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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): Courses, Admission, Cost
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- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Highlights 2024
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Popular programs
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Scholarships
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Admission process
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Courses and Fees 2024
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Student Reviews
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Placements 2024
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Shiksha Evaluation University Ranking 2024
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) College comparison
- Studying in Netherlands
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Highlights 2024
Established in 1880, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is a highly-ranked university for higher education and research in Amsterdam. In its initial years, the university operated in the Scottish Missionary Church with a few students and five lecturers. It consisted of three faculties then, namely arts, law, and theology. VU bought its first building at Keizersgracht 162 in the early 20th century. The university attained the legal right to award educational degrees in 1905. In the year 1968, it relocated to a new functional campus in Buitenveldert. It has affiliations from the European University Association (EUA), SGroup European Universities' Network (SGroup) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The university is also associated with Aurora.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam operates a 98-acre main campus in Buitenveldert and a satellite campus 'Uilenstede' in Amstelveen municipality. Teaching takes place in spacious classrooms, laboratories, and research centers equipped with modernized facilities for teaching and research. The main building of the university has 16 storeys, housing the faculties of business, arts, theology, economics, and philosophy. The University Library occupies five floors in the building and possesses over 1,000,000 printed volumes, 70,000 manuscripts and digital resources like e-journals, e-books, and databases. Also, the building houses the main auditorium, restaurant, fair trade store, bookstore, and several kiosks. Other facilities featured on the campus include a bar, health center, residence halls, and several volleyball fields. The campus is at a small distance from various transport terminals.
The academic structure of the university is organized into seven faculties and two schools, with each focusing on different subjects of study. VU offers over 50 undergraduate, 160 postgraduate and several doctorate programs in humanities, science, business, social sciences, economics, behavioral and movement sciences, dentistry, theology, law and health professions. The university provides students with the opportunity to study abroad or at other institutions for a semester through exchange programs. It also operates an independent biweekly newspaper named Advalvas. At present, more than 23,000 students are pursuing their degrees at the university. The staff includes about 2,976 academic instructors and 1,662 administrative affiliates.
VU has a vast alumni network of about 95,000 graduates across the globe. The alumni list includes some notable names like Frits Goldschmeding (Randstad Holding's Founder), Frans Kaashoek (Entrepreneur and Computer Scientist), James Olthuis (Philosopher, Psychotherapist and Theologian), Jan Peter Balkenende (Netherlands's Former Prime Minister), Linda de Mol (Actress and TV Presenter), Jona Lendering (Author and Historian), Werner Vogels (Amazon's Vice President and Chief Technology Officer) and Wim Deetman (Politician).
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Â Why do Indian students choose to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Indian students choose to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for several reasons:
Location and Accessibility: Situated in Amsterdam, a city known for its quality of life, good transport links, and world-class education, VU Amsterdam provides easy access to major European cities and transportation hubs.
International Student Support: With about 10% of the student population being international students, VU Amsterdam's International Office offers excellent services to assist with housing, visas, and other administrative aspects of studying in the Netherlands.
Research Opportunities: Through programs like the VU Amsterdam India Science Program, the university fosters collaboration with Indian institutions, providing research and education opportunities that contribute to global challenges and promote international partnerships.
Q: Â What is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam famous for?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is highly ranked globally, particularly in fields like Arts and Humanities, Biology and Biochemistry, Economics and Business, and many more. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide based on various indicators of excellence. Some of the prominent alumni of the university include:
Christine Aaftink: Multiple National Champion Sprinter in skating.
Rena Bakhshi: Program Manager for the Netherlands eScience Center's natural sciences and engineering domain.
Jan Peter Balkenende: Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, studied history and law at VU.
Jacobus Boomsma: Evolutionary biologist specializing in social evolution and mating systems.
Q: Â Is it possible to get into Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's MBA programme without work experience?
To gain admission to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's MBA program, work experience is not a mandatory requirement. The key prerequisites for admission include a Bachelor's degree in (International) Business Administration, Economics, or Econometrics and Operations Research from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam or a Dutch university. Suppose you have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) bachelor’s degree, In that case, you can gain direct admission after completing the pre-master program, which involves specific academic criteria like a GPA of 7.5 or higher.
Q: Â Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
While studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, it is possible to find part-time jobs. Many employers offer students zero-hour contracts, allowing flexibility to balance work with studies or exams. Additionally, the Netherlands has a great demand for international graduates, offering job opportunities in various fields like engineering, research, medicine, data science, and management. After graduation, international students can benefit from an Orientation year to seek employment and transition to a work visa in the Netherlands.
Q: Â Will my campus life be better at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam than staying off-campus?
