How do I apply for a Bachelor’s programme?

Applying with a non-Dutch diploma: non-selective programmes (ENG)

• Before you apply: learn more about the programme and check if you match the admission requirements

  Bachelor's Day and webinar

  VU Amsterdam organises the Bachelor’s Day twice a year. During these open days you can attend presentations and talk to representatives from all of our programmes. Most Bachelor's programmes also offer the opportunity to attend a Taster Day on campus. 

  You can also join the International Bachelor's webinar on 24 October 2024 and discover more about applying and studying in Amsterdam.

  Check the admission requirements

  Applicants who apply with a non-Dutch diploma must meet a number of requirements in order to be eligible for admission to our Bachelor’s degree programmes.

  Go to the information page of your programme of interest and check the specific admission requirements for the programme under the tab 'Admissions'.

  Student Self-Check tool

  For many programmes there is also the option to fill out the online Student Self-Check tool - prior to applying - to find out more about your chances to be admitted.

  Application procedure

  Before you apply: take a look at the step-by-step application video on this page to find out how you can apply for our English-taught programmes with an international diploma. Then progress to 'Step 1: Apply in Studielink' below.

  Switching programmes

  Are you having doubts about your current study programme and would you like to switch programmes within VU Amsterdam or from another institution? Or would you like to learn more about transferring credit? VU Amsterdam is happy to guide you in the transition to another study programme.

• Step 1: Apply in Studielink

  Go to Studielink and create an application for the study programme you wish to apply for. In Studielink you can apply for a maximum of 4 courses in total in the Netherlands.
  
  Do you currently live in the Netherlands? Then you will need to log in with your DigiD. 
  If you do not yet live in the Netherlands you can choose the option: 'International students - Create an account'. When you create your Studielink account via this option you will need a scan or photo of your valid passport or European ID card.

  • Studielink Step-by-step plans - instructions on how to create a Studielink account (with or without DigiD)
  • Online Studielink Q&A

  Important when you register in Studielink:

  • Make sure that the email address you fill in in Studielink (My details) is correct: you will receive important notices concerning your enrolment via this address.
  • Please enter your prior education (on the basis of which your application will be evaluated) correctly.
  • Select the study programme of choice with (Bachelor) at the end from the list in Studielink (note: specialisations and tracks can be selected in your personal dashboard on VU.nl, the next step of your application).
  • Enter your payment details so the correct tuition fee can be calculated. This does not generate an automatic payment. The deadline for payment is 31 August (or 15 July for numerus fixus study programmes) 2025.

• Step 2: Complete your application via your dashboard on VU.nl

  Within 48 hours* (two working days) of finishing your application in Studielink you will receive your VUnetID (username) and password via email. You can use these to log in to the application portal in your personal dashboard on VU.nl.  If you already are (or have been) a VU Amsterdam student, or if you applied before, use your existing VUnetID and password to log in.

  Complete you application by answering the questions asked in the application portal and make sure to upload the requested items. If applicable, you can also select the specialisation or track of your programme. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.

  Questions? Read our step by step guide to completing your application in your dashboard on VU.nl.
  
  *In case you did not receive your login details, please first check your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate them, then contact the UCIT service desk on ucit-servicedesk@vu.nl or +31 (0)20 598 0000.

  Application documents

  In the portal you are asked to upload the required documents in PDF-format and submit your application. We created a walk-through video that explains how you should do this.

  Required application documents (including the VU Application Form template)
  
  Note that you do not have to send original documents when applying! For the application phase uploading scans of your previous education documents is sufficient. 

  VU Study Choice Check

  Most Bachelor's degree programmes make use of the VU Study Choice Check, to assess whether the programme you are applying for suits you. As part of your application you are asked to complete step 1: the mandatory Study Choice Check questionnaire. After admission, you will be invited via email to participate in an online activity for which you will be invited via email. Read more about the VU Study Choice Check. 
  
  Note that programmes from the School of Business and Economics do not work with VU Study Choice Check. 

