Sometimes you just want a quick answer to your question. Below a list of frequently asked questions.
On our website you will find most of the information you are looking for. If you were unable to find everything, or just need a quick answer to your question, please check our overview of frequently asked questions.
How can I report a change in my address information?
You can easily report a change using this form.
How does VU obtain my address information?
After your graduation, your address information will be kept in VU administration.
Based on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) you have - under certain conditions - the right to inspect personal data that is processed about you, the right to correct your personal data if they contain factual inaccuracies, the right to erase your personal data, the right to restrict the processing of your personal data, the right to transfer your personal data and the right to object to the processing of your personal data. If you wish to exercise these privacy rights, you may make this known to the VU Data Protection Officer at:
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Data Protection Officer
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV AMSTERDAM
e-mail: functionarisgegevensbescherming@vu.nl
In order to process your request, you will be asked for identification. This ensures that the request is made by the right person. You also have the right to file a complaint with Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens about the way VU processes your personal data.
More information about your rights can be found (in Dutch) at: Rechten van betrokkenen - Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
How does VU Amsterdam protect my address information?
VU Amsterdam values your privacy and takes responsibility for the security of your data very seriously. Read our Privacy Statement here.
How do I stay up to date with news and developments at VU?
Our bi-monthly alumni newsletter keeps you up-to-date! In this newsletter you will also find interviews with prominent and 'ordinary' alumni, background articles and human interest stories. We also share news that may be of interest to you on our LinkedIn page.
Don't receive the newsletter yet? Sign up here.
How can I get invited to events at VU?
When your email address is in our records, you will automatically be invited to events that may be of interest to you. Our alumni newsletter and our LinkedIn page will also keep you informed about events.
As an alumnus, can I still participate in sports and culture at VU Campus?
Sure you can! Also after graduation you are very welcome. You will keep a special place within our VU community throughout your life, allowing you to take advantage of all kinds of benefits.
At Rialto VU you have the opportunity to enjoy special programmes that are often created in cooperation with VU Amsterdam. Such as Fiction & Science, in which the favorite film of a lecturer or researcher is presented. A large part of Rialto VU audience consists of students and staff, and as an alumnus you also often get a €2.50 discount on the ticket price of a Fiction & Science screening.
Or visit VU Griffioen theatre and enjoy a sparkling stage with cabaret, drama, music and dance. Feel like letting your own creativity flow? Then choose from a diverse range of courses in dance, music, drama, writing, photography, painting and much more. VU Griffioen frequently offers great discount offers for alumni.
Were you a regular at VU Sports Center as a student? Good to know that you are also very welcome here as an alumnus. The first year after your graduation you even benefit from the special student rate, upon presentation of (a copy of) your diploma.
Are drink and food places on campus also open to alumni?
Yes, you are very welcome to visit these facilities on campus grounds during opening hours. In this variety of restaurants, coffee-corners and bars, you will find a lovely place for every occasion.
As an alumnus, do I have access to the University Library (UB)?
After graduation, you are welcome to keep using the University Library (UB) facilities. Whether you need help in your search for specific information, finding answers in an academic database, viewing a publication, or borrowing books: it's all possible with a UB membership.
Alumni benefit from a special rate: instead of 20 euros, you pay only 10 euros per year. When registering, in addition to your ID, bring a copy of your diploma to show that you graduated from VU. Membership gives access to the physical collections of UB. A free guest account is available to access digital collections from campus.
Of course you are also very welcome to come take a look at the free exhibitions that are frequently organized in UB Heritage Showcase and VU ART SCIENCE gallery.
Are there any other library services besides the University Library for me to use?
Also at Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) you may access academic articles online. Here you will find various digital resources. For 15 euros you get a one-year membership.
How can I financially support VU initiatives?
By contributing financially to VUfonds, you give something back to your alma mater in a beautiful way. Your gift helps to enable important research, support initiatives in the field of education and ensure conservation of the heritage of VU Amsterdam.
Read more about VUfonds and current projects
Are there opportunities to share my knowledge and experience with students?
Workshops, lectures, symposia and other events are frequently organized at VU in close cooperation with alumni. And in interviews on our website, alumni talk more about their careers and lives. As an alumnus, you can become a mentor, give a guest lecture or otherwise share your knowledge with current students. Check out the possibilities at ‘your’ faculty.
How can I become a member of VUvereniging?
