Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands • Founded 1880 • QS 2027 #185 =
Updated May 2026 · Source: vu.nl
Overview
Established in 1880, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU University Amsterdam) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Amsterdam (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), North Holland.
Officially recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a large-sized coeducational Dutch higher education institution. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 144-year-old Dutch higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
VU Amsterdam also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on the map and its contact channels below.
Academic Details
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Academic Structures
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's academic structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.
Unit 9 items
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Religion and Theology
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- School of Business and Economics
- VUmc School of Medical Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland.
Arts (Faculty) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art Education
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Comparative Literature
- Dutch
- English
- French
- German
- Greek (Classical)
- Hebrew
- History
- Islamic Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Terminology
Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Earth and Life Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Geology
Economics and Business Administration (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Econometrics
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
Human Movement Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Philosophy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Psychology and Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Psychology
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Pharmacology
- Physics
Social Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Gerontology
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Social Studies
- Sociology
Theology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Neurosciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurosciences
Oncology (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Oncology
Programs Offered
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
178 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Netherlands
Bachelor's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Master's Degree 119 programmes
Showing 10 of 119.
Other Programs 37 programmes
Showing 10 of 37.
How to apply to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The application path for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in five steps.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's 178 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit your application
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam processes applications through vu.nl. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +31 (20) 598 5000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Quick reference for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: founding, control type, and recognition status.
In what year was Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam established?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was founded in 1880 (approximately 146 years ago).
What city is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam operates from Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam a public or private institution?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam operates as a private institution.
How big is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's student body?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
How is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ranked?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam holds rank QS 2027 #185 =.
What qualification levels does Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offer?
Programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam organised academically?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Yes, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is recognised by Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
What is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's official website?
You can find Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam online at vu.nl.
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Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in the Netherlands may overtake Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the universities below are both members of European University Association (EUA).
Faculties at nearby universities
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Studying in Netherlands: guides and resources
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