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University of Amsterdam

4 out of 5 (320 reviews) Amsterdam, Netherlands
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an internationally oriented research university in the heart of Amsterdam and consistently ranks among the best universities in Europe. The UvA offers more than 150 English-taught degree programmes and 20 summer programmes. 

Master's Programmes

Social Sciences (63)
Business & Management (26)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (22)
Humanities (20)
Arts, Design & Architecture (11)
Computer Science & IT (11)
Law (8)
Medicine & Health (8)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (7)
Engineering & Technology (6)
Journalism & Media (5)
Applied Sciences & Professions (4)
Education & Training (3)
Agriculture & Forestry (2)

About

History

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.

Education

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.

Research

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.

Career

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.

University Ranking

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2018
55
2017
-
2016
-
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2019
57 1
2018
58 -1
2017
57
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2019
62 -3
2018
59 4
2017
63
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2018
101
2017
101
2016
101
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator.

Services

Student services

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.

Housing services

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.

Library services

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.

ICT services

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.

Medical services

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.

Student Life

Campus life

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.

Sports facilities

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.

Student clubs

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.

Accreditation

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).

Student Reviews

UvA review - very short though
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
Pretty intense and strict but also had a lot of free time to develop hobbies and new habits.
Good course but not enough space on campus
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
The course is really demanding and does not leave much free time, but it is interesting and well structured. As I have to study a lot and prefer to do so at university, my only regret is that there is not enough space on campus. You have to be early in oder to get a spot. As well, due to the fact that the course is very group focused, it is almost impossible to find spots where you can work wit...
Good Uni for International Students
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
I just started but really like the atmosphere and the demanding classes
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