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Understand today’s world by studying the past

Are you curious by nature and keen to understand the links between disparate events? Are you interested in what triggered a particular conflict, war or rebellion? Do you want to know the secret behind the increase in globalization?

Then the programme History and International Studies is just the thing for you. 

Check whether you meet the admission requirements and apply

  • Applying with non-Dutch previous education

    Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
    Application fee payment options and possible exemptions

    Admission requirements

    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 documents

    • Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
    • VU Application Form - Bachelor; please download the correct format from this page. In the document you are asked to provide further details about your previous education level.
    • Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results.
      VU English language requirements

    Application procedure

    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 History 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 History and International Studies. If you have your Studielink set to Dutch you can find the programme under Geschiedenis.

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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:

    • History (VU History test)
    • Mathematics C (OMPT-E) 

    A positive result for the mathematics examination is 5,5/10 in the VWO mathematics C exam or 60% in the OMPT-E online exam. Mathematics A/B or VWO state exams in German, French or Dutch can also be accepted in lieu of the above mentioned mathematics exam.

    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.

  • Applying with Dutch previous education

    VWO diploma
    Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme History at VU Amsterdam.

    Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year 
    The following certificates must be obtained additionally:

    • English at 6 VWO level

    Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme 
    The following certificates must be obtained additionally: 

    • English at 6 VWO level*

    *Does not apply to a completed English 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. 

  • Admission requirements for 21+ entrance exam with a valid Dutch home address and residence permit

    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:

    • Passing certificate English at 6 VWO level 
    • Passing certificate of two of the following 6 VWO level subjects: admission examination History (VU Amsterdam), History, German, French or Mathematics

    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. 

  • VU Study Choice Check

    Check your study choice

    As a prospective student at VU, you will participate in the VU Study Choice Check. The Study Choice Check consists of two parts: 

    - a digital questionnaire (mandatory)

    - an activity (optional) 

    The activity is organized both online and at VU. The activity at VU will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The online activity is ongoing and is offered through Canvas, our digital learning platform. More information about the Study Choice Check 2025-2026 will be published soon.

    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

  • Binding Study Advice (BSA)

    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.

Want to know more?

General questions

If you have questions about the tuition fee, Studielink or your personal dashboard on VU.nl, please contact the Student Desk: studentdesk@vu.nl, stating your student number.

Call +31 (0)20 59 85020 (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00). 

Or send a WhatsApp message to +31 (0)6 82548367.

International diploma applicants

International diploma applicants are welcome to send an e-mail to bachelors.hum@vu.nl to get in touch with the International Student Advisors of this programme. 

Also, make sure to take a look at our FAQ page - you might already find your question answered there.

Contact

Rosa Vijftigschild

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