Discover the role of religion in people’s lives
Then the Theology and Religious Studies programme at VU Amsterdam is just the thing for you.
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.
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?
Great! Click here for the application procedure.
By selecting Theology and Religious Studies in Studielink you can start you application – in your VU dashboard, the next application step, you can confirm your choice for your specialisation.
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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 include the following subjects at 6 VWO level:
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.
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Theology and Religious Studies at VU Amsterdam.
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
No additional requirements apply.
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
No additional requirements apply.
21+ applicants 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. Please visit the "entrance examination" page for more information on the application deadline and fees.
The following certificates must be obtained at 6 VWO level:
Deficiencies at 6 VWO level
You can obtain your certificates at various institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! You can apply via Studielink, please keep in mind the application deadlines. Complete immediately your application until 100% in your personal dashboard on VU.nl.
Note that for diplomas obtained outside of the Netherlands an application fee of €100 applies.
Application fee payment options and possible exemptions
A foreign diploma gives admission to this Bachelor's programme if this diploma is equivalent to the Dutch vwo diploma. The admissions committee will assess the admission request only after receiving your application in Studielink and completing your student portal on VU.nl. The admissions committee will notify you of the admission decision by e-mail.
Additional admission requirements may apply:
1. A diploma equivalent to the Dutch vwo diploma.
See the Diploma Requirement List for examples of accepted diplomas per country. Please note: this list is intended as an indication of admissibility; no rights can be derived from it.
2. Proof of sufficient command of the English language
You can find all accepted tests and scores on our webpage Meeting language requirements.
3. Proof of sufficient command of the Dutch language
You can find all accepted tests and scores on our webpage Meeting language requirements.
4. Passed certificate Mathematics A or B or C
You can obtain your vwo certificates at various institutions.
5. Passed certificate in history
You can obtain your vwo certificates from various institutions.
The final admission requirements that apply to you will be communicated by the admissions committee when assessing your application.
Ready to apply?
Great! You can apply via Studielink, please keep in mind the application deadlines. Complete immediately your application until 100% in your personal dashboard on VU.nl.
VWO diploma
Applicants who obtained a VWO diploma (all profiles) from a Dutch secondary educational institution are eligible for admission to the Bachelor programme Theology and Religious Studies at VU Amsterdam.
Higher professional education (HBO) propaedeutic year
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:
*not applicable if you completed a HBO propaedeutic year in Dutch or Dutch at 5 havo-level
Higher professional education (HBO) completed programme
The following certificates must be obtained additionally:
*not applicable if you completed a HBO full programme in Dutch or Dutch at 5 havo-level
21+ applicants 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. Please visit the "entrance examination" page for more information on the application deadline and fees.
The following certificates must be obtained at 6 VWO level:
Deficiencies at 6 VWO level
You can obtain your certificates at various institutions.
Ready to apply?
Great! You can apply via Studielink, please keep in mind the application deadlines. Complete immediately your application until 100% in your personal dashboard on VU.nl.
As a prospective student at VU Amsterdam you will take part in the VU Study Choice Check. VU Study Choice Check is part of the application procedure for bachelor degree programmes. The VU Study Choice Check for this study programme consists of a digital questionnaire.
For general information about the VU Study Choice Check please check out the website VU Studiekeuzecheck (in Dutch) or VU Study Choice Check (in English), or send an email to studychoicecheck.frt@vu.nl.
General questions
International diploma applicants
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