University of Amsterdam

Universiteit van Amsterdam - The Netherlands' Premier University (1632)

Founded 1632#1 NetherlandsAmsterdam, Netherlands41,000+ Students

Dutch VWO

7.0-8.5/10

Program dependent

International GPA

3.3-3.8/4.0

US equivalent

Language Requirement

C1-C2

English (most programs)

Total Students

41,000+

Including 4,500+ international

About University of Amsterdam (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), established in 1632 as one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities with nearly 400 years of continuous academic excellence and intellectual leadership, stands as the Netherlands' premier comprehensive research university and one of Europe's most distinguished centers for higher education, scientific research, and international collaboration, consistently ranking among the world's top 50 universities and maintaining its position as the leading Dutch institution for academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement across all major disciplines from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, medicine, and economics. Located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands' vibrant capital and one of Europe's most dynamic, multicultural, and internationally connected cities known for its exceptional quality of life, progressive values, cultural sophistication, economic prosperity, and unparalleled opportunities for international students, University of Amsterdam has evolved into the Netherlands' largest and most comprehensive academic institution, serving over 41,000 students including more than 4,500 international students from over 100 countries who benefit from exceptional academic programs taught primarily in English, world-class research facilities and laboratories, distinguished faculty including internationally renowned scholars and Nobel Prize winners, and the extraordinary advantages of studying in Amsterdam, Europe's most student-friendly capital that offers perfect combination of Dutch academic excellence, international diversity, cultural richness, economic opportunity, and unmatched quality of life that creates an ideal environment for intellectual growth, personal development, and career advancement in the heart of one of the world's most progressive, economically prosperous, and educationally advanced regions where innovation drives progress and academic excellence meets practical application in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom, cultural tolerance, and international cooperation.

Distinguished for its exceptional achievements in research and education across all major academic disciplines with particular excellence in economics, business, psychology, communications, law, medicine, and natural sciences that have consistently placed UvA among the world's top universities in multiple subject areas and international rankings, comprehensive offerings spanning 7 faculties and over 200 degree programs including more than 180 English-taught programs covering virtually every field of human knowledge from traditional liberal arts and professional studies to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and innovation, world-class faculty including leading European scholars, Nobel Prize winners, internationally recognized researchers, and distinguished practitioners who continue to drive academic excellence and research innovation across multiple disciplines from artificial intelligence and sustainable development to cognitive science and international relations, and strategic partnerships with major universities, research institutions, multinational corporations, and international organizations worldwide, University of Amsterdam maintains its position as the Netherlands' flagship university and Europe's premier English-speaking research institution while serving as a vital bridge between Dutch academic excellence and global educational leadership, European intellectual tradition and international innovation, theoretical investigation and practical application throughout Europe's most progressive and economically successful educational ecosystem. The university's unique position as the Netherlands' most international and research-intensive institution provides students with exceptional access to cutting-edge research opportunities, multinational corporations, international organizations, and global networks while its emphasis on English-language instruction and multicultural learning ensures that students receive world-class education grounded in Dutch academic excellence, international perspective, innovative methodology, practical application, and global collaboration. University of Amsterdam's distinctive approach emphasizes excellence in research-based education, international collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and practical application, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in academia, research, business, government, international organizations, and global society while contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement, economic development, and social progress through rigorous scholarship, innovative thinking, and commitment to advancing human knowledge and welfare in the tradition of Dutch academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and progressive values that have made University of Amsterdam a cornerstone of European higher education and international academic leadership throughout the Netherlands, Europe, and the world's most academically advanced and economically prosperous regions.

University of Amsterdam Excellence Indicators

#55
QS World Ranking
4,500+
International Students
180+
English Programs
7
Faculties
100+
Countries Represented

Academic Faculties & Excellence

  • Economics & Business: Top-ranked international business and economics programs
  • Social & Behavioural Sciences: Leading psychology, communications, and sociology
  • Humanities: Philosophy, history, literature, and cultural studies
  • Science: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science
  • Medicine: Medical research and healthcare innovation
  • Law: International and European law studies

Amsterdam & Dutch Academic Advantages

  • International Hub: Europe's most international university city
  • English Instruction: 180+ programs taught in English
  • Quality of Life: Consistently ranked world's best student city
  • Innovation Economy: Strong tech and startup ecosystem
  • Cultural Diversity: Students from 100+ countries
  • Career Prospects: Excellent European and global opportunities

