Onboarding international students

Key information after being (conditionally) admitted

• Completing your admission

  After you have been admitted, there are a number of things you will have to do to complete your admission and successfully prepare yourself for your life in Amsterdam. 

  Your admissions email

  Please refer to your official admissions decision email for the conditions of your admission and any applicable deadlines. Make sure to read all information carefully and make a concrete plan and timeline for yourself on how to meet the remaining conditions.

  Your VU Dashboard

  Please make sure to keep track of your status in your VU Dashboard. In the dashboard you can click on 'check status' for a status overview of the requirements for completing your admission and enrolment. The overview will show if you have submitted all required documents and completed all necessary steps. Once you have fulfilled all requirements your status will change into enrolled and you will be able to download your Declaration of Registration.

  Checklist

  You may find the step-by-step checklist useful that can be found on our page on what happens after admission. It will guide you through the process of completing your enrolment and arrangement of practical matters (e.g. registration with the municipality, a General Practitioner or insurance).

  International Onboarding Guide

  No matter what your question is, the answer can probably be found in the International Onboarding Guide!

• Applying for VU student services

  Accommodation/housing

  Read all about accommodation at VU Amsterdam, including available housing options, the application process and the current state of Amsterdam's housing market. 

  Visa and/or residence permit

  Learn all you need to know about how and when to apply for a visa and/or residence permit at VU Amsterdam.

• Connecting with other students

  We understand that starting a new study programme can be very exciting but also a bit scary. It requires quite some preparation, especially if you are moving from abroad. Imagine how great it would be to already know some people before your study programme starts! 

  Join the Goin' community

  We are happy to introduce you to the Goin’ app! With this app you can connect with fellow students, even before your arrival in the Netherlands.

  Through the Goin’ app, you can find other VU Amsterdam students with similar interests, characteristics or nationalities. This community will allow you to have a soft landing at our university.

  You can also set up your own groups and help each other by sharing tips and tricks. Embark on your onboarding journey together! 😊

  After you have been conditionally admitted, you will receive information on how to download the Goin’ app.

  Join the pre-departure sessions for (conditionally) admitted international students!

  Information on all our online events for admitted international students will be shared with you through email after you have received conditional admission.

  The sessions will focus on topics such as: completing your admission, practical matters, moving to Amsterdam.
  We also organise separate webinars and WhatsApp sessions on visa and housing.

  We hope to give you a warm welcome through these online sessions.

  Student & Alumni Ambassadors

  Curious about student life at VU Amsterdam? How difficult is it to find a room, what are classes like, and how did other international students settle in when they moved to a new country? Our International Student Ambassadors are here to help!

  All of our ambassadors are happy to share their personal experiences with you and answer your questions!

  Email our ambassador team at studentambassadors@vu.nl and we will match you with the right student ambassador. 

  International student blog

  Curious about the personal stories from international students? The Amsterdam Students blog is a collection of experiences, ideas, adventures, tips and stories about living and studying in Amsterdam as an international student!

  Go to the stories

  Day in the life of a VU student

  These student ambassadors are happy to share a typical day as a VU student with you!

  • Watch Sophie's vlog - student of our Bachelor's in Psychology
  • Watch Freya's vlog - student of our Bachelor's  in International Business Administration
  • Watch Analise's vlog - student of our Master's in Global Health
  • Student ambassadors share one word that describes their experience at VU Amsterdam
  • Student ambassadors share their culture shocks, differences between their home country and NL

• Practical information on your studies at VU Amsterdam

  Make sure to read our Digital VU Student Guide!
  Here you can find information about online resources for education both online and on campus and the things that come with it, such as privacy and security.
  
  In addition, below we will also list some important digital tools.

  Canvas

  Our digital learning environment is Canvas; here, you will find the syllabus for each course and other useful documents and information on your progress;sometimes you will have to hand in assignments on Canvas.

