Get acquainted with a new world
Then the Ancient Studies programme is just the thing for you. Check here whether you meet the admission requirements and find out how to apply.
Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
Application fee payment options and possible exemptions
Applicants holding a non-Dutch pre-university diploma apply via the International Office. We check if your previous education meets a number of requirements*. If you do not yet meet the requirements but expect to do so in the future (such as obtaining your diploma), you can already apply. We will evaluate your application and inform you of our admission decision.
Requirements that apply:
1. A diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO-diploma
See the Diploma Requirement List for examples of accepted diplomas per country.
Please note: this list is meant to give you an indication of admissibility; no rights can be derived from it.
2. Proof of sufficient proficiency in English
You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Language Requirements webpage. Although complete applications are preferred, you can begin your application before you have completed the test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.
Application deadline
The final application deadline for non-EU/EEA students is 1 April and for Dutch and EU students the final deadline is 1 May. Do you have a non-Dutch nationality? Then you may be eligible for housing via the International Office Accommodation Services. An early application is then strongly recommended.
Ready to apply?
Have you read the information above and are you ready to apply? Great! Click here for the application procedure.
Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
By selecting Ancient Studies in Studielink you can start you application – in your VU dashboard, the next application step, you can confirm your choice for the English-taught track. If you have your Studielink set to Dutch you can find the programme under Oudheidwetenschappen.
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*Not directly eligible for admission?
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may in some cases be asked to sit (an) entry exam(s) to prove they are eligible for admission. The required tests may include one or more of the following subjects at 6 VWO level:
You can obtain your certificates to resolve these deficiencies at various institutions.
To ensure that your application is processed in time in order to study and register for the exams we ask applicants to apply for their bachelor's programme of choice before:
Note that in addition to these tests, all applicants will need to submit proof of sufficient proficiency in English. You can find all accepted tests and scores on our Language Requirements webpage.
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Ancient Studies at VU Amsterdam.
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:
*Doest not apply to a completed Dutch programme HBO bachelor
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
Do you not meet any of the above program requirements and are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the program based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained:
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. The application deadline for 21+ Entrance exam is 15 December 2024. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Ancient Studies at VU Amsterdam.
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:
*Does not apply to a completed Dutch programme HBO propaedeutic year ór Dutch at HAVO 5
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificate must be obtained additionally:
*Does not apply to a completed Dutch programme HBO bachelor ór Dutch at HAVO 5
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
Do you not meet any of the above program requirements and are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the program based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained:
*The Dutch language requirement will no longer apply if the third admission requirement of ‘a subject at the 6 VWO level of your choice’, is obtained with certificate Dutch at 5 HAVO level or 6 VWO level
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. The application deadline for 21+ Entrance exam is 15 December 2024. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
A non-Dutch previous education does not always give direct admission. Therefore, it is important that you register for the study in Studielink as soon as possible. You will then receive an email with information about your personal VU Dashboard. Here you can upload all the necessary documents for assessing your admission. Upon receipt, you will be informed by email whether you are admissible to the programme.
The following additional admission requirements may apply:
De definitieve toelatingseisen die op jou van toepassing zijn worden bij de beoordeling van jouw aanmelding gecommuniceerd door de toelatingscommissie.
The final admission requirements applicable to you will be communicated by the admissions committee once your application is assessed.
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! Click here for the application procedure. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.
Check your study choice
It is compulsory to participate in the VU Study Choice Check activity of this programme!
VU Study Choice Check helps you to find out whether this study programme really suits you and matches the image and expectations you have. The VU Study Choice Check is part of the application procedure.
The 2025-2026 Study Check for this program consists of two parts:
For general information about Study Choice Check, please check the website VU Studiekeuzecheck (in Dutch) or VU Study Choice Check (in English). Do you have a specific question about the study choice check activity of this study programme? Please contact studiekeuzecheck.fgw@vu.nl.
The BSA is an advice given to all Bachelor’s students on four occasions during their first year of studies concerning their study progress. The fourth recommendation, issued at the end of the first year, is binding in nature. To continue to the second year you must have obtained a certain number of credits.
To receive a positive BSA for this study programme you must have obtained a minimum of 48 EC (credits) at the end of the first year of enrolment. Every student has access to an overview of the obtained study results and assessments are available for inspection after registration of the test result.
General questions
International diploma applicants
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