🚲Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

QS World 2026 · #152

Amsterdam's second major research university, with a strong Business and Economics reputation.

About VU Amsterdam

VU Amsterdam was founded in 1880 as a private Protestant university independent of state and church control (its name literally means 'Free University'), and today sits alongside UvA as one of Amsterdam's two major research universities. Its School of Business and Economics is particularly well regarded.

Why students choose it

  • Amsterdam's second major research university, distinct from UvA
  • Strong School of Business and Economics
  • Founded 1880 with a distinctive independent, non-state history

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Typical entry grades

AAB (A Level)  ·  IB 33

High tier · indicative for the flagship courses below — always verify per-course requirements directly with the university.

Tuition (international, per year)

€13,000–€17,000/yr

high tier for Netherlands — figures are typical ranges, not this specific university's published fee.

Language of instruction

Mix of English and Dutch — check the specific programme; Dutch Law and some others remain Dutch-medium.

Campus

city campus, Amsterdam

🏆 Scholarships to look into

Informational only — scholarship amounts, deadlines and even which schemes are running change often (sometimes per intake), so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details directly with the scholarship provider or VU Amsterdam's financial aid office.

The Netherlands has a well-known joint government/university scholarship for non-EEA students, alongside a growing number of individual university excellence scholarships.

  • Holland Scholarship: Jointly funded by the Dutch government and participating universities, for non-EEA students — a one-off award (not full funding), available for eligible Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
  • University excellence scholarships: e.g. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Utrecht Excellence Scholarship — merit-based, varying in coverage from partial to full tuition, offered independently by individual universities.

Want help figuring out which of these you'd actually qualify for? Talk to a free Tutopiya counsellor.

Popular courses

Business

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years

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Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Computer Science

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics

Health Sciences

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years

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Typical entry: Requires two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths

Psychology

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years

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Typical entry: A science or Mathematics recommended

International Business

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years

📝 Apply for this course →

Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Durations are typical for Netherlands — always confirm the exact length (including any placement or integrated Master's year) on the course's own page before applying.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Run the full shortlist builder →

How to apply

Main intake(s)
September
Typical deadline
1 May (general deadline)
Note
Numerus fixus (restricted-entry) programmes such as Medicine close much earlier — 15 January.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall

TOEFL: 90–100 iBT

Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

See where VU Amsterdam ranks on your personal shortlist

Enter your grades and budget in the free Netherlands University Shortlist Builder to see whether VU Amsterdam is a reach, target or safety for you — alongside every other Netherlands university that matches.

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VU Amsterdam FAQ

Quick answers about grades, tuition, deadlines and applying to VU Amsterdam as an international IGCSE / A Level / IB student.

What grades do I need to get into VU Amsterdam?

As a typical benchmark for international entry, VU Amsterdam expects around AAB at A Level or 33 points on the IB Diploma. This is indicative for VU Amsterdam's flagship courses — competitive subjects like Medicine and Law usually sit above this baseline, and the exact requirement varies by course, so always confirm the specific figure on VU Amsterdam's own admissions page before applying.

How much does VU Amsterdam cost for international students?

International tuition at VU Amsterdam typically falls in the €13,000–€17,000/yr range (high tier for Netherlands). This is a typical range for the university's tuition tier, not VU Amsterdam's specific published fee for every course — confirm the exact figure for your intended programme directly with the university.

When is the application deadline for VU Amsterdam?

VU Amsterdam follows Netherlands's typical intake calendar: September, with applications generally due 1 may (general deadline). Numerus fixus (restricted-entry) programmes such as Medicine close much earlier — 15 January. Always verify the exact date on VU Amsterdam's own admissions page, since deadlines can shift year to year.

What IELTS score do I need for VU Amsterdam?

Netherlands universities, including VU Amsterdam, typically ask international applicants for 6.5 overall. Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

What is VU Amsterdam known for?

Amsterdam's second major research university, with a strong Business and Economics reputation. VU Amsterdam was founded in 1880 as a private Protestant university independent of state and church control (its name literally means 'Free University'), and today sits alongside UvA as one of Amsterdam's two major research universities. Its School of Business and Economics is particularly well regarded.

Can I apply to VU Amsterdam with IGCSE, A Level or IB qualifications?

Yes — VU Amsterdam accepts applicants from IGCSE-to-A-Level, IGCSE-to-IB-Diploma, and directly from the IB Diploma. Tutopiya's free Netherlands University Shortlist Builder matches your predicted or actual grades against VU Amsterdam and every other Netherlands university we track, tagging each as reach, target or safety.

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