A modern university with a rich history, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) traces its roots back to 1632, when the Golden Age school Athenaeum Illustre was established to train students in trade and philosophy. In 1877, the Athenaeum Illustre became the University of Amsterdam and has since expanded into a comprehensive university with seven major faculties.
The UvA offers a wide range of study programmes at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels across seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Students benefit from excellent academic career paths from the Bachelor's up to the PhD level and beyond. The UvA’s diverse programmes not only allow students to study the subject of their choice in depth, but also provides the opportunity for a multidisciplinary approach.
The University’s scholarly research has an excellent national and international reputation. Research at the UvA is frequently interdisciplinary, and staff and students are encouraged to push the traditional disciplinary boundaries.
A degree from the UvA is excellent preparation for the start of an academic or professional career. UvA graduates from all over the world find their way to interesting careers, whether in the Netherlands or abroad. The UvA Student Careers Centre is specialised in advising international UvA students about finding a job in the international labour market.
The UvA Student Services actively supports students and alumni by providing information, advice or support regarding their registration as a student and other matters to do with studying at the UvA or student life in general.
For international students, the UvA reserves a range of furnished accommodation in Amsterdam and its suburbs. Students who would like to find accommodation on their own can visit the UvA website for more information and tips.
The University Library has 20 locations throughout Amsterdam. The Library holds around four million volumes and includes special collections of rare manuscripts, letters and maps. The various library locations also include over 2500 study places for students.
Students have free access to computers located in study centres at the University of Amsterdam. Wireless internet is also available at various UvA locations, including lecture and study rooms. All students at the UvA are provided with the option of using a UvA student email address.
Student can seek medical treatment at the Student Medical Service, where doctors are available with specific knowledge of student life. Psychologists and student counsellors are also available to help students with personal or academic issues.
The University of Amsterdam has four open city campuses that are located throughout the city. Related academic disciplines are clustered at each campus, creating urban intellectual hubs where students, staff and Amsterdam residents can engage in discussion and knowledge exchange.
The University Sports Centre (USC) is open seven days a week and offers over 70 different sports activities at various locations throughout Amsterdam. Activities available at the USC range from aikido and weightlifting, to cycling and lacrosse.
Amsterdam has a thriving student community with various student associations. There are plenty of associations and activities for students to participate in, ranging from sports and creative arts to social and academic engagement.
All study programmes at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels are systematically evaluated and compared to ensure that they meet national and international standards. The official, independent body that monitors and guards the University of Amsterdam’s quality assurance system is the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
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