  VU mail

  Each student is assigned a personal VU Amsterdam email address before the start of their studies. In your VU mailbox you receive important notifications regarding class cancellations, information meetings, your study progress and other updates.

  You can check your VU mail via internet (webmail). This can be done both on and off campus via outlook.office.com or via the email button on your dashboard on VU.nl. You log in with your VUnetID or your VU email address and password.

  VunetID and VU.nl

  Your VUnetID is your username and password to access all digital services VU Amsterdam has to offer, such as your personal dashboard on VU.nl and Canvas. You also need your VUnetID to be able to take digital exams. If you lost your VUnetID, please contact the Student Desk. Keep your university registration card or any other form of identification ready for identification purposes.

  VU.nl is an important information source during your studies. On your personal dashboard you can find all relevant information such as your email, your personal schedule, exam grades, important announcements, news and all you want to know about courses, examinations, student wellbeing or student guidance. As soon as you receive your VUnetID and your application is completed, you can enter all VU.nl services.

  Course registration

  To participate in courses and exams you have to register on time via the registration module. Find out more about how to register for courses. Watch the animation on the information webpage for a step by step overview. Also check the 'Registration conditions per faculty' and the Study guide to see what applies to your study programme or course.

  Academic year and calendar

  The academic year starts in the first week of September and is divided into two semesters. Each semester consists of three periods of 8+8+4 weeks. Examinations are held at the end of each semester (January and June), or at the end of the eight- or four- week period. You are registered as a student from September 1st until August 31st. The academic calendar provides information on semester, exam and resit dates as well as collective VU holidays.

  Timetable (rooster)

  Your personalised timetable provides an overview of all your registered lectures, seminars and exams, telling you where you need to be and when. You can also synchronise your schedule with your personal Apple, Google, Outlook or other calendars. Find more information on this page.

  Study Guide

  The Study Guide is an important source of information, offering a complete overview of the content of education (including courses, periods, literature) and the test format(s). Make sure you are familiar with the content of the Study guide for each course you are enrolled in.

  Exams

  Most courses at VU Amsterdam are completed with an exam. Here you will find information about exam times and locations, resits and exam regulations. 

  Books

  In the course descriptions in the Study guide you will find the literature you need for each course. You might receive more information about extra relevant literature during the first lecture of the course in question or via Canvas.

  Please note that you acquire the most recent edition of your study material. You can acquire the literature you need (online) via the VU Bookstore, possibly with a discount through the study association.

  Download your booklist!

  VU buildings and virtual campus tour

  Here you can find an overview of the buildings and facilities on the VU Amsterdam campus, including their opening hours.
  If you would like to get to know our campus already, you might enjoy this virtual tour.

• Dutch educational system and grading culture

  ECTS Credit System and Study Hours

  A regular semester workload consists of 24 - 30 ECTS. Each ECTS credit is equivalent to 28 study hours. Unlike many other academic systems, ECTS credits include hours spent in class as well as self-study hours spent independently working by yourself outside of the classroom. A course that is worth 6 ECTS credits would be equal to 168 study hours (including time spent both in and outside of class). Students are advised to take 24-30 ECTS per semester.

  Dutch grading culture

  There are many different grading systems in the world, such as (from lowest to highest grade) 1 to 5, 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 100, F to A. In the Netherlands, the traditional grading scale is from 1 -10, where 1 is the lowest and 10 the highest grade. The pass mark for a single subject is 6. 

  At Dutch universities, top grades (10 and 9) are rarely awarded, and the same is true for the lowest grades 1 through to 4. The most common grades in higher education are 6 and 7.

  So, if you are used to getting top grades, but you find yourself getting grades in the middle range here at VU Amsterdam, please do not worry about this. It does not mean you are underperforming. You are actually doing well. It just shows that our grading system and culture is different. 

  Check this handy table to get some idea of the grade distribution.

  Want to read more about this topic? Make sure to visit the Nuffic website.
  
