While we consistently place among the world’s top universities, we recognise that rankings, though useful as a quick measure for students, parents, academics, industry partners and funding bodies, have significant limitations in both methods and scope. These metrics don’t fully capture our mission, core values or commitment to open science.
This is why we’re proud to support More Than Our Rank—a global initiative that promotes a broader and more diverse understanding of institutional success. We advocate for evaluation practices that align with our open science principles and our Recognition and Rewards programme, seeking to enrich academic culture and career development.
We believe the following elements of VU Amsterdam also define our value beyond rankings:
Committed to people and planet
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we prioritise value-driven education, research and knowledge transfer to equip students and professionals with expertise and A Broader Mind. Our interdisciplinary research, guided by principles of diversity, purpose and compassion, connects students and staff as engaged citizens fully invested in society. Together, we work toward a sustainable, livable and just world, making sustainability a core priority in our academics, research, and operations.
A multidisciplinary campus university
VU Amsterdam is a comprehensive university with faculties spanning the humanities, STEM, social sciences and medical sciences, offering distinctly multidisciplinary education and research. With all faculties located on a single campus in the heart of the Zuidas Knowledge District, we benefit from excellent national and international connections and accessibility, fostering close collaboration across disciplines.
Partnerships and networks
We are a proud member (and one of the founders) of the Aurora network. We also have a partnership with University of Twente in education, research and valorisation. In the region, we work closely with the City of Amsterdam, healthcare organisations, businesses, universities of applied sciences and the University of Amsterdam. Within Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) we work with 13 Dutch universities to strengthen the higher education sector.
Satisfied graduates
VU Amsterdam graduates find their first job within an average of 2.7 months, with more than half reporting a strong match between their job and the content of their studies. Alumni rate their Master’s programme highly (4.0 out of 5), citing a solid foundation in subject knowledge, general skills and societal understanding. While opinions vary on job market preparation and career guidance, 76% would choose the same programme again, praising the university's atmosphere, quality of staff and alignment with personal interests (National Alumni Survey 2023).
Top-level athletes and exceptional talent
We take great pride in supporting students with exceptional athletic talent as they pursue their highest ambitions. Through our top-performance sports programme, we offer financial assistance and flexible academic scheduling to accommodate the demanding lives of student-athletes. In the 2024 Olympics, VU athletes brought home a record-breaking 18 medals—11 won by current students and 7 by alumni—including an impressive 16 gold medals. From rowing and athletics to hockey, our athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and strength, dominating in multiple sports. The success continued at the 2024 Paralympics Games, where our athletes earned a gold medal in women’s wheelchair basketball and a silver in mixed para swimming, further affirming their world-class talent and determination.
Supporting student wellbeing
Student life brings unique challenges, from academic pressures to personal growth. At VU Amsterdam, we pay special attention to student wellbeing by offering a range of resources to help students maintain balance and thrive. In addition to access to support services such as the Student Wellbeing Point and student psychological counsellors, we provide Wellbeing Week workshops, study skills training and other activities—all designed to support mental health, encourage personal growth and foster connections with peers.
