Free Mover Semester

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam , 
  • Netherlands
English
More photos

At a glance

1880

Est.

25k

Students

75%

Acceptance rate

7.6k€

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

Available subjects

English-taught
  • 📊 Accounting & Finance , 
  • 🫀 Anatomy & Physiology , 
  • 🦴 Anthropology , 
  • 🏺 Archaeology , 
  • 🏛️ Architecture , 
  • 🧬 Biological Sciences , 
  • 📈 Business & Management Studies , 
  • 🏛️ Classics & Ancient History , 
  • 📡 Communication & Media Studies , 
  • 💻 Computer Science & Information Systems , 
  • 🌋 Earth & Marine Sciences , 
  • 💹 Economics & Econometrics , 
  • 📖 English Language & Literature , 
  • 🌿 Environmental Sciences , 
  • 📜 History , 
  • 🏛️ Law , 
  • 📚 Library & Information Management , 
  • 🗣️ Linguistics , 
  • 🔢 Mathematics , 
  • 🩺 Medicine , 
  • 🌐 Modern Languages , 
  • 🤔 Philosophy , 
  • 🌐 Politics & International Studies , 
  • 🧠 Psychology , 
  • 🏛️ Social Policy & Administration , 
  • 👥 Sociology , 
  • 📊 Statistics & Operational Research , 
  • 🕊️ Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies

About

Study abroad in Amsterdam and spend your semester in one of the world’s most multicultural cities!
Stroll along its picturesque canals, explore world-class museums, and join in vibrant festivals that showcase the city’s rich history, culture, and spirit of openness. Known for its freedom of expression and tradition of tolerance, Amsterdam offers an inspiring environment for international students.

Through the Semester in Amsterdam program, you can choose from more than 1,100 English-taught courses, allowing you to design a study abroad experience that’s uniquely yours and tailored to your academic ambitions.

Academic calendar

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Fall semester

Early September

–

Mid December or Late January

⚠️ Application deadline:

May 1

Spring semester

Early February

–

Late May or Late June

⚠️ Application deadline:

November 1

Prerequisites

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English 🇬🇧

CEFR level
C1
Accepted certificates
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), VU-test English language proficiency
Additional notes

English language test scores are only required for master-level applicants. Bachelor’s students are not required to take an English language test; however, all students are expected to have a minimum C1 level of English in order to be successful in their courses.

The VU English language test is offered by the VU Language Centre and takes place on campus. The cost of this test is 150€, and it is valid only for admission to VU Amsterdam. This test is only available to students who are not required to complete an immigration procedure and can take it in person on the VU Campus in Amsterdam.

3.2 GPA

A minimum GPA equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is typically required. Applicants slightly below this threshold may still be considered if supported by strong academic progression, relevant coursework, or an exceptional extracurricular profile.

Expense breakdown

Housing

1,150 EUR/mo

Food

300 EUR/mo

Transport

70 EUR/mo

Leisure

220 EUR/mo

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

7,595 EUR

Living expenses (5 months)

An estimation of what your living expenses could be. You can go cheaper or more expensive, depending on your lifestyle

8,700 EUR

Travel & trips

The cost of reaching the destination, having a little bit of fun travels while you're there, and coming back. Again, this varies on your adventurous spirit and spending capabilities

1,500 EUR

Estimated semester cost

17,795 EUR

Lifestyle

Life in

Amsterdam

Accommodation

Over the past three academic years, every Semester in Amsterdam student who applied for housing on time has received a room. While we cannot officially guarantee housing, we expect to be able to offer rooms to all students again in the upcoming academic year. Housing options include both a student hotel and a separate off-campus student housing building.

Social and extracurricular activities

We offer an arrival and orientation programme as well as an extended social programme throughout the semester! All activities are free for Semester in Amsterdam students. During the arrival and introduction days, students are invited to participate in various educational and social activities, including a scavenger hunt, campus tours, ping pong/game night, sports day, and more. In addition to the VU introduction activities organized for all international students, every year we organize a special overnight introduction trip to the island of Texel just for Semester in Amsterdam students.

Visa and immigration

Our student immigration team assists all students throughout the immigration process and sends their application to the IND, the Dutch immigration service.

Climate

Fall semester

Early September

–

Mid December or Late January
🌡️ 3°C to 21°C

A mild end of summer shifts into a damp, overcast autumn. Winter breezes add a chill, especially in November and December.

Spring semester

Early February

–

Late May or Late June
🌡️ 2°C to 22°C

Cool but improving spring weather. Rain remains frequent, but daylight expansion and occasional warm spells brighten the city.

Campus location

Video

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