• Step 3: Pay the application fee

  If you obtained your diploma outside of the Kingdom of the Netherlands we ask you to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the assessment of your application file. Please do not delay paying the fee as this will delay your application.

  Application fee payment options and possible exemptions

• Step 4: Wait for the admission decision

  The International Office will confirm receipt of your complete application once your file is submitted and all documents have been checked. Your admission decision will be determined based on the submitted documents only. Note that during holiday times and closer to the deadline dates the processing time (i.e. checking of all documents) and decision time is longer than in slower periods. Keep this in mind in planning when to submit your application. 
  
  Once you have received confirmation that the application is complete, we aim to send you the admission decision within 4-6 weeks. 

  All information regarding your application will be sent to your Studielink registered email address. It is your own responsibility to check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder. 

  Unsure if your application is complete? 

  You can always check the status of your application in your status overview. Note that your application is only complete when you have received a confirmation email from us. 

• After admission: start your onboarding journey!

  Once you have secured your (conditional) admission to VU Amsterdam, your exciting student onboarding journey begins. 

  Complete your admission and enrolment

  Once you have been admitted to VU Amsterdam, there are steps you need to take to make sure you complete your enrolment in time and do not miss out on any of our essential student services.

  Read more about what happens after Admission

  International student onboarding

  To optimise your student experience, VU Amsterdam offers a range of onboarding services and activities. All activities within the onboarding process are aimed at social and academic integration and cultural adaptation to foster your study success.  

  Read more about student onboarding  

• (Online) Campus Tour and Student Experiences

  Visit the Campus online

  The University Campus is the lively hub of the university and you are welcome to pay a virtual visit to get to know the university.
  Visit the online campus tour and explore the campus, university buildings and more!

  Contact our Student Ambassadors

  Do you have a question for a current student? Are you curious about everyday life in Amsterdam, from our campus to the food, music and events going on throughout the city? Want to know how much homework you will have each night, or how the Dutch educational system differs from your own? Ask one of our ambassadors! You can contact the VU Student and Alumni Ambassadors for questions about their experiences with the programme, the university, the Netherlands, finding a job, or whatever you would like to ask. Check the Student Ambassadors page to find an ambassador from the programme you’re interested in or from your home country. 

  Read the Student Blog

  On www.amsterdamstudents.com you can read blog updates from our (international) students.

Applying with a non-Dutch diploma: PPE and Law in Society

• Before you apply: learn more about the programme and check if you match the admission requirements

  Bachelor's Day and webinar

  VU Amsterdam organises the Bachelor’s Day twice a year. During these open days you can attend presentations and talk to representatives from all of our programmes. Most Bachelor's programmes also offer the opportunity to attend a Taster Day on campus. 

  You can also join the International Bachelor's webinar on 24 October 2024 and discover more about applying and studying in Amsterdam.

  Check the admission requirements and selection procedure

  The Bachelor's programme Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and Law in Society are selective. Go to the 'Admissions' page of PPE or Law in Society and check the admission requirements and selection procedure for the programme under the tab 'Admissions'.

  Student Self-Check tool

  For the PPE programme there is also the option to fill out the online Student Self-Check tool - prior to applying - to find out more about your chances to be admitted.

  Application procedure

  Before you apply: take a look at the step-by-step application video to find out how you can apply for our English-taught programmes with a non-Dutch diploma. Then progress to 'Step 1: Apply in Studielink' below.

  Switching programmes

  Are you having doubts about your current study programme and would you like to switch programmes within VU Amsterdam or from another institution? Or would you like to learn more about transferring credit? VU Amsterdam is happy to guide you in the transition to another study programme.

• Step 1: Apply in Studielink

  Go to Studielink and create an application for the study programme you wish to apply for. In Studielink you can apply for a maximum of 4 courses in total in the Netherlands.
  
  Do you currently live in the Netherlands? Then you will need to log in with your DigiD. 
  If you do not yet live in the Netherlands you can choose the option: 'International students - Create an account'. When you create your Studielink account via this option you will need a scan or photo of your valid passport or European ID card.