Staying on-campus at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) can significantly enhance your campus life experience. By staying on-campus, you will live and study in comfort and convenience within one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world, Amsterdam. The campus is in Zuidas, Amsterdam's business district, with easy access to transportation hubs and the city center. VU Amsterdam provides a centralized on-site campus with various amenities like sports fields, restaurants, and study spaces. Students can benefit from modern facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational options.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Popular programs
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Â What is the most preferred course by Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Some of the most preferred courses by Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam include Master in Computer Security, Master in Finance: Financial Management, Master in Computer Science (Foundations of Computing and Concurrency), Master's in Environment and Resource Management, Master in Business Administration (Human Resource Management), Master in Cognitive Neuropsychology (Research), and Master in Law and Politics of International Security, among others.
Q: Â What are people's opinions on Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for MBA?
People's opinions on Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for MBA are mixed. Students have praised the MBA programme for its holistic approach, collaborative learning environment, and flexibility for part-time students to apply their learning immediately in their workplaces. However, some students have expressed concerns about the English proficiency levels of some students, the strictness in group work, and the lack of diversity in student activities.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Scholarships
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1 exclusive scholarships available30.5 L worth total scholarship amountWe have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Â What are the top scholarships for Indian Students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and how to avail them?
To study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Indian students have various scholarship options available:
- VU Scholarships:
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship Programme)
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) - VUFP Scholarship:
Available for Master's programs taught in English.
Grant benefits include monthly payments of €1,300, international travel reimbursement of up to €1,000, and coverage of residence permit costs. Tuition fees are not waived.
Application Process:
Apply for the Fulbright grant by the deadline of 10 October 2023.
After applying for the Fulbright grant, prepare and submit an application for the VU Fulbright award. Decisions are usually communicated in March or April.
Q: Â What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
To get a scholarship at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Academic Excellence Scholarship:
Minimum grade point average of 85%
Excellent mastery of English
Demonstrate academic excellence
Write a motivational essay of 500-1000 words
Provide a professional letter of reference - Equal Access Scholarship:
Select one course
Answer four questions in the application form
The results of the scholarship selection will be announced in May - VU Amsterdam Summer School Scholarship:
No specific academic requirements mentioned
Applications open in February
The deadline to apply is 31 March (23:59 CET).
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Admission process
- Application fees :Euro 100
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Â Can an average Indian student join Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Yes, an average Indian student can join Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. However, the admission requirements vary for each program, and the university assesses each application individually. The student must submit an official application via Studielink and check the specific admission requirements on the page of their Bachelor's degree program. The general admission requirements include a minimum percentage of 75, participation in activities like sports, leading projects, and community services, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Q: Â Are there many students from other countries studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Yes, there are many students from other countries studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In the academic year, there were over 85,000 international students enrolled at Dutch universities, which is a 7.3% increase from the previous year. At VU Amsterdam specifically, there were 6,610 international students enrolled, showing a 14.1% increase compared to the previous year. The growth in international student enrollment is significant and contributes to the diversity and internationalization of the university.
Q: Â How is applying to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam different from applying to other universities in Netherlands?
To apply to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as an international student for a Master's program, follow these steps:
Apply in Studielink: Submit your application in Studielink. The deadline varies based on whether you need a residence permit, with most programs having a deadline of 31 May.
Complete Your Application on VU.nl: After applying in Studielink, you will receive login details for the VU student portal via email within 48 hours. Log in to your dashboard on VU.nl, complete the application by answering all questions, and upload the requested documents in PDF format.
Submit Required Documents: Submit all required documents by 31 August unless otherwise communicated. If certified copies are needed, hand them in at the Student Desk or send them by postal mail.
Q: Â What are the deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Indian students applying to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the 2024-2025 academic year have specific deadlines to adhere to based on their circumstances:
1 April 2024: Deadline for non-EU/non-EEA students requiring a visa and/or residence permit.
1 June 2024: Deadline for EU/EEA students. It is recommended for EU/EEA students to apply before 1 April if they wish to use university housing services.
31 May 2024: Deadline for non-Dutch nationals with a Dutch degree requiring a residence permit.
31 January 2024: Deadline for the School of Business and Economics pre-masters programs starting on 1 February.
Q: Â What are the documents required in the visa process for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Some of the documents required in the visa process for Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands include a Copy of passport (valid for more than 6 months), antecedents certificate, TB statement, and other specified documents. A fee of €275 is applicable for most students; exceptions exist for specific programs.
There are two types of Procedures:
Residence Permit (VVR) Procedure: No entry visa required, allowing entry with a passport for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vatican City State.
