accepted. Admission requirements may vary, so it's always recommended to check the program's official website for up-to-date information. |
| Motivation letter, CV, recommendations, portfolio | A motivation letter plays a crucial role, especially for master's programs. It's important not only to state your desire to study in Europe, but also to demonstrate how a specific program at VU fits into your career plan. A CV should highlight relevant experience, internships, projects, and skills. Recommendations and a portfolio may be required for certain programs, particularly in business, psychology, and data science. |
| Deadlines and Applications: How to Avoid Wasting a Year | One of the most common mistakes is starting your preparation too late. In the Netherlands, many programs close several months before the start of studies, especially for non-EU students. The earlier you begin your preparation, the better your chances of not only being accepted but also receiving funding. |
Despite relatively affordable tuition fees, funding remains a key issue for many students. VU Amsterdam offers several forms of support:
Most scholarships cover part of the tuition fees or provide a fixed amount for living expenses.
partial coverage of tuition fees or assistance with accommodation
government support for foreign students
grants for studies or internships abroad, including Erasmus+
additional funding opportunities from corporate or charitable foundations
Preparing for VU Amsterdam is not a one-time application process, but a step-by-step process:
At this stage, the foundation of the future application is formed:
The active phase begins:
Final stage:
Some programs may require an interview or portfolio, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Even strong candidates are regularly rejected. The reasons are usually similar and consistent, for example:
Each of these issues can be corrected with an early start and proper support.
We assist with admission to European, American, and Asian universities using a proprietary methodology. Our experts begin working with students by assessing their profile, then develop an admissions strategy, help them select programs, strengthen their profile through projects, and help them prepare their application documents correctly.
Our work includes:
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