Make computers work for us
Then the Computer Science programme is just the thing for you.
For students who want to start the bachelor's programme in Computer Science, a selection procedure (Numerus Fixus) applies. There are 400 places available at VU Amsterdam. This may mean that not everyone who wishes to study Computer Science at VU Amsterdam can be admitted. Apart from Computer Science, you can apply for one other Numerus Fixus study programme in the Netherlands. In case you have been admitted to two programmes, you can only accept one place.
What does the selection procedure look like?
You can apply for the programme between 1 October 2024 and 15 January 2025 (23.59 CET). We use two criteria to select students: the grades achieved in previous education (weighting 30%), and a selection test (weighting 70%).
1. Grades achieved in previous education
The first criterion is the grades you obtained in your previous (pre-university) education. Important: all grade lists must be validated by your educational institution before you upload them.
Dutch previous education
• Currently in 6 vwo: hand in a grade list of your grades for 5 vwo, according to the provided template. Make sure your grade list is validated by your educational institution. Mail this document to selection.cs.beta@vu.nl.
If you apply for the Computer Science programme with one of the following Dutch educational levels, please fill out this form to upload your grades and/or diploma.
• 6 vwo completed
• 5 vwo completed and other required subjects through different routes such as roc, vavo, etc.: hand in proof of the grades for 5 vwo.
• Havo completed and currently working on hbo propedeuse: hand in validated copy of havo diploma with final grade list. Please note: the following additional requirements apply: both mathematics B and English at 6 vwo level.
• Havo completed and hbo propedeuse completed: hand in validated copy of havo diploma with final grade list and hbo propedeuse grade list. Please note: the following additional requirements apply: both mathematics B and English at 6 vwo level.
• Mbo completed and currently working on hbo propedeuse: hand in validated copy of mbo diploma with final grade list. Please note: the following additional requirements apply: both mathematics B and English at 6 vwo level.
• Mbo completed and hbo propedeuse completed: hand in hbo propedeuse grade list. Please note: the following additional requirements apply: both mathematics B and English at 6 vwo level.
Non-Dutch previous education
• If you apply for the Computer Science programme with a non-Dutch previous education, you must upload the necessary documents during the application process via the VU Application Form - Bachelor.
2. Selection test
The selection test is a multiple choice test that consists of both knowledge and insight questions . The questions will be about pre-supplied study material and an online lecture. The study materials are representative for the first year of the bachelor's programme in Computer Science at VU Amsterdam. The selection test will take place online: you can make it from home. On special request, students can also make the test on our VU location.
Date selection test
The selection test will take place on 4 March 2025. You will receive an email with the invitation to the test approximately two weeks prior to the test.
Studying with a disability
In case you study with a disability and need an exam facility (for example extra time) please request this when you register for your study programme. An exam facility needs to be requested at least 4 weeks before the selection test so it can be assessed in time. Send a (medical) statement together with your request. You will receive an email when the facility has been approved. In case you have any questions about requesting a facility please contact selection.cs.beta@vu.nl. Make sure to include any proof (i.e. medical statement) in this email as well.
Literature and practice assignments
About two weeks in advance of the selection test you will receive access to the necessary study material by email. You will need about 6 hours to study the material.
The outcome
The result of the selection is determined as follows. The average grade of your previous education counts for 30 percent. The scores based on the results on your selection test count for 70 percent. These two scores together determine your position in the ranking. On April 15, 2025 you will receive the results of the selection (your ranking number and any proof of placement). Within a week you will also receive an explanation about your given ranking number.
Accept place
The programme has a total of 400 places available per year. If you are offered a place, you have two weeks to accept it. If you do not accept, you will not be admitted in the 2025-2026 academic year and your place will be offered to the next person in the ranking. If you are not offered a place on April 15 2025, there is a chance that you will still be offered a place in the following months.
Important dates
Do you have any questions about the selection procedure? Please contact us via onderwijsbureau.beta@vu.nl.
Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
Application fee payment options and possible exemptions
Application deadline
The Bachelor's programme in Computer Science is a numerus fixus study programme. You can apply in Studielink until 15 January. 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.
Computer Science is a selective programme (Numerus Fixus)
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
The International Office will determine whether your diploma is equivalent to the Dutch 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 English test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.
3. Proof of sufficient proficiency in Mathematics
The International Office will determine whether your mathematics level is sufficient. These are some examples of diploma subjects that demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the subject Mathematics:
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When advised to sit an entry exam, the following certificates are deemed equivalent to Dutch VWO Mathematics B:
Mathematics Exams (available in English and accepted by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam):
A positive result for the mathematics examination (5,5/10 in the mathematics B exam or 60% in the OMPT-D online exam) is compulsory for admission to the programme.
