On 8 January 1632, Gerardus Vossius opened the Athenaeum Illustre, the predecessor of the University of Amsterdam, with his inaugural lecture ‘De historiae utilitate’ (On the usefulness of history). The next day, Caspar Barlaeus gave his famous lecture on the wise merchant, ‘Mercator Sapiens’.
Explore the University of Amsterdam (UvA) – a leading European university reflecting the innovative and international culture of Amsterdam. Choose from 200+ degree programmes.
Research is at the heart of what we do. Nearly 3,000 researchers carry out experimental and theoretical research, and every UVA student has the chance to carry out research themselves.
You can get started on your own. Occasionally, however, you just need some fresh perspective. Our careers advisers at the UvA Student Careers Centre are happy to help and offer a constructive chat, feedback, inspiration and information about your study and employment options.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsThe University Library is located in a number of buildings all over Amsterdam. Apart from the central University Library (UB) on the Singel there are individual faculty libraries, and together they hold around four million volumes and a large collection of manuscripts.
As a UvA student, you will be able to make use of online and offline study facilities. Your UvA student card and UvAnetID will give you access to these study facilities and more.
In case you have a medical condition which could pose a problem during your studies, at fieldwork, during excursions, or something that you think is important to inform the program coordinator about, it is important to report this with the university medical health services doctor.
The UvA has four campuses located across Amsterdam. Some classes are in quaint old buildings overlooking the canals, others in high-tech laboratories.
Roeterseiland Campus
Campus development
Amsterdam has a thriving student community with various student associations. There are plenty of associations and activities for students to participate in alongside their studies.
Accredited by AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS, the Amsterdam School of Economics is part of a select group with a 'Triple Crown'.
I would recommend the University of Amsterdam to anyone.
It is an university with an amazing campus and very different people to see. The level of the courses are very high, thus it can take some getting used to but once you do, you'll be fine.
The course is interesting and the professors are very engaging, but it is extremely theoretical and focuses mainly upon institutions. I would prefer if the course offered a more inter-personal approach.