  Or watch some of our current students discuss their experiences with this system.

  Dutch teaching style

  Study hours at VU Amsterdam are a combination of hours spent in class with the instructor and hours spent out of class working independently. In general, a VU student has about 10 hours per week of strictly student/professor contact hours. The remaining hours are spent outside of the classroom and can include time spent working on assignments with other students from your course, known as “work groups,” or time spent working individually on assignments, known as “self-study.” 

  The Dutch understanding of “self-study” is a fixed number of hours spent working on specific assignments. Although the number of hours spent by each student may vary, all students are expected to complete a minimum number of hours of self-study for each course. This varies per course, but you should be prepared to spend more time studying independently than you may be used to. Self-study hours are weighted the same as in-class hours and are thus included in the 1 ECTS = 28 contact hours calculation.

  Studying at VU Amsterdam: What is expected of you?

  • Be an active learner and critical thinker: ask questions, participate, and share your opinion
  • Be present and on time: many teachers have a 100% attendance policy; it's wise to check this with your professor beforehand
  • Be prepared: fewer lectures, more self-study
  • Be accountable: you are responsible for knowing when your assignments are due and when the exams take place
  • Be transparent: always mention your source of information; plagiarism may result in automatic failure of the course

  Studying at VU Amsterdam: What can you expect?

  • High level of classroom interaction
  • Independence and active learning
  • Relative lack of competition
  • Direct feedback
  • Social equality
  • No grade inflation or scaling
    
    Watch these clips showing our current students explaining these topics:
  • Dutch culture
  • Tips for you as our new international students

  Plagiarism

  Plagiarism, or using others’ work without acknowledgment or source references, is considered a serious offense at VU Amsterdam. If you are caught committing such acts, your work will be declared invalid, among other possibly more serious consequences. Therefore, make sure to inform yourself and understand how to apply the rules. Note: even self-plagiarism is possible!
  
  See also: Critical thinking & plagiarism

  
  Mixed Classroom Education Model

  This model is an integral part of teaching at VU Amsterdam. It is is an educational approach that builds upon differences to enrich the learning experience for all students.

• Academic skills preparation

  The transition to your new home university can be a challenge in many different aspects. On a practical level, but definitely also on an academic level. Fortunately, there are many (free) online courses available that can help you prepare for university.  
  Below we have listed some of our favourite (free) courses, which are relevant for all students starting at VU Amsterdam.

  For more background information on how to improve your English language ability, please read this page which covers the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) as well as vocabulary and grammar.

  Free online courses about academic English 

  You may be asking yourself: why would I still need to improve my English ability if I have already met the minimum English entry requirements? The answer is simple: because you’ll be more likely to perform better in your degree. Studies have shown that a level of English higher than the minimum requirement correlates with higher grades (see for example Kirby, 2018; Trenkic & Warmington, 2019).

  1. Speaking Skills for University Success | Coursera is a course offered by the University of California. As a student in an English-speaking university, you’ll need to speak in many situations, both formal and informal, planned and spontaneous. In this course, you’ll get advice for speaking in discussions, group projects, during small talk, for presentations, but also how to give an unplannend, improptu speech. 
  2. Academic English: Writing Specialization by University of California on Coursera. This very detailed syllabus will take you on a deep-dive through the world of writing academic English. This includes courses on grammar, punctuation, essay writing, and advanced academic English writing. All you have to do is navigate to the specific course page within this specialization, and chose the 'audit' option. This grants you access to a large portion of the course material, completely free of charge.
  3. Essential English for University Success by University of California on Coursera. This specialization provides an extensive and in-depth look at the types of English-language skills you will need to hone in order to succeed in the university environment. This covers speaking, writing, and study skills; the combination of all three will springboard any student onto the path to success. All you have to do is navigate to the specific course page within this specialization, and chose the 'audit' option. This allows you to access most of the materials for free.
  4. English Pronunciation in a Global World by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. By the time you finish this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of some of the rules of English pronunciation and how they can differ. As well as looking at elements such as vowels, consonants and other features, you’ll also examine different English accents.
  5. Writing in the Sciences by Stanford This Coursera teaches scientists to become more effective writers, using practical examples and exercises. Topics include: principles of good writing, tricks for writing faster and with less anxiety, the format of a scientific manuscript, peer review, grant writing, ethical issues in scientific publication, and writing for general audiences.

