The corona measures have a huge impact on higher education, but we are certain of one thing: if you study at VU Amsterdam, you can expect high-quality education. On campus if we can. But also: online because we can.
You are welcome
Studying at VU Amsterdam is not only about education. It's also about meeting each other on campus and studying together for exams in the University Library. Although the corona crisis is turning everything upside down, our education will continue.
Hybrid education at VU Amsterdam
During the corona crisis, teaching will be offered in hybrid form: online and where it is possible and permitted, on campus.
By making our education available in a hybrid form, we create scope for (locationbased) on-campus educational activities and meetings. Face-to-face contact between individual students and with teaching staff is crucial to personal and academic development, because studying is a joint effort.
If you are enrolled in a course taught on campus but you are not able to come to the university, various online alternatives are available to you. This will unfortunately not be possible for locationbased education, such as practicals.
FIRST SEMESTER
The first semester of the new academic year runs from September 2020 to January 2021, and is divided into three periods: September to October 2020 (period 1), November to December 2020 (period 2) and January 2021 (period 3).
The first semester is arranged as follows because of the corona measures:
- All lectures will be taught online
- All exams will take place remotely
- All other educational activities; mostly online, but on campus when possible
SECOND SEMESTER
We are currently preparing for the second semester, which starts in February 2021. We would like to provide more physical education, at the same time safety is paramount and the corona rules limit the available room to do so. The expectation is that also in the second semester education will be given in hybrid form: online and where possible and allowed, on campus.
To ensure high-quality online education, we will continue to invest in good educational support for lecturers. However, online education will never replace physical education at VU Amsterdam. Personal contact between students and with teachers is extremely important to us, because studying is done together.
We’re working towards an ideal combination of education on campus and online learning. This will make studying at VU Amsterdam more varied, fun and flexible in the future!
Curious to see how our student Rodrigo is experiencing online education? Have a look at the video below.
Master's student Rodrigo on online education
Summerschool
VU Amsterdam Summer School already moved online and offers online small-scale courses at Bachelor's and Master's level in July 2020.
What can you expect from the online summer school?
- two week course(s) to achieve your goals, learn a new skill or specialize in a specific field;
- exclusive content for a limited number of students;
- 3 ECTS (European study credits) and a certificate;
- individual/group guidance from professor;
- interactive classes;
- possibilities to expand your international network;
- full support from the summer school team;
- optional online social activity.
So, would you like to develop a new skill or are you are worried about summer learning loss? Join us and apply now!
PhD
PhD activities are taking place and currently proceeding as planned. Many courses are accessible online and we organise a number of career relevant, time management, communication and negotiation online coaching and training events. For current and prospective PhD candidates please contact relevant graduate schools or [email protected] directly.
Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA)
ACTA PhD Graduate School
Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
Graduate School FGB
Amsterdam Movement Sciences
School of Business and Economics
Amsterdam Business Research Institute (ABRI)
Tinbergen Institute
Faculty of Humanities
Graduate School of Humanities
Faculty of Law
Graduate School Rechtsgeleerdheid
Faculty of Religion and Theology
FRT Graduate School
Faculty of Science
Science PhD Programme (general)
Faculty of Social Sciences
FSW Graduate School
VUmc School of Medical Sciences
Amsterdam UMC PhD Portal
Are you curious to see how our PhD candidate Metta experiences our online education? Then have a look below.
Metta on online education
Virtual Campus Tour
Please visit our Virtual Campus Tour to experience our campus and the life of an international student at VU Amsterdam.
More information
We are happy to help you with any questions you might have.
Do you have questions about your application or admission requirements?
You can contact your International Student Advisor via e-mail or telephone. See here the ISAs for our Bachelor’s programmes, and here for our Master’s programmes.
COVID-19 crisis in the Netherlands
For the latest updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis in the Netherlands click here
Do you have any other questions?
Call us on +31 20 5985000, on working days from 10:00 AM till 04:00 PM (CET)
Or send a Whatsapp message to +31682548367
Chat with international students
We have an enthusiastic group of students from all kinds of countries and programmes, who are happy to answer any questions you might have. See here.
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