Computer Security

Check whether you meet the programme requirements and apply

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

  For the Master’s Computer Security, 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.
  
  A background in Computer Science and advanced knowledge of computer systems is required. As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture. Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).
  
  Note: we recognise that the “Deep Programming Minor” in the Bachelor Computer Science at the VU is an excellent preparation for the Master. As such, students who have successfully completed the “Deep Programming Minor” will be automatically granted admission.
  
  Admission standards are high, but if the profile above sounds like you, we warmly encourage you to apply. If you have any questions or if you are unsure if your profile meets the requirements, please contact the programme management via csec-info@vucompsys.net. We are happy to explore options with you.

  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 for admission to the programme.

  General language proficiency requirements 
  VU Amsterdam requires all international applicants to take an English test. If you have a Dutch Bachelor's degree you are exempt from this requirement.

• I have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) Bachelor’s degree (or an international equivalent)

  A Bachelor's degree obtained at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) is normally insufficient to be admitted into the programme. The same applies to international students who obtained an international equivalent of the Dutch HBO Bachelor's degree. However, HBO (or equivalent) degree holders may apply if they believe they fulfil the specific requirements for the Master's Computer Security, as mentioned for WO degree holders. In such cases, the application should explicitly outline how the applicant has fulfilled such requirements (in particular 'advanced knowledge of computer systems') through curricular or extracurricular WO-level activities.

  If you have any questions or if you are unsure if your profile meets the requirements, please contact the programme management via csec-info@vucompsys.net. We are happy to explore options with you.

• Application with a Dutch degree

  Please read the requirements in the section that matches your degree above before you start — most questions we receive about eligibility are answered there. The Master’s Computer Security 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. You find all information about the general application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page.

  The Computer Security 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. You find all information about the general application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page.

  Apply before 15 July via the Application form Master's Computer Security.
  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 have uploaded (one or more) of the required documents after 15 July. Applications and documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

  Required documents
  The Master’s Computer Security requires students with a Dutch bachelor's degree to upload the following documents as soon as possible and in any case 6 weeks after your enrolment and before 15 July

  • Letter of Motivation.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Bachelor's transcript, including your GPA.
  • Bachelor’s thesis or any other piece of academic writing in absence of a thesis.

  Your online dashboard gives you an overview of the submitted and missing documents. Check your dashboard regularly.

• 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 background in Computer Science and advanced knowledge of Computer Systems is required. As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture. Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences. Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).
  
  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 for admission to the programme. If you have any questions or if you are unsure if your profile meets the requirements, please contact the programme management via csec-info@vucompsys.net. We are happy to explore options with you

  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. 

  Admission standards are high, but if the profile above sounds like you, we warmly encourage you to apply. If you have any questions or if you are unsure if your profile meets the requirements, please contact the programme management via csec-info@vucompsys.net. We are happy to explore options with you.

• Application with an international degree

  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. 

  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. There you can chat with them directly.

• Additional costs

  Per academic year, you may anticipate an additional cost of approximately €200 for books. Furthermore, you will need a laptop that runs either Windows 11 or macOS, for participating in educational activities, which results in an additional cost of approximately €300 euro per academic year.

• Scholarships

  VU Amsterdam scholarships
  International students planning to apply for the Master's Computer Security can apply for a variety of university-wide grants and bursaries. Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found on www.vu.nl/scholarships or www.grantfinder.nl.

  Long-term teaching assistantships
  Non-EU/ non-EEA students admitted to the programme can apply for a Long-term Teaching Assistantship (LTA) to receive financial support during their studies.

  As a LTA you support one programming or systems-oriented course in each period of the Bachelor's Computer Science: you help students with practical assignments, and you help prepare and grade them.

  - Time commitment: around one day a week (0.2 FTE)

  - Salary: around €500 per month, set according to the standard university scales

  - Duration: six months, renewable, normally for the full length of your Master's

  - Apply: after you are admitted, send a teaching statement and your Master's application documents to the designated contact point.

  Places are limited, and your contract can start on 1 October at the earliest. To apply, check out the full details and instructions.

  Note: if you can't be hired as a LTA, you can apply to serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for each course directly to its associated course coordinator instead. 

  Questions? Contact us at csec-tas@vucompsys.net

Don't hesitate to contact us!

Dutch applicants

Applying with a Dutch diploma? Contact the Educational Office of our Faculty for application & admissions questions with this form.

For practical questions about tuition, Studielink, etc., please make sure to first take a look at the FAQ page. You can then contact the Student Desk.

Contact the Program Management for all other questions about the Master, such as content-related admission requirements, the curriculum, etc.

International diploma applicants

Applying with an international diploma? Contact the International Student Advisors for application & admission questions with this form.

For practical questions about tuition, Studielink, etc., please make sure to first take a look at the FAQ page. You can then contact the Student Desk.

Contact the Program Management for all other questions about the Master, such as content-related admission requirements, the curriculum, etc.

Contact

• Deniz Hamza
• 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

• Tim de Wit
• International Student Advisor
• Faculty of Science
• masters.fs@vu.nl