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 Media, Art, Design and Architecture 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 Media, Kunst, Design en Architectuur.
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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.
