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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
7.3(4)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1880
Founded
1880
Type
Public
University Guide
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is a public research university established in 1880. It offers over 250 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with 27 UG and 137 PG courses taught in English. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) had a total of 31,351 students. While the preliminary census showed a slight decrease from the previous year (31,949). The university also reported a decline in international bachelor's enrollment, with a decrease of over 23%. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's tuition fees for international students typically range from €9,580 to €23,930 per year, depending on the program and level of study. Master's programs generally have higher fees than undergraduate programs.
The average salary for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam graduates can vary significantly depending on the field of study and the type of job. Generally, graduates in fields like Management and Finance tend to earn higher starting salaries compared to other fields like Science. As per Glassdoor report, a Master's in Management from VU can expect to earn around 1.11 Cr, while a Master's in Science might earn around 60,972 EUR (~58.28 L INR).
Also Check: Cost of living in Netherlands for Indian Students
Table of Contents
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Ranking
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Courses
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Admission Process
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Fees 2025
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Scholarships
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam FAQs
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Ranking
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is ranked at #221. This represents a slight decrease compared to its #207 ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2024. As per our data VU lists #136 in the 2025 QS World University Ranking out of 2857 globally. University Living also mentions that VU Amsterdam is ranked #136 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025. Here’s a YoY trend breakdown of the same:
| Ranked by | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News | #82 | #78 | – |
| QS | #214 | #86 | #83 |
| THE | #121 | #125 | #136 |
| ARWU | #151 | #151 | – |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Courses
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a wide variety of courses for international students, including both undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are taught in English. VU Amsterdam offers over 170 courses across various fields like Business, Engineering, and Science, with specialized tracks like Finance and Bioinformatics. Some of the top-ranking courses & streams at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are mentioned below:
| Course | Tuition Fees/Year | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Biomedical Sciences | 23,930 EUR (~22.93 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Administration | 24,150 EUR (~20.43 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Administration - International Management | 17,960 EUR (~17.21 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics | 23,490 EUR (~23.5 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | 15,290 EUR (~14.65 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Econometrics and Operations Research - Marketing Data Science | 16,830 EUR (~16.12 L INR) |
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Sciences | 23,930 EUR (~22.93 L INR) |
Application Deadline: May 1st, 2025 |
All these courses are offered via 9 faculties and are available in the form of part-time programs, full-time programs, and joint degree programs. Students also have the option of choosing a combination of subjects in one specific field, Known as minor program(s).
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Admission Process
Admissions at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) are conducted through the national application portal: Studielink, followed by a program-specific process on the VU Student Portal. International students must follow a clear, step-by-step procedure and meet deadlines based on their program and visa requirements. Below is a structured overview of the admission process and key requirements:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register via Studielink | Apply through Studielink.nl, the Dutch national application platform. Select VU Amsterdam and up to 3 other universities (total 4). Use DigiD if required. |
| 2 | Complete Application on VUNet system | Within 48 hours, you’ll receive login details for the VU student portal. Fill in program-specific questions and upload documents in PDF format. |
| 3 | Submit Required Documents | Include transcripts, diplomas, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 92), CV, motivation letter, passport copy, and LORs. Some programs may require additional materials. |
| 4 | Pay Application Fee | A non-refundable fee of €100 (~9,872 INR) applies for master’s applicants with non-Dutch diplomas. |
| 5 | Receive Admission Decision | Decisions typically arrive within 4–6 weeks after submitting a complete application. Conditional offers may be issued pending final documents. |
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) has an estimated acceptance rate of 14% for international students. This makes it a highly competitive university for international applicants. Some programs, especially those with a "numerus fixus" designation, have even more selective admission processes.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Application Deadlines
| Intake | Application Deadline | Visa/Residence Permit Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| September Intake | April 1, 2025 | Allow at least 3 months for processing |
| February Intake | October 1, 2024 | Allow at least 3 months for processing |
Note: While some programs may accept applications until August 31, early submission is strongly advised due to visa timelines.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Admission Requirements for International Students
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Transcripts | Must be in English or translated officially |
| English Proficiency | IELTS:6.5+/ TOEFL-iBT:92+/ CAE/CPE:C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency |
| Letters of Recommendation | 1–2 depending on program |
| Motivation Letter | Required for most UG and PG courses |
| Resume/CV | For all postgraduate programs |
| Passport Copy | Valid for at least six months beyond study period |
Netherlands Student Visa
- VU Amsterdam assists international students with the visa process through its International Office .
- Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €1,000/month)
- Acceptance letter from VU
- Visa application form and digital photo
- Visa fee: €250 for long-term residence permits.
Read more: Netherlands Student Visa For Indian Students
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Fees 2025
For the 2025 academic year, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) charges international students an annual tuition fee ranging from €12,900 to €23,930, depending on the program. Bachelor's programs generally have a lower tuition fee compared to Master's programs. Additionally, there's a €100 non-refundable application fee.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers 98 courses across various disciplines for international students.
Top Courses Fees Comparison
The tuition fee 2024 for M.S Business Analytics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was EUR 13490 (1309609 INR). In 2023, the fee was EUR 15790 (1532893 INR). The fee has decreased by EUR 2300 (223284 INR).
Similarly, tuition fee for M.S Artificial Intelligence in 2024 was EUR 13490 (1309609 INR), compared to EUR 15790 (1532893 INR) in 2023, reflecting a drop of EUR 2300 (223284 INR).
The 2024 fee for M.S Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was EUR 13490 (1309609 INR). In 2023, the fee was EUR 15580 (1512506 INR). Compared to the previous year, fee has decreased by EUR 2090 (202897 INR).
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Scholarships
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) offers a range of scholarships to support international students, especially those applying for Master’s programs. While student loans are available, scholarships are more commonly used and widely promoted by the university. Below is a structured and simplified overview of key scholarship options:
Top Scholarships at VU Amsterdam
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) | Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a full-time Master’s program with a minimum GPA of 80% | Covers full or partial tuition fees | February 1, 2025 |
| NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship Programme) | International students from outside EEA applying for bachelor's or master's programs in Netherlands | €5,000 (bachelor's), €10,000 (master's) – one-time contribution toward living costs | February 1, 2025 |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Indian students applying to eligible Master’s programs | Covers tuition + living expenses | Varies – check official site |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) | International students applying to English-taught Master’s programs | Varies per course | February 1, 2025 |
| Equal Access Scholarship | Students from lower-income backgrounds | Tuition fee waiver | Check on VU website |
Key Notes for 2025 Applicants
- VUFP: Requires separate application after admission. Priority given to academically strong candidates.
- NL Scholarship: Available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level, but only for first year of study.
- External Scholarships: Include options like the NN Future Matters Scholarship, Desmond Fortes Scholarship, and Orange Knowledge Programme. These vary in benefits and deadlines.
- VU Amsterdam allocates around €1 million annually to attract high-potential international students.
- The NL Scholarship is now open for applications for the 2025–2026 academic year .
For detailed eligibility and to apply, visit the official VU Amsterdam Scholarships page.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), founded in 1880, offers 250+ programs with strengths in Computer Science, Business, and Data Science . Ranked #221 (QS 2025) and #136 (THE 2025), it enrolls 17% international students from 87 countries. Tuition ranges from €9,580–€23,930/year . Scholarships like the VUFP and NL Scholarship ease costs. Located in Amsterdam, VU provides practical education and strong post-study work opportunities, making it a solid choice for Indian students seeking global exposure and affordability in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam FAQs
Ques. Which university is considered better academically: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam or Utrecht University?
Ans. Both are top-tier Dutch universities but have different strengths. VU Amsterdam ranks higher in Computer Science (THE #82, QS #150) and offers more English-taught programs. Utrecht University has a stronger research reputation overall and ranks higher globally (QS #120 vs VU #233). For Indian students, VU’s practical focus and diverse student body make it a strong choice, while Utrecht leans toward theoretical and interdisciplinary studies.
Ques. Which university is better for Computer Science in the Netherlands: VU Amsterdam or University of Groningen?
Ans. VU Amsterdam is generally preferred for its strong ties to industry, AI-focused curriculum, and location in the capital city. It ranks higher in THE Subject Rankings for Computer Science (#82) compared to Groningen (#151–200). While both are good, VU offers better internship and job opportunities, especially in tech startups and data science roles in Amsterdam’s growing IT sector.
Ques. Is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam considered prestigious compared to Leiden, UVA, and Groningen?
Ans. Yes, VU Amsterdam is a respected research university in the Netherlands, though slightly behind Leiden, UVA, and Groningen in global rankings. However, it's known for affordable tuition fees, a student-friendly environment, and strong programs in AI, Data Science, and Social Sciences . Its location in Amsterdam gives it an edge in networking and post-study work opportunities for Indian students.