VUvereniging is a societal network for anyone who feels connected with VU Amsterdam or Amsterdam UMC. We organize events on a variety of topics at the crossroads of education, science, healthcare, philosophy and society. VUvereniging also subsidizes initiatives that contribute to its goal of being a bridge between the university, hospital and society. Just 10 euros a year makes you a member.
Get more involved with VU Amsterdam and become a member of VUvereniging.
VUvereniging - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (in Dutch)
How can I find my old classmates?
Most faculties have specific associations and online communities (LinkedIn-groups). Great places for you to connect directly with alumni from your own study background or also working in the same area as you. On this page you will find an overview of the associations and communities known to us.
Also on LinkedIn you will find more than 80 groups for VU alumni, organized by field of study, theme, graduation year and living region. Go to LinkedIn.com, type your keyword plus the search terms 'alumni' and 'Vrije Universiteit' (or 'VU') in the top left search field, then select 'groups' category in the search results screen.
What networks are available to connect with fellow professionals?
Most faculties have specific associations and online communities (LinkedIn-groups). Great places for you to connect directly with alumni from your own study background or also working in the same area as you. On this page you will find an overview of the associations and communities known to us.
Also on LinkedIn you will find more than 80 groups for VU alumni, organized by field of study, theme, graduation year and living region. Go to LinkedIn.com, type your keyword plus the search terms 'alumni' and 'Vrije Universiteit' (or 'VU') in the top left search field, then select 'groups' category in the search results screen.
How many alumni does VU have?
Together with more than 150,000 other former students, you are part of a diverse and global alumni network.
What training, education and courses may I choose from to keep developing as a professional?
At VU for Professionals, you will find an extensive range, in a variety of areas: from one-time training events and multi-day courses to specialized Master’s degree programmes. Our regular alumni newsletter keeps you posted on programmes, information sessions and podcasts for professionals.
View VU for Professionals complete programme.
As a retired alumnus, where can I go for lectures and courses?
Are you captivated by art, architecture, literature, music, archaeology, history, philosophy or religion? Would you like to learn more about current issues in economics, social sciences or psychology?
Enjoy the inspiring menu of choices provided by HOVO Amsterdam and select the workshop, lecture or course that meets your personal interest. Of course you are also very welcome to join with friends or family!
View HOVO Amsterdam complete programme (in Dutch).
Does VU Amsterdam provide career support?
We are also happy to help you develop your career after university. Whether it's your first job application, a next step within your current line of work, or taking a completely new direction.
About to leave our classrooms in the near future and not sure about your next step? Or have you recently graduated and not quite yet found your niche in the job market? Then good to know that your own faculty's Career Services department can help you with career coaching, advice on your resume or motivation letter and training in job application skills.
Read more on support available at each faculty.
Where can I read more about the history of VU Amsterdam?
VU Amsterdam was founded in 1880. It was a private initiative and its most prominent founder was the theologian, journalist and politician Abraham Kuyper. It was founded as a Protestant Christian university, and over the years it has interpreted this unique identity in many ways.
Read more about the special history of this university (in Dutch)
I lost my diploma, what should I do?
If you have DigiD and you received your diploma on or after 1 January 1996, you may download a digital excerpt of your diploma from DUO diploma register. If you obtained your diploma before this date, please contact the secretariat of your former faculty.
The digital extract from DUO Diploma Register holds the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. A digital extract from this register (in Dutch) is free and can be downloaded directly.
The statement contains your name, date and place of birth, education and examination date.
No DigiD and/or diploma obtained before 1 January 1996
If you do not have DigiD, or if you obtained your degree before 1 January 1996, please contact the secretariat of the faculty where you graduated.
PhD certificate
The VU does not provide a written copy of a PhD degree certificate. However, it is possible to request a statement. Please contact Bureau Pedel at pedel@vu.nl.
Graduation statement
A graduation statement is used to show that you have graduated if you have lost or have not yet been handed your diploma. A graduation certificate is not the same as a diploma.
You can only request a graduation statement after Study and Student Administration has communicated your graduation date to DUO. You will receive an e-mail message about this at that time. You can also check this in Studielink. Once the graduation date has been submitted, you will see a diploma date under 'My previous studies'.
To request a graduation statement go here.
Requesting a grade list
As long as you are still registered as a student, you can request a grade list yourself as a PDF or Excel file or as a certified copy through the Student Desk. Please check your results first.
All details can be found on this page.
If you are no longer registered as a student, please contact the secretariat of the faculty where you graduated for more information.
I have a question not answered here, how do I get in touch with VU Amsterdam?
All information on how to get in touch with VU Amsterdam can be found here.
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