Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a research university founded in the late 19th century, located on a compact campus in the south of the city. It offers a broad portfolio of English-taught programmes and is known for combining rigorous academics with an international outlook.

Why students choose VU Amsterdam

• Strong faculties in life sciences, business administration, and law.
• Compact, self-contained campus close to Amsterdam’s business district.
• Large number of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
• Collaborative links with the University of Amsterdam and other research institutes in the region.
• A diverse, international student population drawn to Amsterdam’s global reputation.

Campus and location

The VU campus sits in the Zuidas area, Amsterdam’s modern business district, placing students close to corporate offices, transport links, and the rest of the city.

What students say

Students often mention the value of VU’s location next to Amsterdam’s business district, particularly for those pursuing business or law programmes with an eye on internships. A recurring theme, common across Amsterdam more broadly, is that finding a room can be stressful given how tight and competitive the city’s housing market is, with some reviews noting that available rooms can be small or pricier than expected. The university’s support services for settling in are generally seen as a helpful, if partial, offset to these housing pressures.

Official website: https://vu.nl

Explore more: all institutions in Netherlands, courses, and student visas.