Information Sciences

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's or Bachelor’s degree at another university)

  The Master’s programme Information Sciences is open to students with an academic Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences or in a related field like Computer Science, Informatics, Business Analytics or Artificial Intelligence. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, you may conditionally enrol for the Master’s programme Information Sciences. In general, we expect the following subjects to be part of your Bachelor's programme:

  • Information Sciences courses: Business Modelling and Requirements Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Sciences project.
  • Computer Sciences courses: base-level courses in Programming, Software Engineering, and Databases.
  • Courses from other disciplines (business/economics, social sciences, culture & communication studies).

  Specific requirements for the Information Sciences Master’s programme
  The Master’s programme Information Sciences is open to students with an academic Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences or in related fields like Computer Science, Informatics, Business Analytics or Artificial Intelligence. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, you may conditionally enrol for the Master’s programme in Information Sciences. In general, we expect the following subjects to be part of your Bachelor's programme:

  • Information Sciences courses: Business Modelling and Requirements Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Sciences project.
  • Computer Sciences courses: base-level courses in Programming, Software Engineering, and Databases.
  • Courses from other disciplines (business/economics, social sciences, culture & communication studies).

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

  Holders of diplomas from selected Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) programmes may be granted admission after following a pre-Master’s programme. The pre-Master’s programme Information Sciences is worth 30 ECTS credits. Applicable HBO programmes include: 

  • Business Computer Science  
  • Communication systems  
  • Computer technology  
  • Engineering, design and innovation  
  • HEAO business computer science  
  • Industrial automation 
  • Computer Science  
  • Computer and information science  
  • Network Infrastructure Design (NID)  
  • HTS Technical computer science  
  • Information engineering 

  If you have a diploma that is not listed above but is closely related to those mentioned, please contact the Master's programme director Patricia Lago, p.lago@vu.nl.

  pre-Master's programme Information Sciences  
  For further information regarding procedures on composing the pre-Masters' programme for Dutch University of Applied Sciences graduates see also this page (Dutch). We do not require a pre-Master's assessment. You have to complete the Pre-Master's programme (30 ECTS) within 1 year. After you have finished the pre-Master's programme you can be admitted to the Master's programme Information Sciences. 

• 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(s) and whether you obtained your diploma 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:

  • 1 February for international students applying for one of the VU scholarships
  • 1 April for non-EU/EEA students*
  • 1 June for non-Dutch EU/EEA students
  • 1 June for holders of a Dutch bachelor’s degree (with a Dutch or EU/EEA nationality)

  *non-EU/EEA students who do not need a study visa and/or a residence permit can still apply until 1 June.

• I have an international degree

  The Information Sciences 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  Information Sciences 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. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score.

  Specific requirements for the Information Sciences Master’s programme
  The Master’s programme Information Sciences is open to students with an academic Bachelor's degree in Information Sciences or in related fields like Computer Science, Informatics, Business Analytics or Artificial Intelligence. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, you may conditionally enrol for the Master’s programme in Information Sciences. In general, we expect the following subjects to be part of your Bachelor's programme:

  • Information Sciences courses: Business Modelling and Requirements Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Sciences project.
  • Computer Sciences courses: base-level courses in Programming, Software Engineering, and Databases.
  • Courses from other disciplines (business/economics, social sciences, culture & communication studies).

  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 which test types and scores are accepted, the deadlines for submitting test results and all other relevant information on our application page under the Language Proficiency Requirements tab.

• Application with an international degree

  Required format and required documents
  Please note: you will need to upload all required documents in one PDF file, using this Application Form Template.
  Please check here which documents you need to submit for this specific Master's programme.

  After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure. Here you can find all relevant application information, including deadlines, a step-by-step explanation of the procedure and the English language requirements

  For more information, international students may also contact the International Student Advisors: masters.fs@vu.nl.

  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 Information Sciences will have to spend approximately 200 euro per year for buying books. Students are expected to possess a laptop computer for participating in educational activities (which comes down to approx. 300 euro per academic year).