University of Amsterdam's Research Excellence & Distinguished Alumni

University of Amsterdam's distinguished alumni network includes Nobel Prize winners, leading business executives, prominent politicians, renowned academics, and influential cultural figures who have shaped global society, economic development, and intellectual progress. The university's graduates include six Nobel Prize winners, Dutch prime ministers, European Commission members, multinational corporation CEOs, leading researchers and academics, and countless other leaders who continue to influence global society through their innovative work, leadership roles, and commitment to advancing human knowledge and welfare in the tradition of Dutch academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and progressive values.

Nobel Prize Winners

  • Johannes Diderik van der Waals (Physics)
  • Tobias Asser (Peace Prize)
  • Frits Zernike (Physics)
  • Jan Tinbergen (Economics)

Business & Political Leaders

  • Jeroen Dijsselbloem (Former Eurogroup President)
  • Frans Timmermans (European Commission)
  • CEOs of major multinational corporations
  • Leading European politicians and diplomats

Academic & Research Leaders

  • University presidents and rectors worldwide
  • Leading researchers in psychology and economics
  • Directors of international research institutes
  • Editors of major academic journals

Cultural & Media Leaders

  • Renowned authors and intellectuals
  • International media executives
  • Cultural institution directors
  • Leading journalists and commentators

Admission Requirements & Academic Standards

Academic Requirements by Program Level

Program LevelDutch VWOInternational GPALanguage Requirement
Economics & Business8.0-8.5/103.6-3.8/4.0English C1
Psychology7.5-8.2/103.5-3.7/4.0English C1
Communications Science7.2-7.8/103.4-3.6/4.0English C1
Computer Science7.0-7.5/103.3-3.5/4.0English C1
Liberal Arts & Sciences7.0-7.5/103.3-3.5/4.0English C1
Politics & International Relations7.0-7.8/103.3-3.6/4.0English C1

International Qualification Conversion

Qualification SystemHighly CompetitiveCompetitive ProgramsStandard Programs
US GPA (4.0 scale)3.6-3.83.4-3.63.3-3.5
UK A-LevelsA*AAAABABB
IB Diploma38-4234-3832-34
German Abitur1.0-1.51.3-2.01.5-2.3
Canadian High School90-95%85-90%80-85%

UvA Excellence & Dutch Academic Advantage

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Global Recognition: Top 55 university worldwide
  • Research Leadership: Cutting-edge research across all disciplines
  • Faculty Excellence: Nobel Prize winners and leading scholars
  • International Focus: 180+ English-taught programs
  • Innovation Hub: Strong connections to Amsterdam's tech ecosystem
  • Academic Freedom: Progressive and open learning environment

Amsterdam & Netherlands Advantages

  • International City: Europe's most international capital
  • Quality of Life: Consistently ranked world's best student city
  • English-Friendly: High English proficiency throughout Netherlands
  • Cultural Diversity: Welcoming environment for international students
  • Economic Opportunity: Strong job market and startup ecosystem
  • European Gateway: Perfect base for exploring Europe

Your Gateway to Dutch Academic Excellence

University of Amsterdam represents the pinnacle of Dutch higher education and European academic excellence, where students gain access to nearly 400 years of continuous scholarly achievement and one of the world's most international university environments while experiencing the extraordinary advantages of studying in Amsterdam, Europe's most student-friendly capital that offers unmatched opportunities for academic growth, cultural immersion, career development, and personal enrichment. With exceptional English-taught programs spanning economics, psychology, communications, sciences, and humanities, University of Amsterdam empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to global knowledge, innovation, and progress through rigorous scholarship, international collaboration, and commitment to advancing human understanding in the tradition of Dutch academic excellence, intellectual freedom, and progressive values that have made University of Amsterdam a cornerstone of European higher education and international academic leadership throughout the Netherlands, Europe, and the world's most academically advanced regions.

Ready to Join the Netherlands' Premier University?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary international academic journey at the Netherlands' flagship institution, where Dutch excellence meets global perspective in Europe's most international university city.

Global Excellence
#55 world university ranking
International Programs
180+ English-taught programs
Amsterdam Advantage
World's best student city