Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems
Application procedure
To apply to the master's programme, proceed as follows:
1. Fill in the online application form:
Online application for international and Dutch students
Please note that the online application is a standardized procedure for all master programmes, which at some points deviates from the PDCS-procedure. In case of differences, please always follow the instructions as given below.
2. Additional Information Form
Please fill in this form, and submit it to your online application or send it by email to: international.few@vu.nl.
3. Get 3 reference letters
Please give a Reference Form (last page of the Additional Information Form) to each of your three referees along with an envelope marked Reference Form. Ask each referee to seal the form he/she has written of your behalf in the envelope, sign across the seal, and return it to you. Do not open the envelope or break the seal. Submit the sealed envelopes containing the reference forms in your application package at the address specified below. Only one form is included in this package. Please make copies of the reference form page to submit to your referees.
4. Transcript of records
An official transcript listing your grades at each university you have attended is required. Type or print your name and address on the front of an envelope marked Transcript and submit one to the Registrar of each school/institution you attended along with a written request to the Registrar to seal the transcript in the envelope, sign across the seal, and return it to you. Do not open these envelopes or break the seals. Occasionally, universities may not wish to send official copies via the applicant. In that case, please have official copies sent directly to us to the address indicated below.
5. Official copies of diplomas and degrees
Using the same procedure as in step 4, get an officially certified copy of all your university degrees in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal by the Registrar. The transcript and degree may go in the same envelope if the Registrar finds that easier to do. Also include a photocopy of your high school diploma.
6. Assemble and mail your package
Mail sealed envelopes with transcripts and degrees, three sealed reference letters, and proof of English proficiency (if available) in a single envelope. Send the package by priority airmail or courier to
Vrije Universiteit
Faculty of Science
International Office
De Boelelaan 1083a, Room P-362
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Application deadline
The deadline is 28th of February 2012. However, for students whose first choice is VU University Amsterdam, an Early Decision program is available. If the application and all the supporting documents arrive before 31st December 2011, we will make a decision and notify the candidate before 31st January 2012. VU University Amsterdam asks applicants who are offered a place on a Master's degree programme to pay a guarantee deposit to cover the costs incurred by the university should students fail to enrol. Once the student has arrived and enrolled at VU University Amsterdam, this guarantee deposit can be converted into a down payment on the tuition fees.
Requirements and procedure
Not only does Early Decision give you peace of mind, but it also provides more time to acquire a visa, a time-consuming process for students from outside the European Union. We will explain the visa process to you when the time comes.
Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not be evaluated. VU University Amsterdam will destroy all documents that unsuccessful applicants have submitted related to their application. In no case will any documents be returned to the applicants.
Notification and Acceptance
There are two application deadlines 31st December 2011 or 28th February 2012. Applicants will be notified about the result of their application one month after the deadline thus on the 31st of January 2012 for the first deadline and on the 31th of March 2012 in case they applied to the second deadline, both by postal mail and e-mail. Applicants who have not received notification on schedule should contact us immediately at international.few@vu.nl.
Admission requirements
Dutch applicants
The Master’s programme in Parallel and Distributed Computer Systems is an internationally oriented, multidisciplinary programme based on outstanding research at VU Amsterdam. The requirements, procedures and regulations are therefore different from those of a standard Master’s programme. First of all, students have to undergo a selection procedure to gain admission. Competition is tough as the programme is open to foreign students and is widely advertised abroad. You will be competing for a limited number of places with students from Europe, the US, India, China and elsewhere. Standards will be very high indeed.
This is a specialized Master’s, consisting mainly of classes, practicals and projects in computer systems. Students preferring to take a wide-ranging Master’s are advised to opt for a standard programme. In keeping with the programme’s international orientation, the application procedure is based on the system in such countries as the UK, the US and Canada. The same procedure, rules and application date apply to Dutch students, with the following exceptions: Dutch students pay the standard tuition fees. The general rules with regard to student grants and loans apply. Dutch students do not have to pay part of their tuition fees before 15 April. Dutch students are not required to supply proof of funds.
HBO-applicants
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from an institute of higher vocational education (HBO) are also eligible to apply. However, in many cases these students will have to take additional courses in order to meet the admission requirements. This may take anything up to a year. We recommend completing a university Bachelor’s programme before applying. However, students who have obtained excellent marks in vocational programmes are welcome to compete for a place directly.
International applicants
Since this international Master's is taught completely in English, applications from foreign students are welcome. The starting level of Dutch university Master’s studies is comparable to that of other West European countries. International students who wish to follow a full two-year Master’s programme have to meet the standard Dutch entrance requirements. This is a Bachelor’s degree or a statement that the applicant has completed courses in relevant subjects for a total of at least three full years of academic study or at least 180 ECTS credits in relevant subjects.
Language proficiency requirements
VU University Amsterdam requires all applicants to take an English test and to submit their score as a part of the application. Exceptions are made for students who have completed their education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia or who have obtained an international Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma.
Further information on the minimum English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) is available under the section:
Further information
Further information on the subjects below is available on the central VU website under the section:
- Required documents
- Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students
- Visa requirements
- Application procedures
