Parents’ guide to helping their child choose and prepare for university

How do I help my child choose the right study programme?

• Take a step back

  Young adults want to make their own choices and find their own path. If you interfere too much, your child may start to pull away and stop involving you in the process. That would be a shame, because you know your child better than anyone and can offer valuable guidance. Above all, take the time to listen and resist the urge to steer or take control.

• Encourage independence

  During a student’s decision-making process, it is important that they take responsibility for it themselves. If your child has a question you cannot answer, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If the answer isn’t there, encourage your child to contact us directly. This is the best way for them to learn. 

  Our Student Desk primarily serves prospective students and current students, not parents. Students can contact us by phone, chat, email, or in person at the desk in VU Amsterdam's building. The VU Bachelor Days are also an ideal opportunity for them to get information.

• What are they curious about?

  Statistics show that many people work in jobs unrelated to their field of study. This doesn’t mean that choosing the right study is unimportant. A study is a starting point, not an end goal. The best starting point for your child is a programme that sparks their curiosity and keeps them engaged in learning more about the field. By following their curiosity, your child is more likely to begin their studies motivated, and stay motivated throughout.

• Notice the signs

  Think back to when your child was small and curious. What interests and preferences might have been overlooked or forgotten? Do you know why that happened? These can be valuable topics to discuss with your child when exploring possible areas of interest.
  
  Sometimes their interests are so obvious that they don’t notice them themselves. In those cases, talking with your child about these signs can help. Pay attention to their reactions: do their eyes light up? Do you see enthusiasm? These are signs that your child is on the right track. If extra guidance is needed, a personality test or our Study Choice Inspirator can provide helpful insights.

• Be alert to conflicting interests

  You might think you share the same interests as your child, but their interests may differ from yours. You may hope your child chooses a study that leads to a successful career, a good salary, and an excellent job. Your child, however, is likely not thinking that far ahead: and they don’t need to. Right now, their focus is on finding a study programme they enjoy, experiencing student life, and making new friends. All these things are crucial for their development. Remember: students thrive when they feel comfortable in their own skin and enjoy their studies.

• Don't write anything off in advance

  Practical factors, such as the cost of studying, can influence their choice of study. First, give your child the space to discover what they truly want. Then, work together to find ways to make it possible. Supporting your child in this way strengthens your bond and provides the guidance they need at this stage, even if they don’t always ask for it.

Practicalities to consider

• Joining an (online) event

  Perhaps your child already knows that they want to study at VU Amsterdam, but they are not yet sure which programme suits them best. Or maybe it's the other way around: they already know what you want to study, but they are still unsure whether they want to do so at VU Amsterdam.
  
  We believe it is important that your child make the right choice, whatever that may be. The best way to do this is to discover for themselves what it is like to study at our campus in Amsterdam. We offer various options for this.

  Visit a Bachelor’s Day or Master's Day

  The Bachelor’s Day and (online) Master's Day are open days where everything is focused on helping students choose a study programme. Ask all your questions at the various information markets and get to know our teachers, students and academic advisors. Our International Office is available to answer all questions regarding admission, studying in the Netherlands, housing, and visa matters.

  Become a Student for a Day!

  Your child has two options: they can come and try out the programme (a Taster Day) or follow a VU student for a day. If they choose to join a Taster Day, the study programme will create a special itinerary for them, allowing them to gain a good impression of the programme. If they choose to tag along with a student for a day (or part of a day), they will follow him or her around campus. Some programmes are organising their activities online.

• The application and admission process

  The application procedure for a VU Bachelor's programme depends on the type of programme your child wants to follow and their previous education. To apply they can follow the step-by-step application procedure as listed on this webpage. In short:

  • Step 1 Apply in Studielink
  • Step 2 Complete the application in the personal dashboard on vu.nl
  • Step 3 Pay the application fee
  • Step 4 Wait for the admission decision (4-6 weeks)

  Applications for the upcoming academic year  are possible from 1 October until the following deadlines:

  • Numerus fixus (limited spots): 15 January 
  • Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
  • EU/EEA students: 1 May
  • 21+ Entrance exam application: 15 December 

  Your child's International Student Advisor(s) can help them with any questions they have about the programme, admission requirements, application procedure or practical matters related to being an international student studying at VU Amsterdam.

• Finding accommodation

  Studying at VU Amsterdam and living in Amsterdam is an unforgettable experience, but finding a room can be competitive. That is why our International Office offers support to international degree students with arranging accommodation for their first year. 

  • Housing prices via VU Amsterdam vary from €450 to €1,350 per month, but the average rent for VU housing is €700 per month. The number of cheap rooms with shared facilities is limited.
  • VU Amsterdam only offers housing for the first year, even for 2- or 3-year study programmes. Students need to find accommodation by themselves after the first academic year.
  • The housing market in the Netherlands is tight, especially in Amsterdam. Many Dutch and international students are searching for student rooms. Housing prices are high: rental prices at the private market often start at €750 and up. Start the search early and be prepared to search in surrounding villages and towns. You can check our tips and read more about the Dutch student housing market in general.

  We advise students who need housing to apply on time, as we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Applying for a residence permit 

  Incoming students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam who are a citizen of a non-EU country and who don't possess a Dutch residence permit yet, will need to complete the immigration procedure before starting their studies at VU Amsterdam. The student immigration department at VU Amsterdam will apply for a residence permit for study on your child's behalf.
  
  There are various immigration procedure for students who do not currently hold a Dutch residence permit and the one which is relevant is dependent on nationality. You can also find a flowchart here. There are different procedures for students who do have a Dutch residence permit. The immigration procedures are outlined on our dedicated webpage. 

• Cost of living and working

  Monthly living costs

  When planning for studies at university, your child must take the necessary costs into account. Experience shows that living and studying in the Netherlands for one year costs a student between €1,000 and €2,000 per month. Some students manage to spend less, but this depends on their own lifestyle.

  Students must pay tuition fees for each year that they study. There are two types of fees; depending on their situation, your child will pay either the statutory tuition fees or the institutional tuition fees.

  Working next to your studies

  If your child holds a passport from a country that belongs to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, then they are permitted to work in the Netherlands without limitation. If this is not the case, then they are only permitted to work a maximum of 16 hours per week averaged over the year or full-time during the summer months (June, July, August). Their employer will also be required to apply for a work permit.

• Health and insurance

  VU Amsterdam requires all incoming international students to be properly insured by an internationally recognised insurance agency for the duration of their stay (this is also required by Dutch law). Your child's insurance policy should cover all costs related to sudden illness, accident or death.
  
  To simplify the business of arranging suitable insurance during your child's time in the Netherlands, it is advisable to consult your insurance company and explain that your child will be studying abroad for a semester or an entire academic year. If your insurance company is unable to meet your needs, then we advise you to reach out to our preferred supplier Aon Student Insurance before travelling to the Netherlands.

• Language barriers and requirements

  Many Bachelor's programmes are offered in English, but knowing some Dutch can help with integration and everyday communication. At VU-NT2 (the VU institute for Dutch as a second language) students can take a Dutch course that suits their own ambitions and abilities, during the day or in the evening.
  
  If your child is applying for one of our English-taught Bachelor's degree programmes, they will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. In case they are applying for a Dutch-taught programme they will also have to prove that they are sufficiently proficient in Dutch.

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