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Amsterdam, a global city

It is not surprising that Amsterdam is known as the number one student city in the Netherlands.

Welcome to Amsterdam, the number one student city in the Netherlands and a true global hub of education, culture, and innovation. Choosing to study here means joining a thriving community of 110,000 students, including thousands of international students, who have made this vibrant city their academic home.

Amsterdam isn’t just a place to study—it’s a place to thrive. Known for its open-mindedness and inclusivity, the city offers an unparalleled student experience. With world-class institutions like Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam is where cutting-edge research meets a dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Why Study in Amsterdam?

  • Cultural Richness: Explore Amsterdam’s 70 museums, including the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. Catch performances at one of the city’s 45 theatres, or enjoy screenings at 22 cinemas.
  • Social Life : Relax in one of 1,000 cozy cafés, or savor cuisines from around the world at over 1,100 restaurants.
  • Vibrant Student Community : Amsterdam’s diversity ensures every student feels welcome, fostering friendships that span the globe.
  • Sustainable and Connected : Cycle along scenic canals, explore green parks, and benefit from excellent public transport that connects you to the rest of Europe.

A City of Opportunities

Amsterdam is not only steeped in history but is also at the forefront of innovation. As a global center for business and technology, the city offers unique career opportunities for students and graduates alike. From internships with international companies to networking events in fields like tech, finance, and creative industries, studying in Amsterdam is your first step toward a bright future.

Discover why so many international students choose Amsterdam to study, live, and grow. It’s not just the best student city in the Netherlands—it’s the place to shape your future.

Only a few minutes’ walk from the VU campus is the Zuidas business district, where many international companies and law firms have an office. Because of VU Amsterdam’s unique location, you as a student can enjoy close contacts between the university and the business community, which leads to many opportunities for internships and jobs. So, you can immediately put your newly gained knowledge and skills into practice just around the corner.

Besides a wide range of businesses, you will also find a large selection of restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural establishments in the Zuidas district. The Zuidas is developing into a bustling new activity hub in Amsterdam. From the Zuidas, you can reach the historic city centre in a few minutes using the North-South metro line.

Student housing in Amsterdam

If you plan to study at VU Amsterdam it is essential to think of a place to live. Unfortunately, finding a room in Amsterdam is difficult and stressful. The housing market is extremely tight. In this video we explain what the housing market in Amsterdam looks like, and how to prepare yourself.

Watch the video

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