Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Why choose VU Amsterdam?

Founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a top research university offering a broad education. It is a place for new ideas, freedom of expression and a welcoming home to everyone - there's around 3,000 international students on campus. 

World-ranking research university

VU Amsterdam consistently ranks among the world’s best and is placed 115th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. Interactive and research-led teaching will help you to express your ideas and broaden your views. With the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-life challenges, you will develop the independence you need for success. 

Industry links with major companies

The University is based in one of Holland’s fastest-growing business districts, Zuidas. This fast-paced business environment provides huge potential for networking, inspiration and work experience. More than 800 companies are based in Zuidas, including Google, Mitsubishi, Boeing and Niko. On campus you can find careers events, workshops and advisors to help you start thinking about your future. 

Your pathway to VU Amsterdam

You can progress to VU Amsterdam after successfully completing your programme at the International Study Centre. Once you successfully complete your programme and achieve the required academic grades, you can progress to a choice of degrees at VU Amsterdam.

Progression degrees
Progression from Business, Economics and Social Sciences International Foundation Year
Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade Additional Grade
Business Analytics BSc 55% 60% AES (with min. 40% in each component) Minimum 55% in all modules
International Business Administration BSc 55% 60% AES (with min. 40% in each component) Minimum 55% in all modules
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) BSc 70% 70% AES (with min. 60% in each component) 70% in Maths and all other modules

Please note:

International Business Administration

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall or equivalent accepted test*

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

IELTS (academic): 7.0 with at least 6.5 for each of the four components or equivalent accepted test*

CV + assessment questions

Business Analytics

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall or equivalent accepted test*

*Note: IELTS Indicator is not accepted
Tests validity for all progression degrees
All tests can be taken during the International Foundation Year (IFY) programme. If progression scores are achieved before the start of the IFY they must be not older than two years at 1st September of the year when the Bachelor programme starts.

See the campus

VU Amsterdam is located in the business district
Spacious and well equipped lecture halls at VU Amsterdam
Have food at the welcoming food court at VU Amsterdam
Bike at VU Amsterdam advertising the University
Students at VU Amsterdam doing coursework together
Study at VU Amsterdam a modern university and campus in Holland

Student life

Located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an exciting place to study. The University’s urban campus is modern and centrally located.

Facilities include:

Library  Cafés 
Computer areas    Restaurants 
  Sports facilities    Bookshop 
  Bicycle repair shop    Supermarket 
Culture centre    Security 

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Holland. One of the world’s most multicultural cities, Amsterdam is home to more than 180 different nationalities. English is widely spoken, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise and improve your language skills.

A great place to be a student, Amsterdam is a safe, fun and open-minded city. It has lots of things to explore, from historic architecture and pretty canals to world-class museums and restaurants.

Travelling around

It is a simple and convenient city to get around. The tram service is a frequent and reliable way to travel across the city. There is also an extensive bus and metro system for the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

  • Use a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) for trams, buses and metros around Amsterdam.
  • Hire a bike.

Holland's largest international airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is about 20 minutes from VU Amsterdam by train.

VU Amsterdam location

My time at VU Amsterdam

Students in an IBA class at Vrije Universiteit

Top 150

in the world Times Higher Education World University 2022

Miyuki from Japan studying at VU Amsterdam

I’m studying International Business, so I feel like a bigger city is the best place to study such a major, because you have more opportunities to connect with the international business market and I feel like it’s something that you have to do before going to the job market. 

Miyuki from Japan
Studied International Foundation Year in Business and Management
Now studying BSc International Business Administration at VU Amsterdam

IBA at VU Amsterdam

Students in an IBA class at Vrije Universiteit
Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.