  Courses about general academic success 

  1. Critical Thinking Skills for University Success by University of Sydney on Coursera. This course has a short syllabus, but it is packed with valuable content. Being able to critically evaluate media in any context is beneficial, and in your university journey this skillset could be essential to academic success. You can access this brilliant resource for free by using the audit feature that Coursera offers, which will give you access to all the videos from this course but not the certificate or grading of your work.
  2. Study Skills for University Success by the University of California on Coursera. A great way to pick up some useful tips and tricks before you begin your university journey. Some of the content is aimed at students in the US, but there are still several worthwhile videos on note taking, academic vocabulary, time management, and some test-taking tips 'n tricks! And best of all: you can access it all for free by using the 'audit' function on Coursera.
  3. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects | Coursera is a course from Deep Teaching Solutions which gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. You'll learn about how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. You’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects.

  Free courses about academic research skills

  1. Qualitative Methods by UvA
     In this Coursera you will be introduced to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. You will learn about data collection, description, analysis and interpretation in qualitative research. Qualitative research often involves an iterative process. We will focus on the ingredients required for this process: data collection and analysis.
  2. Quantitative Methods by UvA
     This Coursera will cover the fundamental principles of science, some history and philosophy of science, research designs, measurement, sampling and ethics. The course is comparable to a university level introductory course on quantitative research methods in the social sciences, but has a strong focus on research integrity. We will use examples from sociology, political sciences, educational sciences, communication sciences and psychology.

  Free courses/videos about cultural differences

  1. Culture Shock: how to deal with cultural and academic differences in the Netherlands by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This video will give you a little more insight about the cultural and academic differences you may encounter in the Netherlands and how to deal with them. The different phases of culture shock will be explained, and current students will share their personal experience with this subject. 
  2. What about - The Dutch teaching style is an informative video part of a range of videos produced by the Dutch 'Study in Holland' website. This video will give you a little more insight into the Dutch teaching style and culture. 
  3. What about - Social life in the Netherlands focuses on how international students develop a new social life after arriving in the Netherlands by them selves.

Key information after arriving at VU Amsterdam

• Introduction week for international students

  Our Introduction Days help you settle in, meet new people and explore university life.

  • Bachelor’s Introduction Days: A five-day orientation event where you'll connect with fellow Bachelor's students, get to know the campus and discover Amsterdam. Guided by experienced mentors, you will quickly feel at home.
  • Master’s Introduction Week: Tailored for international Master’s and Pre-Master’s students, this orientation week helps you navigate academic life, meet classmates and handle practical matters.

  Stay updated via email and our website—we can’t wait to welcome you!

• Introduction sessions by your programme & faculty

  All first-year students are expected to attend the study programme introduction organised by their faculty. During the study programme introduction you receive important information about your studies. Participation is highly recommended. Please note its date in your agenda.

• Practical matters for your arrival

  Your first days and weeks in Amsterdam will be filled with new experiences, new people and a few practical considerations too such as:

  • Collecting your room key (if applicable)
  • Registering with the municipality
  • Setting up a bank account (if necessary)
  • Picking the right insurance
  • Registering with a General Practitioner (GP)

  Make sure to read more about your arrival in Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam. Here you can find all the steps to take once you have actually landed here.

• Costs of living and working

  Before you start your degree programme, it is good to have an idea of what it will cost and how you are going to pay for it.

