University of Amsterdam (UvA)

University of Amsterdam: About the University

The University of Amsterdam is a public research university in Amsterdam. Its history begins in 1632, with the founding of the Athenaeum Illustre. The institution received university status in the 19th century and over time has grown into one of the largest multidisciplinary research universities in Europe.

Today, UvA has over 44,000 students, approximately 6,200 staff members, and approximately 3,000 PhD researchers. The university offers 62 undergraduate and 72 master's degree programs. Fourteen undergraduate and over 50 master's degree programs are taught in English.

UvA's faculties include humanities, social and behavioral sciences, natural and medical sciences, economics and business, law, and dentistry. This range of programs allows applicants to choose from a traditional academic major or an interdisciplinary program at the intersection of several fields.

University of Amsterdam rankings and strengths

The University of Amsterdam consistently ranks among the world's leading research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UvA ranks 60th place, in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 - 62nd place, and in the US News Best Global Universities 2024–2025 ranking, 33rd place in the world.

The university ranks particularly high in certain subject areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Communication Science and Media Studies ranks 1st place in the world for the ninth year in a row. The joint program in dentistry between UvA and Vrije Universiteit is on 3rd place, while Geography, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology are among the world's top 20.

Economics and business, law, artificial intelligence, social sciences, medicine, and the natural sciences also hold strong positions. Therefore, the UvA ranking should be considered not only at the university level but also in relation to specific fields.

How does studying at UvA work?

The University of Amsterdam is a research university. Therefore, education is structured around more than just lectures and exams. Students work with scientific literature, analyze data, conduct research projects, and learn to independently formulate and test hypotheses.

Research is integrated into the educational process already during the undergraduate program. At the master's level, its role becomes even more prominent: depending on the program, students work on their own projects, participate in departmental research, and prepare a final research paper.

Many programs are interdisciplinary. For example, social sciences can be combined with data analysis, economics with behavioral science, and medicine with information technology. This approach allows students to choose a specialization not only based on the department's name but also on a specific professional or research objective.

UvA is a member of the League of European Research Universities, an association of leading European research universities. The university also participates in international academic networks and collaborates with research organizations, government agencies, and companies.

University of Amsterdam campuses

UvA is not a single, closed university campus. The university is integrated into the Amsterdam region and utilizes several major teaching and research sites.

University Quarter Located in the city's historic center, it is home to a significant portion of the humanities and the new university library.

Roeterseiland Campus The campus combines economics and business, law, and the social and behavioral sciences. It houses classrooms, research laboratories, library infrastructure, and the CREA student cultural center.

Amsterdam Science Park Designed for natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and related research areas, it houses modern laboratories, Amsterdam University College, and a sports center.

Medical programs are related to Amsterdam UMC, where education is combined with research and clinical work. Dental programs are implemented in ACTA — a joint academic center of UvA and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

This arrangement allows the university to remain part of the city: students study not on an isolated campus, but directly in different districts of Amsterdam.

International environment

The University of Amsterdam attracts students and researchers from around the world. The Master's program offers a particularly wide selection of English-taught programs: of the 72 Master's programs, more than 50 are taught in English.

The international environment is evident beyond the classroom. UvA participates in academic exchange programs and international research projects, and collaborations with foreign universities allow students to gain study and research experience outside the Netherlands.

When choosing a program, international applicants should carefully consider the language of instruction. The availability of English-language programs does not necessarily mean that every department is fully taught in English. For example, the undergraduate programs in medicine and dentistry are taught in Dutch.

Admission to the University of Amsterdam

Admission requirements are determined by the specific program. For bachelor's programs, a foreign secondary education certificate must meet the required level of the Dutch VWO. If an applicant's qualification is not on the standard UvA list, the university will review their applications on a case-by-case basis.

For most English-taught undergraduate programmes, the basic proof of English proficiency is IELTS Academic. 6.5, while each component must be no lower 6.0Certain TOEFL and Cambridge English scores are also accepted. Individual programs have their own language requirements.

Depending on the major, specialized subjects may be required. For mathematics and economics majors, a background in mathematics is essential, and programs with limited places conduct additional competitive selection.

A suitable bachelor's degree is required for a master's degree. The university may consider the content of the previous program, the number of credits in relevant courses, and academic results. Depending on the program, the application package may include a CV, motivation letter, recommendations, and written work. Some economics and business programs may also require the GRE or GMAT.

University of Amsterdam Scholarships

International students can apply for scholarships from the University of Applied Sciences and individual faculties. One of the main support programs is Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)It is intended for strong applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA and is awarded on a competitive basis.

The amount, criteria, and availability of the AMS vary by faculty and program. For example, for certain programs at Amsterdam Law School, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship award for the 2026/27 academic year is €25,900.

Some faculties offer additional scholarships. Therefore, when choosing a program, it's important to check not only the UvA general funding page but also the terms and conditions of your specific faculty.

Receiving a scholarship is not automatic upon admission. A separate application is typically required, and selection is based on academic achievements and other program-specific criteria.

Student accommodation in Amsterdam

Do not write that the University of Amsterdam has its own dormitories or guarantees students accommodation.

UvA does not own student dormitories on its campuses. For first-time international students, the university partners with external housing providers and helps them find furnished rooms through UvA Student Housing.

The number of available rooms is limited. By 2026, UvA estimates that this system will provide housing for approximately 50–60% students who appliedThe allocation is carried out by lottery, so receiving a room is not guaranteed.

Accommodation is typically provided only for the first year and for a fixed term. Due to the housing shortage in Amsterdam, the university recommends starting your own search as early as possible and not relying solely on UvA Housing.