Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
About
VU Amsterdam is a state-accredited Dutch research university teaching business, health, social sciences, humanities, and law, with tuition of €13,500/year — competitive among Amsterdam research universities. IELTS 6.5 is accessible, and RU, KZ, UA, and UZ students can combine the €5,000 Holland Scholarship with the VU Fellowship Programme, plus work 16 hours a week in term time and full-time over summer without a separate permit.
VU is located in Amsterdam's southern suburbs, away from the city centre but still within the city limits. The campus neighbourhood is quieter and more residential than central Amsterdam, with better access to parks and green spaces. Students have the cultural life of Amsterdam within reach via reliable tram connections, but campus life is more separated and contemplative than central-city universities.
Application deadlines
- SeptemberJan 15
Non-EU standard. Some programmes have Apr 1. Check per programme on VU website.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is €13500 per year. Living costs in Amsterdam are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
English-taught programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam typically require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Netherlands?
For a student residence permit in Netherlands you must prove €13,569 per year (2026, Immigration service (IND) — required amounts: https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements).
Does Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offer scholarships?
Institution-specific options: VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP); Orange Tulip Scholarship: RU only — tuition + living costs; Emergency Fund for UA/BY/RU students with financial hardship (post-2022). BY/UA: Emergency Fund available. RU: Orange Tulip Scholarship.
Where is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam located?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
What can you study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Fields offered include: Business, Health, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Computer Science, Economics, Finance.
Accommodation
Extremely competitive housing market. Apply for SSH/DUWO waiting list immediately after receiving admission offer. Budget €1,000+/mo realistic in private market.
SourceScholarships
- 🎓VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
- 🎓Orange Tulip Scholarship: RU only — tuition + living costs
- 🎓Emergency Fund for UA/BY/RU students with financial hardship (post-2022)
- 🏛Holland/NL Scholarship: €5,000
BY/UA: Emergency Fund available. RU: Orange Tulip Scholarship.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- VU is a state-accredited research university listed on Studielink, so the diploma is fully recognised across the EU.
- Tuition of €13,500/year is competitive among Amsterdam research universities for non-EU students.
- IELTS 6.5 minimum is accessible for most CIS applicants without additional preparation.
- RU, KZ, UA, UZ students can apply for the Holland Scholarship (€5,000 one-time) and VU Fellowship Programme.
- Students can work 16 h/week during term and full-time in summer without a separate work permit (TWV).
- After graduation a one-year permit (Zoekjaar) lets you search for a job inside the EU/Schengen zone.
What to check
- Amsterdam has among the highest private housing costs in the Netherlands: €700–1,500/month, making monthly budgets very tight.
- Financial proof requirement is ~€13,569 (blocked account or sponsor letter) before the visa is approved.
- RU students face SWIFT transfer blocks to the Netherlands; payment routing requires intermediary solutions.
- BY students have no confirmed standard visa pathway — the Dutch immigration service (IND) must be contacted directly with uncertain outcome.
- Amsterdam's cost of living is high relative to other Dutch cities, and on-campus dormitory availability is not guaranteed.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel