Global Health: Research

Check whether you meet the programme requirements and apply.

• I have a Dutch university level (WO) Bachelor’s degree (VU Bachelor’s degree, VU pre-master's or Bachelor’s degree at another university)

  A successful applicant should possess the following skills and qualities:

  • Good academic achievement 
  • Aptitude for critical analysis and logical thinking 
  • Experience with several scientific disciplines (for instance studying medicine, but doing work with social care during elective)
  • High motivation 
  • Social responsibility
  • Excellent social and communication skills (in English).

  We assess these skills and qualities through the specific admission requirements listed below: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines linked to Global Health (e.g. Medical Biology, Health Sciences, Medical Anthropology, Medicine, Health Economics, Health Management, Pharmacy, Psychology, Nursing, Public policy) with basic knowledge of epidemiology/statistics (preferably at least 6 EC). A deficiency in the knowledge of Epidemiology can be compensated by taking additional courses (before the commencement of the study).
  • A GPA of 3.0 (7.0 in the Dutch grading system) or higher. For non-EU students, the transcript and the quality of the Bachelor’s program are evaluated by the VU International Office. If the diploma or a previous study program is not known by the International Office, the file of the student is sent to the NUFFIC office for additional evaluation and advice.
  • Motivation letter stating the reasons for applying for this Research Masters
  • Comprehensive CV with a list of extra-curricular activities focusing on social responsibility, e.g. volunteer work or other activities showing the social qualities of the student. 
  • A sufficient score on the web-based entry examination. Examination consists of an open essay question regarding a video discussing the aspects of Global Health and some scientific literature readings. 
  • Receive a positive recommendation on the basis of an interview with the program director and/or master coordinator (held in person or via Skype depending on the location and possibilities of the student).
  • For those who have not completed previous studies in English a minimum score of 580 for the paper version of the TOEFL test (or an equivalent measuring the level of C1 in ‘Common European Framework of References for languages’ (CEFR)).

  Language requirements

  Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam requires international students and students with a HBO degree to pass an English language proficiency test. This requirement can be met if no longer than two years before the start of the programme the applicant has successfully completed one of the following examinations with the minimum scores indicated: 

  • IELTS  (Academic): 6.5 (due to Covid-19 the IELTS Indicator will also be accepted for admissions in 2020)
  • TOEFL paper based test: 580 
  • TOEFL internet based test: 92
  • VU TOEFL ITP: 580
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C

  Exceptions are made for students who:

  • have obtained a Dutch vwo-diploma including English, or an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma
  • have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university, 
  • have completed previous education in Canada, Ireland, UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand.

  Please refer to the Language Requirements webpage for the general requirements regarding language proficiency.
  Copies of your English test results can be uploaded in VUnet or sent to the following address: toelating.beta@vu.nl.

• I have a Dutch higher vocational education (HBO) Bachelor’s degree (pre-master's)

  A Bachelor's degree obtained at an applied university or higher vocational education (HBO in Dutch) in most cases does not grant direct access to the programme (only exceptionally high ranking students stand a chance of admission).
  
  Students with a HBO degree (in Dutch) must take an English Language Test. For more information see under the heading ‘Application with a Dutch degree’ below. 

• Application with a Dutch degree

  The Global Health programme is selective, and open to both Dutch and International Students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application, receiving and checking an online exam, and interviewing you (online or in person). You find all information about the general application procedure with a Dutch degree on the application page.

  The application deadline is:

  1 June for holders of a Dutch bachelor’s degree (with a Dutch or EU/EEA nationality).

  Your application will be rejected in case you didn’t upload the required documents in ‘your dashboard’ within 6 weeks after your enrolment in Studielink, OR in case you’ve uploaded (one or more) of the required documents after June 1^st. Applications and documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

  Required documents (deadline June 1^st)

  This Master’s programme requires students with a Dutch bachelor's degree to upload the following documents (in English) as soon as possible and in any case 6 weeks after your enrolment and before 1 June.

  • Letter of Motivation.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Bachelor's transcript, including your GPA .
  • Course descriptions of the relevant courses you have taken during your previous higher education, including the literature used.

  Your online dashboard gives you an overview of the submitted and missing documents. Check your dashboard regularly.

  Additional required document (only for HBO students, deadline August 31^st)

  • HBO students need to send in a sufficient English language test result or exemption eligibility (check the requirements and exemptions on the webpage).

  You can also submit the result of the English language test after you have been conditionally accepted, the deadline for submitting the test result is August 31^st. Please send a scan of your test result to toelating.beta@vu.nl.

• I have an international degree

  The Global Health programme is open to both Dutch and international Students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application.
  
  In order to gain admission to the Global Health Master’s programme, you will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score. 

  Specific requirements for the Global Health Master’s programme

  A successful applicant should possess the following skills and qualities:

  • Good academic achievement 
  • Aptitude for critical analysis and logical thinking 
  • Experience with several scientific disciplines (for instance studying medicine, but doing work with social care during elective)
  • High motivation 
  • Social responsibility
  • Excellent social and communication skills (in English).

  We assess these skills and qualities through the specific admission requirements listed below: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines linked to Global Health (e.g. Medical Biology, Health Sciences, Medical Anthropology, Medicine, Health Economics, Health Management, Pharmacy, Psychology, Nursing, Public policy) with basic knowledge of epidemiology/statistics (preferably at least 6 ECTS). A deficiency in the knowledge of Epidemiology can be compensated by taking additional courses (before the commencement of the study).
  • A GPA of 3.0 (7.0 in the Dutch grading system) or higher. For non-EU students, the transcript and the quality of the Bachelor’s program are evaluated by the VU International Office. If the diploma or a previous study program is not known by the International Office, the file of the student is sent to the NUFFIC office for additional evaluation and advice.
  • Motivation letter stating the reasons for applying for this Research Masters
  • Comprehensive CV with a list of extra-curricular activities focusing on social responsibility, e.g. volunteer work or other activities showing the social qualities of the student. 
  • One recommendation letter (preferably from the supervisor of the bachelor thesis or internship).
  • A sufficient score on the web-based entry examination. Examination consists of an open essay question regarding a video discussing the aspects of Global Health and some scientific literature readings. 

  English language requirements

  If you are applying for one of our English-taught Master's degree programmes you will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency by submitting English test results. 

  Although complete applications are preferred, you can begin your application before you have completed the test and then submit your passing score once you have been conditionally admitted.

  You can find an overview of all accepted tests and scores that can be used to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page.

• Application with an international degree

  Application documents

  To apply you are required to provide the following documents:

  • Scan of your passport or national ID card (ID for EEA students only) valid at the start date of the programme
  • Master Application File please download the correct file from this page. In this file you can see which documents are required to apply for your programme.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if already obtained): upload your proof of English language proficiency or English language test results. Please find the English language requirements here.

  After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure. 

  Application fee & deadlines

  All students seeking admission to an international Master’s programme with an international degree are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the evaluation of your application file. If you are applying for more than one programme, you will only need to pay the application fee once. Your application fee payment is valid for two years.
  
  Information on how to apply with an international university degree and deadlines can be found here. 

  Grants and scholarships

  As an international student planning to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries. Detailed information about scholarships and deadlines can be found on www.vu.nl/scholarships or www.grantfinder.nl.

  International Student and Alumni Ambassadors 

  Our International Student and Alumni Ambassadors are happy to tell you all about their experiences with studying at VU Amsterdam and living in Amsterdam.

  • Our Student Ambassadors are current students at VU Amsterdam that represent a wide variety of programmes and countries.
  • Our International Alumni Ambassadors are VU Amsterdam graduates who are currently either working in the Netherlands or abroad, or doing a PhD or (second) Master's.

  You will find the full overview of our Ambassadors here: vu.nl/ambassadors. There you can chat with them directly.