More information on timetables

• Timetable changes

  Timetables can change after they have been released. Changes made before the start of teaching events will be updated and included in your personal schedule. However, there may be a change shortly before or during the start of a teaching event. Therefore we suggest you check your timetable regularly, so you don't miss anything. If revisions are made to schedules, and these changes do not appear in your timetable, your course coordinator will inform you.

• Academic calendar and examinations

  The academic year consists of two semesters, each divided into three periods. Periods 1, 2, 4 and 5 consist of eight weeks; periods 3 and 6 consists of four weeks. Depending on when holidays fall in the calendar, there may be occasions that periods are 1 week longer. The last week of each period is the examination week, in which most final examinations take place. However, this does not apply for partial exams and resits. You will receive this information from your study programme. For more information on the education (free) weeks, exams and resits check the academic calendar.

• Teaching and exams

  VU Amsterdam applies standard teaching times. This means that educational activities are mostly scheduled at recurring times and generally last one hour and 45 minutes. 

  The standard teaching times are:

  09.00 – 10.45
  11.00 – 12.45
  13.30 – 15.15
  15.30 – 17.15
  17.30 – 19.15

  Exams are scheduled within standard blocks (see below). This applies to both the educational and exam weeks, but keep in mind that different starting times can occur.

  Exam schedule

  VU Amsterdam applies short and longer examination blocks:

  	Examination times (regular)	Exam length (regular)	Extra time	Exam length  (extra time)
  Block 1 (long)	08:30 - 11:15	2.45 hrs	11:15 - 11:45	3.15 hrs
  Block 2 (short)	12:15 - 14:30	2.15 hrs	14:30 - 15:00	2.45 hrs
  Block 3 (short)	15:30 - 17:45	2.15 hrs	17:45 - 18:15	2.45 hrs
  Block 4 (long)	18:45 - 21:30	2.45 hrs	21:30 - 22:00	3.15 hrs

  Students granted 'extra exam time' have an extra 30 minutes to complete their exam, after the official end time. This also applies to exams held at external locations such as Emergo and Sportcentre VU. 

• When is the timetable available

  The timetable is compiled each semester and published before the start of the registration period on the timetable website. The specific dates differ each year, but for the first semester, the timetable is published mid July and for the second semester around mid December. Your personal timetable will be available at timetable.vu.nl as soon as you have registered for teaching activities and exams.

• What to do in case of overlapping schedules

  Every effort is made to avoid scheduling conflicts. If you are a student of a regular study programme, there should be no schedule conflicts. However, in the case of electives, conflicts might occur. In that case, try to select other groups, to avoid conflicts or overlapping activity. If this does not work, try selecting another course, or contact your Course coordinator for further advice (please refer to the study guide).  

• Public holidays

  VU Amsterdam recognises the following public holidays: Good Friday, Easter Monday, King’s Day, Liberation Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Want to know what days and times the VU University buildings are open? Check out the VU opening hours here. 

Do you have any questions?