History, Affiliations and Rankings
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) dates back to 1632, the year it was founded as the Athenaeum Illustre of Amsterdam and formally opened by Gerardus Vossius with his inaugural lecture, "On the Usefulness of History." From its small beginnings with only a dozen students attending lectures in a former chapel area and to being elevated to the status of a University in 1815, today, after nearly four centuries since its establishment, UvA has grown to become a University with a leading international reputation, particularly for the Sciences. The University is progressive, creative, intellectual and international, like the city of Amsterdam itself. A top 100 world university, the University of Amsterdam is affiliated with the League of European Research Universities (LERU), Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA), European Universities Association (EUA) and Universitas 21. The University ranks at #65 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and #2 in the Netherlands, #55 according to QS World University Rankings and #38 as per US News and World Report Best Global Universities for the year 2022.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
The main campus of the University of Amsterdam in the University Quarter constitutes the intellectual heart of the city of Amsterdam and is the location of the Faculty of Humanities. There are other university locations, namely the Roeterseiland Campus which has the faculties of Economics and Business, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Law, the Amsterdam Science Park, which is the largest Science campus in Europe and is the center for research innovation and entrepreneurship and the Amsterdam UMC, the medical campus featuring the University's teaching hospitals. Classes are typically taught either in quaint and old historic buildings dating back to the 17th century or in modern high-technology laboratories. Unlike common university campuses, the campus of UvA is not walled and so, it sits in the center of Amsterdam and the hustle-bustle of the city penetrates the university as well. Across the various Faculties, the University of Amsterdam offers 20 Bachelor's programs and 150 Master's programs taught in English. Students can tailor their Bachelor's degrees with a selection of 70+ Minors and Honors programs (including Dutch-taught courses). Further, a student at UvA can pursue an Executive Master's or MBA, summer or winter courses, spend an exchange semester at the University or enroll in one of the several open programs offered on the campus. PhD programs in 10 subject areas are also offered at the University of Amsterdam.
Accomplishments and Alumni
The University of Amsterdam is one of the top 100 universities worldwide, among the top 10 in Europe and #2 in the Netherlands. Known for its research intensity, international outlook and innovation, the University is a research powerhouse, particularly in the fields of Science and Medicine. Recently, two Professors at the University of Amsterdam - Han van der Maas and Amade M'charek were awarded the prestigious Advanced Grants by the European Research Council (ERC) amount to nearly $2 million per project. Further, in 2021 the faculty at the University produced over 10,900+ academic publications across departments. The University of Amsterdam has a global network of graduates with a wealth of experience and expertise, who form a close-knit community called the University of Amsterdam Alumni Association (AUV). Currently, it has 9,100+ registered members, who continue to stay in touch with the University, the Professors and the students and often offer mentorship support to them. Some of the notable alumni of the University of Amsterdam include - Khadija Arib (Member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands), Lodewijk Asscher (Former Mayor of Amsterdam), Anna Júlia Donáth (Member of the European Parliament), Sutan Sjahrir (Former Prime Minister of Indonesia), Dionne Stax (Dutch Journalist), Theo van Gogh (Dutch Director) and others.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
The University of Amsterdam has a student population of 41,200+ out of which, 26,800+ are enrolled in undergraduate studies while 14,300+ are enrolled in postgraduate programs at the University. 5,100+ international students, representing more than 100 nationalities, study full-time on the campus and constitute around 12% of the overall student body, while nearly half of the total number of students are women. The University of Amsterdam is internationally oriented and has a culturally diverse atmosphere. Further, an extensive network of partner universities and faculties around the world facilitates student and staff exchanges at the UvA. Within Europe, UvA has Socrates/Erasmus exchange agreements with over 200 institutions. Outside Europe, it has close ties with approximately 40 universities on all continents. This not only allows students to achieve a global mindset, but also fosters multicultural interactions on the campus. City of Amsterdam, Deloitte, Rabobank, ING, EY, Adyen and other companies recruit graduates from the University of Amsterdam.