Long Stay Entry Visa (MVV) and Residence Permit (VVR) Procedure: An entry visa is required for all other non-EU countries.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Courses and Fees 2024
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(51 courses) | INR 11 L - 21 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100 |
MBA/PGDM(41 courses) | INR 12 L - 21 L | Duration:Â 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
M.Sc.(39 courses) | INR 12 L - 21 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
M.A.(47 courses) | INR 5 L - 15 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100 |
B.A.(8 courses) | INR 4 L - 11 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
B.J.M.C.(3 courses) | INR 8 L | Duration:Â 3-4 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
Others PG(9 courses) | INR 15 L - 16 L | Duration:Â 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
LL.M.(5 courses) | INR 15 L | Duration:Â 1 year Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100 |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 8 L - 12 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses) | INR 8 L - 14 L | Duration:Â 3 years Exam Accepted:Â IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: Â How expensive is it to live at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Living at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam can vary in cost depending on the type of accommodation. The housing prices offered by VU Amsterdam range from €375 to €1,175 per month, with an average rent falling within this range. Additionally, there is a housing application fee of €250 per semester or €500 per academic year. It is advisable to plan for living expenses between €975 and €1,500 per month, which includes rent but not tuition fees. Public transport in Amsterdam can cost around €70 - 100 per month, and having a bicycle is a cheaper option for transportation.
Q: Â Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is 92.
Some of the other accepted English proficiency exams include:
IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
TOEFL with a minimum score of 92
CPE/CAE with a minimum score of 176
Applicants from non-English speaking countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and China are required to provide proof of English proficiency through one of these tests.
Q: Â How much money is required in Indian rupees to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
To study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the tuition fees vary based on the programme and whether you are a local or international student. Here is a breakdown of the costs in Indian rupees:
For Bachelor's programs:
Local students: Starting from INR 1,86,000 per year.
International students: From INR 2,09,000 per year.
For Master's programs:
Local students: INR 93,000 per year.
International students: INR 95,000 per year.
Q: Â Is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cheaper than Erasmus University Rotterdam?
The tuition fees for both the universities are as follows:
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam:
For undergraduate degree tuition fees: €8,796-€12,110 (course fees).
For postgraduate degree tuition fees: €14,110-€24,310 (course fees).
Erasmus University Rotterdam:
For EU/EEA students: €2,209 per year.
For non-EU/EEA students: Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €15,000 per year.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Students Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review
- Friendly
- Liberal
- Academically oriented
- 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) Placements 2024
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: Â What are the popular sectors that Indian students prefer for doing part-time jobs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Indian students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam prefer various sectors for part-time jobs. These sectors include positions at the university such as in the faculty-student council, student associations, and student buddies. Additionally, part-time job opportunities at organizations on the VU campus like Spar or the Basket are popular choices. Indian students can also explore vacancies for student assistants, which were previously listed on VU Studentjobs but now require creating vacancies via a new ATS system.
Q: Â What are the job opportunities after doing an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
After completing an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you can expect a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors. The programme equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for career advancement and success in today's dynamic business landscape.
Some potential job opportunities after obtaining an MBA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam include roles in:
Business services
IT start-ups
Corporate banks
Online retail firms
International NGOs.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Rankings & Grading
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Â What is the rank of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the world?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the top public universities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is ranked #207 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university is also ranked #82 in the Best Global Universities ranking. Additionally, in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, VU Amsterdam was ranked 121st. The university also holds a position of 66th in the world, 20th in Europe, and 3rd in the Netherlands according to the CWTS Leiden Ranking.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)College comparison
Compare Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) | INR 11.35 L - 21.15 L | B+ | #83 QS, 2025 |
UU  Compare | INR 15.46 L - 21 L | A+ | #40 QS, 2025 |
Leiden University Compare | INR 15.73 L - 18.73 L | A | #52 QS, 2025 |
University of Groningen Compare | INR 7.95 L - 28.28 L | B++ | #53 QS, 2025 |
Radboud University Compare | INR 9.59 L - 19.88 L | B+ | #120 QS, 2025 |
UM Compare | INR 13.96 L - 16.88 L | B | #89 QS, 2025 |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Studying in Netherlands
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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
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Groningen University and Vrije University Amsterdam are renowned institutions offering unique and various campus cultures and a good universities to study AI course at . However, if we compare both, the graph is little higher for University of Amsterdam. As it’s more famous than Groningen Universit
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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Location
| University City | Amsterdam, Other - Netherlands, Netherlands |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 8,51,573 |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Campuses
De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visit official siteVrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)Contact Information
De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam ( Other - Netherlands)
Which university should I choose for a Master's degree in AI: the University of Groningen or Vrije Universiteit?