Ques. Between TU Delft and VU Amsterdam, which is better for Computer Science?
Ans. If you're focused on core computer science, algorithms, and engineering, TU Delft is the better choice, with global recognition in technical fields. However, if you prefer a more applied approach with specializations in AI, Data Science, or Software Engineering, then VU Amsterdam may suit you better. VU also offers a more diverse, urban experience in one of Europe’s top tech hubs like Amsterdam.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
71
Fee from
₹3,63,432.74
Exams
TOEFL · IELTS
Showing 5 of 15 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration3 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 14.5 L/Yr
Native FeeEUR 13,490 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) generally has two main intake periods, one for the Fall semester (typically starting in September) and one for the Spring semester (typically starting in February) enrolls over 31,000 students, including about 5100 international students from 87+ countries. The university offers 27 English-taught bachelor’s and 137 master’s programs, with the Faculty of Science being the largest, followed by the School of Business and Economics.
Admissions are open once a year, with application forms available from October for the next academic year. International students must apply via Studielink, followed by the VUNet application system. A non-refundable fee of €100 (~9,582 INR) applies for most master’s programs. Academic requirements include IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 92 for English-taught courses. The GMAT/GRE is only mandatory for MBA applicants. Deadlines typically fall on April 1 for international students, with early application recommended to allow time for visa processing. Financial aid options like VU scholarships and Dutch student loans are available to support international students in 2025.
Also Check: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Rankings
Table of Contents
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Admission Deadlines
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the application deadline for international students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is April 1st. This deadline applies to non-EU/non-EEA students who require a visa or residence permit. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Bachelor's Programs:
- General Deadline: April 1st.
- 21+ Entrance Exam (for students without direct admission): 15 December of the previous year.
- Numerus Fixus Programs: 15 January.
- Master's Programs:
- General Deadline: May 1st.
- Non-EU/EEA Students (Visa required): May 1st.
- English Test Result Deadline: 31 August for EU students, 1 June for non-EU students.
- Some Master's programs may have earlier deadlines, particularly for visa processing.
- PhD Programs:
- No specific deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
To guarantee that their application payments are completed in time, international students are advised to finish the application procedure at least one to two days prior to the deadline. Your application will be rejected by the university if your fees are not processed.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Courses
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a wide variety of courses for international students, including both undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are taught in English. VU Amsterdam offers over 170 courses across various fields like Business, Engineering, and Science, with specialized tracks like Finance and Bioinformatics. Some of the top-ranking courses & streams at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are mentioned below:
| Course | Tuition Fees/Year | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Biomedical Sciences | 23,930 EUR (~22.93 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Administration | 24,150 EUR (~20.43 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Administration - International Management | 17,960 EUR (~17.21 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics | 23,490 EUR (~23.5 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science | 15,290 EUR (~14.65 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Econometrics and Operations Research - Marketing Data Science | 16,830 EUR (~16.12 L INR) | Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 |
| Master of Science [M.S] Information Sciences | 23,930 EUR (~22.93 L INR) | Application Deadline: May 1st, 2025 |
All these courses are offered via 9 faculties and are available in the form of part-time programs, full-time programs, and joint degree programs. Students also have the option of choosing a combination of subjects in one specific field, Known as minor program(s).
Also Check: Netherlands Student Visa
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Undergraduate Admissions
With 27 Undergraduate programs, VU Amsterdam offers both domestic and international students a chance to pursue higher education in a wide range of subjects like Health Sciences, Business and Mathematics, Engineering, Law and Governance, etc.
Where to Apply: VUNet Application Portal
Application Fees: 100 EUR (~9,582 INR)
Application Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Students should submit their official academic transcripts from institutions last attended in
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of a valid passport
All Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam undergraduate courses have similar admission requirements, mentioned above, except for the in-depth coursework requirements. The academic requirements for a few programs are tabulated below:
| Course Name | Mandatory Coursework Requirements |
|---|---|
| International Business | Mathematics |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mathematics & Physics |
| Biomedical Sciences | Biology, Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry |
| Law in Society | Mathematics |
Submitting a one or two page resume is not mandatory for all undergraduate courses, but is highly recommended. However, such is not a case with SOP/Letter of Motivation and LORs. No VU Amsterdam UG requires you to submit these supplementary documents.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Graduate Admissions
The Masters programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are offered in 200 subjects in full-time and part-time mode. While international students are eligible to apply for all graduate courses, currently, on 137 masters programs are taught in English.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Graduate admission process is similar for all programs, though admission requirements vary. All international students must submit their applications before April 1, 2023, for the session 2023-2024.
