On this website you will find all the information you need in order to complete it smoothly. Therefore please read the website carefully for it contains very important information.
Visa application for Semester in Amsterdam students
When you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need to complete the immigration procedure before you can start your studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. So it is very important to have that matter settled! Luckily our International Office at VU Amsterdam will apply for the required immigration documents on your behalf.
There are several types of immigration procedures possible for Semester in Amsterdam students:
- Residence permit (VVR) procedure
- Long stay entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) procedure
- Change of Sponsor
- Working Holiday Programme/Scheme (WHP/WHS) (applicable to Canada, Australia and New Zealand)
- Intra-EU mobility (for students who already hold a valid EU study permit of another member state)
Which procedure applies to you depends on your nationality.
Nationality | Required procedure |
Australia* Canada* Japan Monaco New Zealand* South Korea United Kingdom United States of America Vatican City State | Residence permit (VVR) procedure |
All other non-EU countries | Long stay entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) procedure |
All other non-EU countries but in possession of valid residence permit of another Schengen country | Residence permit (VVR) procedure |
All EU countries Iceland Liechtenstein Norway Switzerland | No procedure required |
Immigration Deadlines
- Fall Semester: 1 June
- Spring Semester: 1 December
Please also see our detailed How-To Guide for more information about the immigration application process for Semester in Amsterdam students.
Required Immigration Documents
You can find a complete list of required documents on the general Visa page. Please keep in mind that Semester in Amsterdam students are NOT Exchange students. Please scroll down and follow the directions listed on the main page via the link above (and do not click the link for Exchange).
Requirement Exemptions for Semester in Amsterdam Students
- English Language Test Scores: the requirement to have an International Student Advisor check your English language test scores does not apply. Semester in Amsterdam students taking Bachelor-level courses are not required to submit English language test scores. You can ignore this requirement.
- Visa Fee: in certain circumstances, your home university or study abroad organisation might pay the visa fee on your behalf. If this is the case, you can ignore this requirement. If you're not sure, please check with your home university or study abroad organization.
Contact information
Feel free to reach out to us