  Please have a look on this page to find an indication of likely monthly expenses and possible finance options.

• Jumpstart - get an academic boost!

  Academic boost

  Are you a new international Master student looking for some extra academic support? And to get the opportunity to connect with fellow students? Then the VU Jumpstart programme is designed for you!
  
  For many of you, the decision to study abroad and travel to Amsterdam might already have been a huge step. You may face not only a culture shock but also a bit of an academic culture shock. 

  The Jumpstart programme has been specifically designed to help all new international students with bridging this academic gap. 

  Through the Jumpstart programme, we aim to: 

  • Help you bridge the academic gap 
  • Smoothe your transition to VU Amsterdam 
  • And enable you to connect with your fellow students.  

  Socialising 

  Every academic workshop will be followed by a social or cultural activity to get to know more of VU Amsterdam, your fellow students and Dutch culture. Think of a Taco Tuesday, a ‘gezellige’ Dutch evening with pancakes and of course drinks with bitterballen (the best Dutch snack)!  

  Check out the Jumpstart webpage

  Why sign up? 

  Do you not have much prior experience with academic writing? Would you like a little reminder on how to use academic sources? Know more about Dutch grading and teaching culture? Or… would you like to do it all? This is possible. 
  

  When? 

  Jumpstart will take place from 22 - 30 September 2025.  
  We’ve made sure to spread out the session over these two weeks, so the programme is not too intense. Each workshop will start at 17:30. 

  Choose your Jumpstart adventure

  You can decide if you want sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 workshops, based on your needs, interest and timetable.
  During all sessions coffee, tea, water, fruits and snacks will be offered to keep you energised. 

  Registration

  Registration opens around the 3rd week of September 2025. You will receive an invitation by email in September.  

  For more detailed information about the programme and how to register, please keep an eye on the Jumpstart page which will be updated over summer.

• Ways to become part of the VU community

  Join a sports/study/student organisation

  • Find a study or student organisation
  • Perhaps you would like to take up sports  
  • Become a member of ESN, the International Study Association of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  Get Cultural

  • Explore the many possibilities in the field of culture and media

  3D and NEWConnective

  • 3D, the dialogue stage of VU Amsterdam
    3D stands for dialogue, debate and diversity. It offers an accessible, welcoming and safe environment where well-being, meetings and conversations take place.
  • Life is Better in 3D
    As a part of 3D, "Life is Better in 3D" are events and activities organised by VU students, for VU students, such as board games, yoga, Open Mic nights, the film club or creative evenings. All VU students are welcome to join, the atmosphere is friendly and it's easy to make friends.
    For more information about Life is Better in 3D, you can visit our Insta or our Life is Better in 3D WhatsApp community!
  • NEWConnective organizes events on personal development, and questions on life, meaning and personal beliefs. The events includes activities around activism, grief, or social anxiety. Throughout the year they organise meditations in the VU’s Silence Room (HG-1A57) and they can get you in contact with a spiritual counsellor if needed. 

  Make your voice heard

  • University Student Council 
  • Green Office, the sustainability platform at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
  • VU Pride
    VU Pride aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community on our campus. We aspire to have an university full of diversity in which everyone shares understanding and tolerance for each other. We achieve this by organizing events and projects for people within the LGBTQIA+ community and for all those interested. Check out the website for initiatives, upcoming events and other activities. 
  • Become an International Student Ambassador
  • Participate in the decision making council 
  • DreamTeam
    In a Dream Team, you'll have the opportunity to make societal impact and develop your personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Join one of our VU Community Service Learning initiatives

  Attend one of the current events at VU Amsterdam

  Find out what is happening on campus each day.

• Take a Dutch course and get a substantial discount

  We encourage our international students to learn some basic Dutch. The university offer various language courses for international students at substantial discounts. 

  Check out our course programme and choose a course that suits you best. 

  If you are an international student at VU Amsterdam, you will also receive a 50% discount on the course fee.