Where to apply: VUnet application portal
Application Fee: 100 EUR
The admission requirements for a few top VU Amsterdam graduate courses are mentioned in the following table:
| Requirements | Executive MBA | Masters in Biological Sciences | Masters in Computer Science | Masters in Economics | Masters in Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 18 months | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year | 2 years |
| Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Academic Qualification | 3-year bachelor degree | 3 year UG degree with an average grade of 7.0/10;a minimum 24 ECTS in molecular biology & human biology each | 3 year UG degree, preferably in Computer Science;coursework in Programming, Logic, Algorithm; Computer Systems; Software Engineering; Computer Network | 3 years UG degree with coursework in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Statistics. | 3-year bachelor degree in Science |
| SOP/Personal Essay | Required, 750 Words | Required | Required | Required, 500 words | Required, 500 words |
| LOR(s) | 2 LORs; at least 1 Professional LOR | Required, 1 | Required, 2 | Not Required | Required, 1 |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0;TOEFL-iBT: 100 | IELTS: 6.5;TOEFL-iBT: 92;CAE/CPE: A,B,C | IELTS: 6.5;TOEFL-iBT: 92;CAE/CPE: A,B,C | IELTS: 7.0;TOEFL-iBT: 100 | IELTS: 6.5;TOEFL-iBT: 92;CAE/CPE: A,B,C |
| Resume/CV | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| GRE/GMAT | GMAT score of 600+ | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Work Experience | Required, 5+ years | Not Required | Recommended | Not Required | Recommended |
| Admission Interview | Required | Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Course Fees | 43,500 EUR | 14,661 EUR | 14,661 EUR | 14,762 EUR | 14,661 EUR |
All the completed and successfully submitted application packages are transferred to concerned VU Amsterdam faculties. Though they might contact applicants for any further evaluation or information, the admission decisions are announced within 6 weeks. Post receiving admission decisions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam requires successful applicants to accept their admission offer via VUNet confirmation form. Their seat will be reserved when the students will complete the payment of the tuition fees of their respective UG and PG programs.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Admission FAQs
Ques. What are the application deadlines for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2025?
Ans. The main deadline for non-EU/EEA students applying to most English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs at VU Amsterdam is April 1, 2025 , for the September 2025 intake. Some programs may accept applications until August 31 , but it's recommended to apply early due to visa processing timelines (can take up to 3 months).
Ques. What are the academic requirements for Indian students applying to VU Amsterdam?
Ans. For bachelor’s programs , Indian students must have completed Class 12 with a minimum of 75% or equivalent . For master’s programs , a recognized bachelor’s degree (e.g., BE/BTech) with a minimum of 75% or GPA 7.5/10 is required. Always check program-specific requirements, as some courses may ask for relevant work experience or prerequisites.
Ques Does VU Amsterdam require IELTS/TOEFL for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, all Indian applicants must prove English proficiency by submitting scores like:
- IELTS : Minimum 6.5 (with no section below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT : Minimum 90 (with 21+ in each section)
Exemptions may apply if you’ve studied in an English-medium school or university for at least 3 years. Always confirm with the admissions office before assuming exemption.
Ques. Is there an application fee for international students applying to VU Amsterdam?
Ans. Yes, most international applicants applying for master’s programs must pay a non-refundable application fee of €100 (~₹9,870). There is no fee for bachelor’s applications through Studielink. Payments can be made online via credit/debit card after submitting your application on the VU portal.
Placements & Recruiters
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Placement Details
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands.
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Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2022
Highlights
2022
2022
- Best overall country rank: #6
- Sciences: #2 in country
- Top source: ARWU
- 31 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Medicine
- 5 ranking records in 2022
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #6
- Sports Sciences: #2 in country
- Top source: THE
- 33 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #6
- Sports Sciences: #1 in country
- Top source: QS
- 36 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #6
- Sports Sciences: #1 in country
- Top source: QS
- 26 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2025
2026
Highlights
2026
2026
- Best overall country rank: #8
- Computer Science: #4 in country
- Top source: Collegedunia
- 7 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2026
Contact Information
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
7.3/10
Top Rated
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
Visual summary of rating distribution and categories
Live Summary
Academic
9.3/10
Faculty
9.3/10
Infrastructure
9.8/10
Accommodation
7.8/10
Placement
5.5/10
Extracurricular
10.0/10