Amsterdam stands out as one of the most enchanting capital cities in Europe, providing students with a rich blend of history, art, and a laid-back ambience.
Navigating its historic canals and exploring numerous museums and galleries makes Amsterdam an ideal destination for leisurely walks or cycling. The locals embody a relaxed and welcoming demeanour, accustomed to greeting individuals from across the globe.
While Amsterdam may not host an abundance of universities, the ones situated within the city are highly regarded. Additionally, a variety of colleges and other higher education institutions in Amsterdam offer a diverse array of subjects and programs for students to explore. In this blog, we have mentioned the top Amsterdam universities for international students.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in the Netherlands 2024
Why Choose Amsterdam for Your Studies?
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Amsterdam for your studies.
Renowned Global Education: The Netherlands boasts a distinctive and comprehensive approach to higher education. The QS World University Rankings 2024 place both the University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam among the top 250 universities globally, underscoring their adherence to international standards and global acclaim.
Diversity in Student Community: Amsterdam embraces students from all corners of the world, fostering a harmonious international community. Government statistics from CBS reveal that over 42,000 international students, constituting nearly 40% of the total student population, choose the Netherlands as their educational destination.
Career Opportunities: The Netherlands boasts a robust job market and provides favourable post-study work options for international students. The post-study work visa, known as the ‘orientation year,’ grants a one-year residence permit, enabling foreign graduates to seek employment or establish their businesses. According to Nuffic statistics, approximately 80% of international graduates secure employment within three years of completing their studies.
Sustainable Innovation Commitment: Amsterdam stands as a global leader in sustainable urban development, evident through initiatives promoting eco-friendly living. Notable examples include extensive cycling infrastructure, propelling Amsterdam to be one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. The city’s landscape is further shaped by innovative startups and initiatives, establishing Amsterdam as a hub for modern technology.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Amsterdam for International Students 2024
Top Universities in Amsterdam for International Students
Here are some of the top universities in Amsterdam for international students:
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Established in 1632, the University of Amsterdam asserts itself as one of the top 15 universities in Europe. Its global standing is a testament to its dedicated emphasis on research, boasting a distinguished roster of over 3,000 researchers. The university actively welcomes scholars from across the globe, currently featuring representation from over 100 nations.
With an extensive array of undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and professional programs, the institution establishes a standard for educational excellence in the country. Particularly, it stands out as the premier choice for individuals aspiring to pursue a Master’s (MS) in Data Science in the Netherlands.
Fees Details | The university imposes both a statutory fee and an institutional fee, with international undergraduate students facing an average annual cost ranging from €8,600 to €10,000. For international postgraduate programs, the average annual fee is in the range of €17,000 to €19,000. |
Courses Offered | A diverse range of educational offerings includes over 20 Bachelor’s and 150 Master’s programs taught in English, spanning disciplines such as Science, Economics, and Informatics. Additionally, the university provides professional development programs in Management and Business Administration. Those interested in pursuing advanced degrees can explore various Ph.D. programs available on campus. |
Also Read: Student Life in the Netherlands
Vrije University (VU)
VU University Amsterdam holds the esteemed status of a leading educational institution in the city, and it is highly sought-after for research in the arena of social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
The university’s commitment to the creation of an inclusive environment for all has resulted in a vibrant learning and research atmosphere. VU University Amsterdam’s research output and impact contribute significantly to scientific advancements and societal challenges across four profile themes.
The institution hosts a library that spans five floors in the building and houses over a million printed volumes, 70,000 manuscripts, and other digital learning resources. The campus building also houses the main auditorium, fair trade store, bookstores, a restaurant, and several kiosks.
Fees Details | The university imposes both a statutory fee and an institutional fee. Non-EU students are obligated to cover the institutional fees unless they meet the criteria for exemptions outlined on the DUO website. For international undergraduate students, the average annual cost ranges from €9,150 to €12,900. In the case of international postgraduate programs, the average annual fee falls within the range of €15,790 to €17,150. |
Courses Offered | A selection of more than 25 Bachelor’s and over 100 Master’s programs, all taught in English, cover a broad spectrum of disciplines including Liberal Arts, Psychology, Political Science, and more. |
The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS)
AUAS, a distinguished institution known for its pragmatic and hands-on educational philosophy, readies students for professions in business, technology, healthcare, and media.
International students aspiring to gain practical experience and cultivate job-ready skills will discover a hospitable atmosphere at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. As one of the Netherlands’ oldest business institutes, AUAS engages in collaborations with 250 institutions across 50 countries, encompassing various educational initiatives such as curriculum development, research projects, student exchanges, and international job placements.
Fees Details | The university imposes both a statutory fee and an institutional fee. Non-EU students are required to pay an annual institutional fee of €9,146. |
Courses Offered | There are four Bachelor’s and three Master’s programs available, all taught in English, covering disciplines such as Business, Physiotherapy, Digital Design, and Fashion. |
Amsterdam hosts several highly-ranked universities that uphold international standards and provide excellent education at reasonable costs. Depending on your career aspirations, you can choose a university tailored to your interests, such as the finance-focused Tinbergen Institute or the creatively inclined Amsterdam School of Arts.
For international students from outside the EU, there is a fixed institutional fee, but scholarships are available to help alleviate costs.
FAQs
Ans: Vrije University currently holds the top ranking as the premier institution in Amsterdam for offering engineering programs to international applicants.
Ans: Indeed, all universities in Amsterdam provide scholarship opportunities for international students, allowing them to benefit from partial fee waivers through these programs.
Ans: On average, international undergraduate students across various disciplines can expect annual fees in the range of €8,000 to €10,000.
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So, this was all about the top Amsterdam universities for International Students. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.