Studying in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe’s most international and English-friendly cities. It hosts two well-ranked universities, a thriving tech and creative economy, and a famously bike-friendly, canal-lined centre — alongside the highest, and scarcest, student housing in the country.
Universities and major institutes
- University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA)
- Amsterdam University College
Cost of living
Amsterdam has the Netherlands’ highest rents and a severe housing shortage — arrange accommodation as early as possible. A room commonly runs €700–€1,200 per month, with the city best navigated by bike.
Neighbourhoods for students
- De Pijp — lively and central, popular with students.
- Oost (East) — diverse and increasingly popular.
- Nieuw-West / Zuidoost — more affordable, served by metro.
- Amstelveen — quieter, near the VU and well-connected.
Institutions in Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam
One of the Netherlands' largest research universities, offering a broad range of English-taught programmes in the heart of Amsterdam.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
A research university in Amsterdam known for its strengths in life sciences, business, and law, with a large international student body.
Explore more: universities in Netherlands, cost of living, and student visas.