Information for UK Applicants

• Admission requirements

  In order to be eligible for admission to VU Amsterdam’s Bachelor’s degree programmes, a student will need to fulfill certain admission requirements. It is advised to check the programme admission requirements before starting an application. Each programme has its own webpage with an "Admissions" section, listing the admission requirements that apply.

  General admission requirements

  To meet the general admission requirements for a Bachelor's programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam an applicant needs an international diploma, deemed equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO diploma. 

  GCE A-levels
  Overview GCE A-level requirements per programme (PDF)
  
  AS-levels and BTECS are not considered to be equivalent to the Dutch pre-university diploma. An EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is not considered as 50% of a full A-level. It therefore does not count towards meeting the requirement of 3 GCE A-levels. 
  For selective Bachelor’s programmes the EPQ may be considered as proof that the applicant has undertaken a heavier study load than the regular A-level curriculum; a high grade for the EPQ could improve your chances, if obtained in addition to meeting the regular requirements. 

  Scottish Qualifications Certificate
  Students who follow the Scottish curriculum need to obtain at least the Scottish Qualifications Certificate with 2 Advanced Highers (plus 4 Highers). 

  International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
  Students who are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme need to obtain the full IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points to meet our general admission requirements. 

  English language requirement
  Students who obtain their diploma in the UK are exempt from taking an additional test. 
  VU English Language requirements

  Programme-specific requirements

  Besides these minimum requirements, every Bachelor's degree programme has its own programme-specific admission requirements. For many programmes for example, students need to be able to show a proof of sufficient proficiency in Mathematics (such as an A-level Mathematics). Please check the specific admission rules and requirements on the page of the individual Bachelor's degree programmes. 

• Selective programmes

  Numerus Fixus (fixed quota) programmes

  For the academic year 2026-2027, there are four Bachelor’s degree programmes with a Numerus Fixus selection procedure. One of these programmes is offered in English: Psychology.

  A Numerus Fixus programme has a limited number of places available. For each academic year you can submit an application for a maximum of two numerus fixus programmes (including applications to other Dutch universities). The application deadline is 15 January 2026.

  Other selective programmes

  For our selective programmes Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Law in Society and Liberal Arts and Sciences (AUC) applicants need to meet additional requirements in order to be selected. Motivation, extracurricular activities, relevant courses, international experience, GPA and high English language skills are aspects that will be considered. An online interview may be part of the selection procedure. Details can be found on the respective programme pages. 
  
  These programmes are not fixed quota programmes (Numerus Fixus). The selection of students for PPE and AUC takes place on the basis of the “Special feature small-scale and intensive education (BKKI),” a special status awarded by the NVAO accreditation board. The selection of Law in Society takes place on the distinctive "mixed-classroom" concept, as approved by the NVAO.

• Application process

  Studielink is the national application system used by Dutch Universities. In Studielink you can apply for a maximum of 4 courses in total in the Netherlands. The system is in some ways comparable to UCAS, but there are quite a few differences. We do not work with Tariff points or equivalent, nor will you receive your offer via Studielink – applications are submitted in our application portal in your VU dashboard, where you can keep track of the progress of your admission status. Offer letters and conditions are communicated directly to the applicant via email. Applications can be submitted at any time between 1 October and 1 April (non-EU)/1 May (EU). The only exception to this are our selective programmes (including Numerus Fixus), that may work with different deadlines.

  You can find the application procedures for our programmes in the step-by-step overview.
  When you apply with to-be-obtained A-levels, please upload your GCSE results + predicted A-level grades (official school statement).
  
  Please note: the application procedure for the Bachelor's programme Liberal Arts and Sciences (Amsterdam University College), Mechanical Engineering, and Creative Technology deviates from the information above.

  Apply for Liberal Arts and Sciences (AUC)
  Apply for Creative Technology or Mechanical Engineering (University of Twente)

• Costs and financing your studies

  You can check the VU Brexit page for an overview of important information

  Tuition fees

  Tuition fees for the VU Bachelor’s programmes vary for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students, as specified in our overview page.
  
  The tuition fee is based on your nationality. If you have a UK passport and come to live and study in the Netherlands after 31 December 2020 you do not fall under the Withdrawal Agreement. The higher institutional fee applies in your situation. If you own a (second) EU passport the lower EU tuition fee applies.  

  Living costs and right to work

  Experience shows that the costs of living and studying in the Netherlands can vary from €900 to €1,700 per month. The most important expense students encounter is the cost of housing, as rental prices in Amsterdam can be quite high. Costs very much depend on your own lifestyle. We advise students not to be entirely dependent on finding a source of additional income after they arrive. Note that for non-EU/EEA nationals opportunities to work are restricted. 

  Scholarships and student loans

  At the moment, we do not offer scholarships for Bachelor's students. Options for financial support are limited.
  It is not possible for British students to bring the UK student loan to the Netherlands. 
  
  EU passport holders can, provided they meet certain conditions, be eligible for student finance (a grant) or a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government. UK nationals who fall under the Withdrawal Agreement are also entitled to receive student finance and to pay statutory fees if they meet all the other conditions. See the VU Brexit page for more information.

• Residency

  For British students who are registered in the Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) before 31 December 23:59h 2020 and who have a residence permit (or will apply for one no later than 30 June 2021), the same laws and regulations apply as for EU students. The rules and regulations regarding the statutory tuition fees and the right to student grants will therefore remain unchanged for you. Neither are you subject to the Modern Migration Act (MoMi).
  
  Did you register yourself at the municipality before 31 December 23:59h 2020 but do you not hold a residence permit yet? Then you can apply for a residence document (under the Withdrawal Agreement) as soon as possible but no later than 30 June 2021. You need this document to continue your stay in the Netherlands. Please be informed that you can arrange your residence at the IND.
  
  In case you come to live and study in the Netherlands after 31 December 2020, you do not fall under the Withdrawal Agreement. You will need to apply for a Dutch study permit via the VU. The institutional fee applies in your situation Please see our visa web page for more information about the immigration procedure.
  
  Did you receive your permit based on Article 50? Make sure to upload a clear copy (front & back) of the permit in your VU portal or send a copy through the contact form. After receiving this document we will determine if you are eligible for statutory fee and adjust the fee accordingly.

• Accommodation

  In the Netherlands it is not common for universities to own housing. Instead, to assist international students newly arriving to the Netherlands VU Amsterdam cooperates with different housing companies. The International Office offers accommodation to participants in English-taught degree programme who have a non-Dutch nationality. There are furnished and unfurnished rooms with private or shared facilities. Our Accommodation Service will assist you in this process.
  
  Are you not eligible for accommodation from VU Amsterdam? Then you can check the options under "Tips for finding a room independently" for tips on how to find housing yourself.
  
  Note that unfortunately we cannot provide housing for all students: accommodation is offered based on a first paid, first served basis. We therefore strongly recommend an early application.

  Accommodation information

  Tips for finding a room independently

• Introduction week

  Your student life starts with the VU Introduction Days! These days always take place between the middle and end of August. 

  During the introduction days you and your fellow students will learn all the ins and outs of your degree programme, attend workshops and explore Amsterdam. You will also discover where the best places to study on the VU campus are, where you can find details of your timetable and textbooks and where to go to relax after a day of studying. It is the best way to ensure you begin your degree with a head start!