Important resources and points of contact

• International Onboarding Guide

  It doesn’t matter what your question is, the answer can probably be found in the International Onboarding Guide! The International Onboarding Guide includes all information you can think of that is relevant for your life at VU Amsterdam. You name it, and you can find it in this document.

  Among many other things, the following subjects are covered:

  • Practicalities to arrange before and after your arrival (e.g., bank affairs, municipality registration, insurance, working while studying, health matters)
  • Student finances and cost of living
  • Accommodation and immigration
  • Study facilities on campus
  • Student wellbeing
  • Good-to-know information about studying at VU Amsterdam
  • Student and study associations
  • Getting around in Amsterdam
  • Dutch language courses with a discount
  • Art and culture, VU Sports Centre
  • Academic calendar
  • Campus map

• Questions on your admission / enrolment?

  Before enrolment

  International Student Advisor(s)

  Every international degree programme has its own International Student Advisor(s), also called ISAs, who are happy to help you!

  The International Student Advisors of your programme have already assisted you during the application procedure and have processed your admission decisions. They can help you with questions about meeting your admission and enrolment requirements.

  After enrolment

  While during the application process you were most likely in contact with the International Office on a regular basis, after you start your studies in September the International Office will not be your first point of contact anymore.

  Below you can find the most important contact points during your studies, and an explanation of where to go or whom to contact for specific matters.

  This overview also shows important points of support and information.

  Student Desk

  For questions regarding enrolment, registration and tuition fees you can contact the Student Desk. You will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as useful links and documents. 

  Academic Advisor

  The Academic Advisors can help you with questions related to your studies, for example:

  • Delays in academic progress
  • Personal circumstances
  • Honours Programme
  • Combining your studies
  • Quitting your studies

  *Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

  Student Counsellor

  The student counsellor can help you with questions not directly related to your studies, for example:

  • Urgent emergency housing
  • Financial matters
  • Giving advice about submitting complaints or appeal procedures

  *Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

  Student Psychological Counsellor

  The student psychological counsellors support students who experience study-related problems, such as (but not limited to) fear of failure, procrastination, concentration issues, lack of discipline, lack of motivation, fear of exams, presentation anxiety, study stress, negative ideas about yourself, study or graduation problems and more.

  *Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

• Looking to improve your study skills?

  Now that you are a student at VU Amsterdam, you may find that you have to adapt to the new academic culture and expectations.

  We offer various opportunities for academic support as well as several training courses.

  And don't forget to check out our Jumpstart programme, which has been created to boost your academic skills.

• Student Wellbeing and Student Wellbeing Point (drop by!)

  Student Wellbeing

  On the Wellbeing webpage we offer you a clear overview of all wellbeing boosters and supportive programmes that VU Amsterdam and its community are offering to benefit your wellbeing.
  Discover for example the Wellbeing Week workshops, develop your study skills with various trainings or connect with fellow students through the activities on the Wellbeing Calendar.

  During your time at VU Amsterdam you might need some extra support, on an academic or personal level. When you need help or you want to talk to someone, VU Amsterdam offers several student counselling services. 
  Please never hesitate to reach out to us!

  Student Wellbeing Point

  At the Student Wellbeing Point, (trained) students offer their fellow students a listening ear, a pleasant conversation or advice in the field of student wellbeing.
  
  These so-called point peers are also in close contact with existing VU services such as the student psychologists to whom they can easily refer if necessary.

  So, if you have questions, concerns, or are you just interested in a talk? Come and visit us at the Student Wellbeing Point!

  Location: Main building, next to the student desk. 

  Opening times: Mo - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00

• Studying with a disability

  At VU Amsterdam, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. If you have a disability or health condition, support is available to help you succeed in your studies. From academic accommodations to accessibility services, we offer various resources to meet your needs.

  Learn more about the available support and studying with a disability at VU Amsterdam.

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