6 best universities in Amsterdam 2024

Currently, universities in Amsterdam offer more than 1,000 English-taught programs. The Netherlands was the first non-English-speaking country to start teaching in English. Outside of classrooms, English is fluent across the country – Amsterdam has an international population, so students do not face a language barrier when studying in the Netherlands.

Education in Amsterdam is interactive and focused on the needs of students. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions, workshops, presentations, classroom simulations, and individual research. In addition, students have the opportunity to do (academic) internships, exchange internships at other universities around the world, take part in honors/advanced training programs, participate in the life of the community and much more - this is what attracts children from all over the world and encourages them to enter the top universities in Amsterdam.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Studying in Amsterdam offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive destination for students worldwide. A few highlights include:

• Accessible Scholarships: The AUC Scholarship Fund supports 10-15% of enrolled students, easing the financial burden (auc.nl/scholarships).

• Two Major Research Universities: Students can choose to study at the University of Amsterdam or VU Amsterdam, enjoying full access to facilities, international networks, and student clubs.

• Global Network: Launch your career with a vibrant network of alumni living and working globally.

• City Life: Eastern Amsterdam, with its lively mix of cafes, local cuisine, and cultural diversity, becomes a home away from home.

• Guaranteed Housing: Enjoy the convenience of living with classmates in student dormitories throughout your three-year tenure.

• Personalized Education: Create your own study plan with individual guidance from mentors.

Dutch universities are well-represented in international higher education rankings, such as Times Higher Education, QS, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Situated in the heart of Europe, Amsterdam offers students a chance to experience diverse cultures. On-campus services like international consultants and social groups help foreign students feel secure and integrated.

The Dutch higher education system is based on a binary structure, distinguishing between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs). This distinction remained after the introduction of the Bachelor-Master structure in 2002.

Types of Universities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam hosts three types of universities of applied sciences and research:

• Public Universities: Funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, they offer legally recognized degrees at regulated tuition fees.

• Approved Universities: Not government-funded but can award legally recognized Bachelor's and Master's degrees. They set their own tuition prices.

• Private Universities: Including international universities, they are independent of Dutch government regulations but can seek accreditation from the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO) under certain conditions.

Most research universities offer programs in various fields like economics, law, medicine, languages and culture, natural sciences, and management. University colleges also provide research-oriented higher education, often part of a research university, specializing in English-taught Bachelor’s programs in humanities.

Universities of Applied Sciences

Higher vocational education (HBO) is primarily provided by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen), consisting of 7 sectors:

• Economics

• Healthcare

• Agriculture

• Education

• Social and public work

• Visual arts

• Technology

Some specialize in specific areas like arts, agriculture, or teacher training.

Programs at Amsterdam Universities

• Bachelor's Programs: The

first step in research-oriented higher education.

• Duration: 3 years (180 ECTS credits).

• Content: Typically, the first year leads to a first-year certificate; mainly theoretical education in a specialization or major/minor profile.

• Often includes a short thesis in the third year.

• Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

• The Bachelor's degree (WO) is equivalent to level 6 in the Dutch Qualifications Framework (NLQF/EQF level 6).

Graduates from the Bachelor's program can proceed to Master's programs.

• Master's Programs:

  • Academic Masters focus on skills for employment and knowledge in one or more subject areas.

  • Research Masters include scientific research, enhancing analytical skills.

  • Duration: Typically one year for an academic master’s degree; two years for research, teacher training, and courses in agriculture, natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

• Ph.D. Programs:

  • Ph.D. programs in Amsterdam involve close collaboration with a supervisor for research and thesis writing, usually completed within four years.

  • Students present their thesis in a public defense, a formal ceremony, different from the UK system.

  • Admission requires a Master's degree or equivalent, with proof of medical insurance.

Tuition Fees in Amsterdam

• EU/EEA Students: Approximately €2,200 per year.

• Non-EU/EEA Students: Between €6,000 to €15,000 per year.

• Some institutions, like university colleges, may charge higher fees, which vary by institution.

• For research university Bachelor’s programs, a VWO high school diploma is needed. HAVO diploma holders can enroll in universities of applied sciences.

• Additional skills may be required for some programs, like in arts education.

• Some programs have a numerus fixus, limiting the number of first-year students.

• Dutch passport holders can receive government loans and a free student travel pass.

• The Dutch government offers tuition loans to students from the EU/EEZ, Switzerland, and Suriname.

• In addition to state funding, some universities offer scholarships for both EU/EEZ and non-EU/EEZ students.

• Students can work part-time alongside their studies. Career services at universities assist in finding jobs. Work restrictions apply for non-EU/EEZ students (up to 16 hours per week).

Types of Scholarships

• Academic Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence, which doesn’t always mean the highest grades but meeting a standard showing commitment to studies.

• Support Scholarships: Help with tuition fees or living costs, sometimes based on parental income.

• Sports and Creative Scholarships: For talented student-athletes, usually with specific performance standards and academic maintenance requirements.

• Immigration Scholarships: Offered to refugees and asylum seekers, enhancing higher education accessibility.

• EU students do not require a visa for studying or working in Amsterdam.

• Non-EU students may need a visa, with the educational institution starting the visa process. Once the institution receives approval from the Dutch immigration service, students can apply for an entry visa (MVV) at a Dutch embassy or consulate.

• The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but there are also three other official languages and five recognized languages.

• Many academic degrees in Dutch institutions are offered in both Dutch and English. If you choose to study in a foreign language, you must provide proof of language proficiency (language certificate).

Studying in Amsterdam offers a blend of top-ranked education, multicultural exposure, and rich cultural experiences, making it a coveted destination for students across the globe.

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