Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam ranks 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. One of Europe’s oldest universities, it is particularly renowned for social sciences, economics, and communication studies, with a large, diverse international student body drawn to its English-taught program offerings.

International undergraduate applicants apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system, with secondary school results and, for competitive programs, additional selection procedures like motivation letters or interviews. Most programs are taught fully in English.

UvA’s selective programs, particularly in Psychology and Econometrics, use a numerus fixus system limiting intake, with selection based on a combination of grades, motivation letters, and sometimes an additional test or assessment day.

UvA offers the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, covering full tuition and a living allowance for outstanding international Master’s applicants, alongside the Holland Scholarship available to non-EU students across Dutch universities.

UvA’s faculties are spread across several locations woven directly into central Amsterdam, including the historic Oudemanhuispoort building for law and humanities, giving students an integrated city-campus experience along Amsterdam’s famous canals.