  • Studielink Step-by-step plans - instructions on how to create a Studielink account (with or without DigiD)
  • Online Studielink Q&A

  Important when you register in Studielink:

  • Make sure that the email address you fill in in Studielink (My details) is correct: you will receive important notices concerning your enrolment via this address.
  • Please enter your prior education (on the basis of which your application will be evaluated) correctly.
  • Select the study programme of choice with (Bachelor) at the end from the list in Studielink (note: specialisations and tracks can be selected in your personal dashboard on VU.nl, the next step of your application).
  • Enter your payment details so the correct tuition fee can be calculated. This does not generate an automatic payment. The deadline for payment is 31 August (or 15 July for numerus fixus study programmes) 2025.

• Step 2: Complete your application via your dashboard on VU.nl

  Within 48 hours* (two working days) of finishing your application in Studielink you will receive your VUnetID (username) and password via email. You can use these to log in to the application portal in your personal dashboard on VU.nl.  If you already are (or have been) a VU Amsterdam student, or if you applied before, use your existing VUnetID and password to log in.

  Complete you application by answering the questions asked in the application portal and make sure to upload the requested items. Complete your application until 100% in your VU dashboard within six weeks and no later than one week after the application deadline closes.

  Questions? Read our step by step guide to completing your application in your dashboard on VU.nl.
  
  *In case you did not receive your login details, please first check your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate them, then contact the UCIT service desk on ucit-servicedesk@vu.nl or +31 (0)20 598 0000.

  Application documents

  In the portal you are asked to upload the required documents in PDF-format and submit your application. We created a walk-through video that explains how you should do this.

  Required application documents (including the VU Application Form template)
  
  Note that you do not have to send original documents when applying! For the application phase uploading scans of your previous education documents is sufficient. 

  Selection

  To qualify for admission, you will need to meet the entry requirements and satisfy the specific selection criteria of the programme. As part of the VU Application Form, you are asked to answer several assessment questions relating to your motivation and suitability to join our Bachelor's programme.

• Step 3: Pay the application fee

  If you obtained your diploma outside of the Kingdom of the Netherlands we ask you to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee. Only after you have paid this fee will we be able to start the assessment of your application file. Please do not delay paying the fee as this will delay your application.

  Application fee payment options and possible exemptions

• Step 4: Wait for the admission decision

  The International Office will confirm receipt of your complete application once your file is submitted and all documents have been checked. If there are any documents missing and/or further information is needed, you will be contacted by the International Office.
  
  Once you have received confirmation that the application is complete, the International Office starts with the evaluation of your academic background. The Admission Board will then determine if your motivation and qualifications match the desired profile, following the specified selection criteria of the programme.

   Timeline for the admission decision:

  • PPE: your International Student Advisor will aim to inform you of the decision on admission within 4 weeks after completion if your application was completed before the Early Bird deadline of 14 February. After this date we aim to send you the admission decision within 6 weeks.
  • Law in Society: your International Student Advisor will aim to inform you of the decision on admission within 5 weeks after completion. 

  Note that during holiday times and closer to the deadline dates the processing time (checking of all documents) and decision time is longer than in slower periods. Keep this in mind in planning when to submit your application. 

  All information regarding your application will be sent to your Studielink registered email address. It is your own responsibility to check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder. 

  Unsure if your application is complete? 

  You can always check the status of your application in your status overview. Note that your application is only complete when you have received a confirmation email from us. 

• After admission: start your onboarding journey!

  Once you have secured your (conditional) admission to VU Amsterdam, your exciting student onboarding journey begins. 

  Complete your admission and enrolment

  Once you have been admitted to VU Amsterdam, there are steps you need to take to make sure you complete your enrolment in time and do not miss out on any of our essential student services.

  Read more about what happens after Admission

  International student onboarding

  To optimise your student experience, VU Amsterdam offers a range of onboarding services and activities. All activities within the onboarding process are aimed at social and academic integration and cultural adaptation to foster your study success.  

