Computer Science

Check whether you meet the programme requirements and apply

• I have a Dutch university level (WO) Bachelor’s degree (VU Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor’s degree at another university)

  The Computer Science Master's programme is open to students with an academic degree in Computer Science or a closely related field. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application. 

  In order to gain admission to the Computer Science Master’s programme, you will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.

  Specific requirements for the Master’s programme Computer Science

  For admission to the Master's programme Computer Science, a Bachelor's degree is required from a Dutch research university (WO), from one of the following programs: Computer Science, Technical Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Computing Science, or Informatica.

  Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a different program (WO level) may be eligible as well. In any case, we expect at least 120 ECTS in Computer Science subjects, with at least 90 ECTS obtained in the following key subjects:

  • Mathematics (Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics)
  • Foundations of Computer Science (Algorithms, Logic, Automata, Graph Theory)
  • Software Development (Programming, Software Testing, Concepts of Programming Languages, Software Engineering Methods, Software Development Projects)
  • Computer Systems (Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Computer Organisation, Compilers)
  • Data and Information Systems (Databases, Web Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence)

  Language requirements

  Students with a Dutch bachelor's degree do not need to pass an English Language proficiency test.

• I have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) Bachelor’s degree (pre-master's)

  A Bachelor's degree obtained at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) does not grant direct access to the programme. Holders of a University of Applied Sciences Bachelor's degree (HBO), in a field closely related to Computer Science, are advised first to contact the pre-master’s coordinator before applying. An individual programme will be designed for the student in consultation with the coordinator. For further information regarding procedures on composing the pre-master's programme for Dutch University of Applied Sciences graduates see also this page.

  The pre-master's programme

  The pre-master's programme Computer Science enables you to gain admission to the Master's programme Computer Science (if the deficiency can be addressed in a programme of at most 30 ECTS). You'll follow a customized individual programme that is mainly composed of Computer Science Bachelor's courses. 

  You have to complete the pre-master's programme (30 ECTS) within 1 year. After you have finished the programme you can be admitted to the Master's programme Computer Science. For further content questions contact the pre-master's coordinator of Computer Science, dr. N. Silvis-Cividjan: n.silvis-cividjian@vu.nl. 

  Specific admission requirements for the pre-master's Computer Science

  For HBO bachelor degree holders, the average grade for the bachelor must be at least a 7.5 or equivalent.

  Language requirements

  Students with a Dutch bachelor's degree need to pass an English Language proficiency test. 

• Application with a Dutch degree

  Enthusiastic about this programme? And do you meet the admission requirements? Find out how to apply.

  If you want to apply for a Master's programme at VU Amsterdam, the application procedure depends on your previous degree and whether you obtained your degree in the Netherlands or abroad. You find all information about the application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page. 

  Use this form to apply for the Master’s: Application form Master's Computer Science.
  Use this form to apply for the pre-Master’s: Application form pre-Master's Computer Science.

  The application deadlines are:

  To start in September

  • 1 June for Dutch and EU/EEA students.

  Your application will be rejected in case you didn’t upload the required documents in ‘your dashboard’ within 6 weeks after your enrolment in Studielink, OR in case you’ve uploaded (one or more) of the required documents after June 1^st. Applications and documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

  Required documents 

  This Master’s programme requires students with a Dutch bachelor's degree to upload the following documents on VU.nl (preferably in English). 

  • Bachelor's transcript (including your GPA).

  This document needs to be uploaded before the application deadline mentioned above. If not submitted on time, the application cannot be assessed by the Admission Board. Documents submitted after the application deadline will not be accepted.

• I have an international degree

  Admission requirements

  Students must meet the following admission requirements:

  1.  Academic requirements

  Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). Please find more information about your admissibility with a non-Dutch degree here. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.

  2. Programme specific requirements
  

  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree and
  • A minimum of 120 ECTS in Computer Science subjects, with a minimum of 90 ECTS in the following key subjects:
    • Mathematics, for example: Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics
    • Foundations of Computer Science, for example: Algorithms, Logic, Automata, Graph Theory
    • Software Development, for example: Programming, Software Testing, Concepts of Programming Languages, Software Engineering Methods, Software Development Projects
    • Computer Systems, for example: Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Computer Organization, Compilers
    • Data and Information Systems, for example: Databases, Web Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence

  How to demonstrate that you meet the above requirements

  You are required to indicate how you meet the programme specific admission requirements in your Application Form. The Admission Board will evaluate your Application Form and decide if your academic background is sufficient to gain admission to the programme.

  3. English-language proficiency requirements

  You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page. 

• Application with an international degree

  Application documents

  To apply you are required to provide the following documents:

  • Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
  • Master Application File please download the correct file from this page. In this file you can see which documents are required to apply for your programme.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results. Please find the English language requirements here.

  After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure. 

  Application fee & deadlines

  All students seeking admission to an international Master’s programme with an international degree are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the evaluation of your application file. If you are applying for more than one programme, you will only need to pay the application fee once. Your application fee payment is valid for two years.
  
  Information on how to apply with an international university degree and deadlines can be found here. 

  Grants and scholarships

  As an international student planning to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries. Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found on www.vu.nl/scholarships or www.grantfinder.nl.

  International Student and Alumni Ambassadors 

  Our International Student and Alumni Ambassadors are happy to tell you all about their experiences with studying at VU Amsterdam and living in Amsterdam.

  • Our Student Ambassadors are current students at VU Amsterdam that represent a wide variety of programmes and countries.
  • Our International Alumni Ambassadors are VU Amsterdam graduates who are currently either working in the Netherlands or abroad, or doing a PhD or (second) Master's.

  You will find the full overview of our Ambassadors here: vu.nl/ambassadors. There you can chat with them directly.

• Additional costs

  Master students Computer Science will have to spend approximately 200 euro per year for buying books. Students are expected to possess a laptop computer, running either Windows 10 or mac OSX, for participating in educational activities (which comes down to approx. 300 euro per academic year).