For OMPT the additional information applies: if your OMPT test result was obtained more than 1 year ago, you may be asked to re-take the test to prove your mathematics proficiency. When this applies to you, it will be communicated in your admission decision if retaking the test is needed. A maximum number of 2 attempts per admission round are allowed.
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
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:
*Does not apply to a completed English-taught HBO bachelor
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time, the deadline for submitting the obtained certificates is 15 July 2025. You can obtain certificates accepted by VU from these different institutions.
Application deadline
The Bachelor's programme in Computer Science is a numerus fixus study programme. You can apply in Studielink until 15 January 2025.
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.
21+ applicants with a valid Dutch home address and residence permit
Do you not meet any of the above programme requirements, but are 21 years of age or older? Then there is the possibility of admission to the programme based on the entrance examination.
The following certificates must be obtained at 6 VWO level:
Obtaining recognized certificates at 6 VWO level
Arrange your exams in time, the deadline for submitting the obtained certificates is 15 July 2025. 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.
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 42 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.
Are you curious if you meet the admission requirements for the programme? Then you can fill out the online Student Self Check tool to find out more about your chances to be admitted to the Bachelor’s programme Computer Science.
In the tool you will be asked some questions about your previous education and background. Based on your answers you will receive a personal preliminary advice on your eligibility for admission and the next steps you can take to continue your application.
Please note: no rights can be derived from the Self Check tool results. For a definite admission decision you will have to complete the official application procedure for this programme.
Bachelor students Computer Science will have to spend approximately 200 euros per year for buying books. Additionally, students are expected to possess a laptop computer, running either Windows 10 or mac OSX, for participating in educational activities.
If I want to apply to the programme, do I also need to participate in the selection procedure?
Yes, all candidates who apply for the Bachelor Computer Science will have to participate in the selection procedure. Please know that the final registration deadline in Studielink is 15 January 2025, 23:59 CET. Without a complete registration in Studielink, you will not be able to participate in the selection procedure.
I am participating in the selection procedure with a non-Dutch (foreign) diploma. How do I upload the required documents?
If you are applying to the programme with a non-Dutch diploma, then you must complete the Bachelor Application Form and upload this form in the application section of your VU Dashboard under ‘Application File’.
Do candidates need to provide a motivation letter in order to participate in the selection procedure?
No, students who are applying to this programme do not need to write a motivation letter.
I did not manage to meet the deadlines for application. Can I still take part in the selection procedure?
No. As the Bachelor Computer Science is a Numerus Fixus programme, the deadlines we set out for candidates are very strict.
Can I take part in the selection test if I did not hand in my GPA?
No. Candidates are required to take part in all aspects of the selection procedure. Candidates who do not hand in their GPA, will receive no invitation to the test and no ranking number.
Can I take part in the selection test online?
Yes. We offer the selection test online, so candidates can make it from home. We use online proctoring to prevent fraud.
Can I take part in the selection test at a VU location?
Yes. Candidates who do not have a suitable environment to make the test from home, can take part in the test at our VU campus location. Also candidates with a disability or those who need an exam facility can request to take the test at the VU. Please send an email to: selection.cs.beta@vu.nl.
How ‘final’ is accepting the offer to Computer Science?
If you have been offered a spot in our Computer Science bachelor programme, then you have two weeks to either accept or reject the offer. If you accept the offer, you will be guaranteed a spot as long as you also fulfill all the regular admissions requirements. If you do not accept our offer within two weeks, your application to Computer Science will automatically be rejected.
Does the selection and placement procedure also determine whether I am admissible?
No, the selection procedure does not determine whether you are admissible. You will still have to prove that you meet all the requirements necessary to partake in our bachelor programme. Some students will not yet be directly admissible when applying, for example when they have not finished high school yet. Nevertheless, you can still partake in the procedure. Please be aware that you will have to adhere to the requirements before the start of the bachelor programme in September.
I received my final ranking number. How is it calculated?
Your final ranking number is calculated on your prior-education GPA (weighting 30%) and your score on the selection test (weighting 70%).
Due to privacy reasons we can not share the actual scores of the selection test, as this will disclose information about the scores of others as well. Overall, what is most important is your final ranking number.
How many times can I apply to a Numerus Fixus programme?
You may participate in our Computer Science selection procedure a total of two times.
Used selection attempts
General questions
International diploma applicants
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