  Read more about student onboarding  

• (Online) Campus Tour and Student Experiences

  Visit the Campus online

  The University Campus is the lively hub of the university and you are welcome to pay a virtual visit to get to know the university.
  Visit the online campus tour and explore the campus, university buildings and more!

  Contact our Student Ambassadors

  Do you have a question for a current student? Are you curious about everyday life in Amsterdam, from our campus to the food, music and events going on throughout the city? Want to know how much homework you will have each night, or how the Dutch educational system differs from your own? Ask one of our ambassadors! You can contact the VU Student and Alumni Ambassadors for questions about their experiences with the programme, the university, the Netherlands, finding a job, or whatever you would like to ask. Check the Student Ambassadors page to find an ambassador from the programme you’re interested in or from your home country. 

  Read the Student Blog

  On www.amsterdamstudents.com you can read blog updates from our (international) students.

Application procedure for all other students

• Step 1: check the admission requirements on the study programme page

  Every Bachelor’s degree programme has specific entry requirements. Please check the Bachelor's degree programme of your choice to find out if you are admissible or if additional requirements need to be met.

• Step 2: start your application in Studielink

  Log in to Studielink and create a new application for the study programme you wish to apply for. You can choose "Log in without DigiD" if you live outside of the Netherlands. Only if you are already living in the Netherlands, you will need to log in with a DigiD. If you do not yet have one, you will have to apply for a DigiD first. DigiD applications can take up to two weeks. 

  To start your application in Studielink, you can follow the steps in the step-by-step guide by Studielink.

• Step 3: complete your application in your personal dashboard on VU.nl

  Within 48 hours (two working days) of finishing your application in Studielink you will receive a VUnetID (username) and password. Please use these details to log in on your dashboard on VU.nl. If you already are (or have been) a VU Amsterdam student, or applied before, use your existing VUnetID and password to log in to your dashboard.

  Complete you application by answering the questions asked in the application portal and upload the requested items. In your application portal you can answer study-specific questions and choose - if applicable - the specialisation of your programme. In your application you can also upload the required documents in PDF-format and complete your application.

  We advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible after applying in Studielink. 

• Step 4: finish the VU Study Choice Check

  Most Bachelor's degree programmes have adopted VU Study Choice Check. The application process includes a check to assess whether the programme is really suitable for you. You do this through a mandatory questionnaire in your personal dashboard on VU.nl and (for most degree programmes) an online activity for which you will be invited via email. 

  For more information on VU Study Choice Check, please visit the designated webpage.

• Step 5: wait for decision on admission

  The Student Administration will inform you by email if you are accepted into the study programme or if additional requirements need to be met. This will happen after we have received your completed application and the details from your previous education.

  Note that during holiday times and closer to the deadline dates the processing time (checking of all documents) and decision time is longer. Keep this in mind in planning when to submit your application.

  All information regarding your application will be sent to your Studielink registered email address. It is your own responsibility to check your inbox regularly, including the spam folder. 

• Step 6: complete the payment of the tuition fees

  Make sure you pay the tuition fees or issue the digital authorisation no later than 31 August (or 15 July for numerus fixus study programmes). Otherwise you will not become enrolled and cannot start the study programme. You can arrange your payment in Studielink from the beginning of May. All information on how to pay your tuition fees can be found here.

  Have you opted for digital authorisation in Studielink? Then you must confirm this when the action appears in your to-do list. This will take a maximum of 24 hours. The confirmation is the actual payment, so don't forget this step! Debit of the (first) term takes place at the end of September, as can be seen in the collection calendar.

• Step 7: check your enrolment status

  You can always check the status of your application on your dashboard on VU.nl. Here's how to check this.

  1. Go to your personal dashboard on VU.nl.
  2. Click on the app Complete application.
  3. Click on Check status next to the relevant study programme.

  Once you have met all the admission requirements and have completed all the application steps (including payment of tuition fees), you will receive a confirmation of enrolment through Studielink. The status of your application will then change to 'enrolled'.

• Application procedure for selective programmes: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and Law in Society

  Do you want to apply for Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) or Law in Society with a Dutch diploma? Then please take a look at our Dutch information page.

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