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Build tomorrow’s technology

Are you interested in a joint degree that allows you to specialise in your own area of interest?

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline? And are you ready to build the technology of tomorrow? Then the Master’s in Computer Science may be the programme for you.

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

    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 1st. 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

    The Computer Science programme is open to both Dutch and international students. 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. A Bachelor's degree obtained at an applied university or higher vocational education (HBO in Dutch) does not grant direct access to the programme.

    Specific requirements Computer Science Master's programme

    For admission to the Master's programme Computer Science, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related programme is required.

    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)

    English language requirements

    If you are applying for one of our English-taught Master's degree programmes you will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency by submitting English test results.  

    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. 

    You can find an overview of all accepted tests and scores that can be used 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).

Want to know more?

Don't hesitate to contact us!

Are you applying with a Dutch diploma? You can contact the Educational Office of the Faculty of Science for questions and practical information: toelating.beta@vu.nl

For questions about the programme, please send an e-mail to the programme coordinator (contact information under 'Curriculum'). For more general questions, please send an e-mail to Studentdesk@vu.nl 

Call us on +31 20 5985020 (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00)

International diploma applicants

Do you have any questions about the application or admission procedure? International diploma applicants are welcome to send an e-mail to masters.fs@vu.nl or book a phone appointment to get in touch with the International Student Advisor of this programme.

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.

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

Contact

  • Sara Vlasbloem
  • International Student Advisor
  • Faculty of Science
  • masters.fs@vu.nl
  • Marija Bosnić
  • International Student Advisor
  • Faculty of Science
  • masters.fs@vu.nl
  • Annika Prins
  • International Student Advisor
  • Faculty of Science
  • masters.fs@vu.nl