Highlights
Tuition fee
24970 EUR / year
2771 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
24970 EUR / year
2771 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
24 months
Duration
24 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Campus location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

The Computer Security programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam addresses the most ambitious technical challenges in cybersecurity, with a focus on computer systems and networks security and topics such as hacking, side channels, hardening, verification, malware, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.

Visit programme website for more information

Overview

Modern computer systems have become increasingly complex and riddled with vulnerabilities in software, such as Heartbleed, and hardware, such as Rowhammer or side channels enabling sophisticated microarchitectural attacks like Spectre, Meltdown, and RIDL. All these vulnerabilities are exploited by hackers to compromise real-world systems, implant malware, mount DDOS attacks, etc. And these are all topics you will cover in this Computer Security programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam .

Move to industry

Different career paths are open to you as a graduate of our Master’s programme Computer Security.

You might want to join a tech company in which systems and security skills are crucial to carry out innovative projects, or to lead the research and development of new security solutions. Alternatively, you might be snapped up by firms looking for the ideal combination of creative problem-solving abilities and technical skills in cybersecurity (or experimental computer science in general).

Open Days

Join the Online Master’s Event on Thursday, 26 November, or the International Master’s Webinar on Tuesday, 6 October, to learn more about the programme and studying at VU Amsterdam.

Programme Structure

Courses include: 
  • Programming Large-scale Parallel Systems
  • Software Security
  • Binary and Malware Analysis
  • Advanced Operating Systems
  • Hardware Security

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

English
TOEFL® IBT
OR
92
IELTS
6.5

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT
OR
92
IELTS
6.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep
Trusted by 7M+ Students
Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

  • Study on your own schedule
  • Live classes with current and ex-examiners
  • Accurate score assesment, always
  • E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

  • Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). 
Programme-specific requirements
  • A background in Computer Science and a demonstrable, highly advanced knowledge of Computer Systems is required (experience in Security is a plus). 
  • As evidence of such knowledge, we expect good academic performance in systems courses on a university Bachelor's level, such as C/C++ programming, operating systems, and computer architecture. 
  • Alternatively, your knowledge could be demonstrated with nontrivial projects in systems programming languages such as C/C++ or similar experiences. 
  • Academic writing skill is to be demonstrated by submitting a thesis or, if not ready yet, any other piece of scientific writing (e.g., thesis/project abstract).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    24970 EUR / year
    ≈ 24970 EUR / year
  • EU/EEA

    EU/EEA Nationals
    2771 EUR / year
    ≈ 2771 EUR / year

Living costs

Amsterdam

Netherlands
1000 - 1500 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Computer Security.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
4000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2026
OAS ISS Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACU (The Association of Commonweath Universities)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jan 2027
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available

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