Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands

University Type

Public

Region Unknown,

Country Unknown

Year Established:

University Year Unknown

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam[a] (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880. The VU Amsterdam is one of two large, publicly funded research universities in the city, the other being the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The literal translation of the Dutch name Vrije Universiteit is "Free University". "Free" refers to the independence of the university from both the State and the Dutch Reformed Church. Both within and outside the university, the institution is commonly referred to as "the VU". Although founded as a private institution, the VU has received government funding on a parity basis with public universities since 1970. The university is located on a compact urban campus in the southern Buitenveldert neighborhood of Amsterdam and adjacent to the modern Zuidas business district.

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Program Rankings

  • Business & Management Studies - Rank #151-200 (QS)
  • Accounting & Finance - Rank #101-150 (QS)
  • Economics & Econometrics - Rank #101-150 (QS)
  • Law - Rank #101-150 (QS)
  • Psychology - Rank #151-200 (QS)
  • Social Sciences & Management - Rank #115 (QS)
  • Medicine - Rank #251-300 (QS)
  • Biological Sciences - Rank #251-300 (QS)
  • Computer Science & Information Systems - Rank #451-500 (QS)
  • Engineering & Technology - Rank #342 (QS)
  • Arts & Humanities - Rank #232 (QS)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Highlights

Life as an international student at VU Amsterdam

Life in Amsterdam: Expectation vs Reality? | University of Amsterdam

Why choose a master programme at VU Amsterdam?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam korte Campus tour

FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is renowned for its diverse range of graduate programs. Among the most popular are Business Administration, Law, Psychology, Computer Science, and the Life Sciences. These programs are highly regarded due to their innovative curricula and research opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

The annual tuition fee for non-EU students typically ranges from €12,000 to €15,000. Living costs, including accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses, are approximately €12,000 per year. Therefore, the total cost of attendance is around €24,000 to €27,000 annually. Converted to Indian Rupees at the current exchange rate (1 Euro = 87 INR), this amounts to approximately ₹20,88,000 to ₹23,49,000, rounded to the nearest hundreds.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students. These include merit-based scholarships, such as the VU Fellowship Programme, and specific scholarships for students from non-EU/EEA countries. Interested students should visit the university’s official website to find detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures. Deadlines vary by program and scholarship type, so timely application submissions are crucial.

What is the reputation and ranking of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam enjoys a strong reputation, consistently ranking in the top 200 universities worldwide. Specific programs such as Business Administration and Law are particularly well-regarded, often ranking in the top 100 in global university rankings for their fields. The university's commitment to high-quality research and teaching contributes to its excellent international standing.

What is the campus culture like at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

The campus culture at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is vibrant and inclusive, offering a wide range of activities and organizations. Students can engage in numerous clubs, societies, and sports teams. The university hosts several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the VU Introduction Days, which help new students integrate into campus life. There are also many opportunities for students to participate in workshops, seminars, and social events, enhancing their educational experience.

What are the housing options at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provides various on-campus housing options for students, including furnished rooms in student residences. For those preferring off-campus living, popular nearby areas include Buitenveldert and Amstelveen, which are known for their safety and accessibility to the university. These neighborhoods offer a range of rental options from studios to shared apartments, catering to different budgets and preferences.

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Fun Facts

  • The Griffioen Cultural Center

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam hosts the Griffioen Cultural Center, offering a broad range of artistic courses from photography to theater, enriching student life and creativity.

  • Unique Campus Structure

    The VU campus is renowned for its "connected" design, where buildings are linked by enclosed walkways, enabling easy and comfortable transit between classes, especially during harsh weather.

  • Famous Alumni: Pim Fortuyn

    Charismatic and controversial, Pim Fortuyn, a political figure who dramatically influenced Dutch politics, studied sociology at Vrije Universiteit, highlighting its diverse academic community.

  • VU Introduction Days

    The university organizes Introduction Days for new students, featuring a mix of informational sessions and festive activities, helping them integrate into campus life and the city of Amsterdam.