🏅 QS World Rank #60
University of Amsterdam (UvA) — Full Profile & Ranking 2026
One of Europe’s oldest universities, a social sciences leader — QS World Rankings 2027 #60
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a public research university in the Dutch capital, founded in 1632. In the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026) it is 60th in the world. This guide covers programmes, admission, 2026-27 tuition, scholarships, advice for applicants from Pakistan and the questions applicants ask most. Every figure is labeled with its year or ranking edition.
UvA Overview
UvA traces its roots to the Athenaeum Illustre, founded in 1632, and became a university in 1877. It sits in the centre of Amsterdam, with faculties spread across the city.
It is known for the social sciences, economics, law, the humanities and communication science, and offers many programmes taught in English, which attracts a large international student body.
UvA Rankings — QS World University Rankings 2027
The University of Amsterdam is 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in June 2026.
This is a QS-specific result, not one universal ranking. Times Higher Education, U.S. News and ARWU use different methods and can order universities differently.
Source: QS TopUniversities (QS World University Rankings 2027, 18 June 2026).
Key Strengths & Programs
UvA is known for:
- Social and behavioural sciences, including psychology
- Economics and business — Amsterdam Business School and School of Economics
- Law — Amsterdam Law School
- Communication science
- Humanities and media studies
- Natural sciences at Science Park
See the official website for the full list.
Explore Related Guides & Rankings
Admission Requirements
Applications go through the Dutch Studielink system plus UvA’s own steps. Confirm all details on UvA’s official pages.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | Through Studielink and the UvA application portal. Non-EU applicants should apply early because of visa and housing timelines. |
| Selection | Some programmes have a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) and use selection, which can include grades, motivation letters or assessments |
| Qualifications | UvA checks your diploma against its country-specific requirements. Check the rules for Pakistan before applying. |
| English | Most English-taught programmes need an accepted English test. Check the score for your programme. |
| Documents | Transcripts, identification, motivation letter and English evidence |
Official source: UvA — Education.
UvA Acceptance Rate
UvA does not publish one acceptance rate that applies to every programme. Popular programmes and those with a fixed number of places are more selective.
Practical Application Checklist
- Choose your programme and read its entry and language requirements
- Check the application deadline for your intake
- Book an English (or other required) language test
- Prepare transcripts, identification and any required documents
- Apply and accept your offer
- Meet the visa or residence-permit conditions for your destination
- Plan funding for tuition and living costs
- Verify every date, fee and requirement on UvA’s official website before submitting
Tuition & Costs
UvA publishes its 2026-27 fees by degree level:
- EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students (statutory fee): €2,694 for full-time students
- Non-EEA bachelor’s: €13,900 to €34,700 a year depending on the faculty (Economics €13,900, Medicine €34,700)
- Non-EEA one-year master’s: €21,800 to €34,300
- Non-EEA two-year master’s: €20,200 to €37,400 a year (Science €26,000)
The old “€10,000 to €24,000” range on this page was out of date. Amsterdam housing and living costs are also high, so budget for them as well.
Source: UvA — Tuition fees 2026-2027. Fees, dates and rules change each year.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarship: for outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA on selected master’s programmes. Faculties run their own rounds, so check the amount and deadline for your programme (one science round listed 15 January 2026).
- Holland Scholarship: a Dutch scheme for non-EEA students, with an amount and rules that change, so check the current call
- Other aid: compare options in our fully funded scholarships for 2027 guide
- No guarantee: awards are competitive and have strict deadlines
Source: UvA — Scholarships.
UvA for Pakistani Students
Pakistani applicants are non-EEA applicants:
- Entry: check whether your qualification meets UvA’s country-specific requirements
- English: prepare an accepted test. Our IELTS preparation guides can help.
- Scholarships: check Amsterdam Merit and Holland awards early
- Visa: a Dutch residence permit is required and UvA guides applicants through it
- Budget: plan for non-EEA tuition plus Amsterdam living costs
Campus & Student Life
- UvA is spread across Amsterdam, including the City Centre, Roeterseiland and Science Park campuses
- The city is compact, well connected by bike and tram, and very international
- Student housing is scarce, so apply for housing as soon as you can
- Student associations cover culture, sport and academic interests
Research & Career Opportunities
- UvA is research-intensive, with notable work in the social sciences, economics and law
- Amsterdam is a hub for finance, technology, media and international organisations
- Many English-taught programmes lead into the international job market
- UvA does not guarantee employment, salary or visa outcomes
Notable Alumni
- Jacobus van ‘t Hoff, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1901, was a professor at Amsterdam
- Johannes van der Waals, Nobel Prize in Physics 1910, was a professor at Amsterdam
- Pieter Zeeman, Nobel Prize in Physics 1902, was a professor at Amsterdam
- UvA graduates work across Dutch and international business, law, media and research
Contact & Location
University of Amsterdam
Spui 21, 1012 WX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Official website: uva.nl
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Amsterdam is ranked 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026.
Many Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are taught in English, though not all. Check the language of your programme.
It is a Dutch system that limits the number of places on some programmes, with selection based on grades and sometimes extra assessments.
UvA is best known for the social sciences, economics, law and communication science.
For 2026-27, non-EEA bachelor’s tuition ranges from €13,900 to €34,700 a year, depending on the faculty.
Yes, including the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship on selected master’s programmes. Awards are competitive.
Yes. Pakistani applicants follow the non-EEA route and should check diploma, English and visa requirements.
UvA does not publish one overall rate. Selectivity varies by programme.
Yes. Non-EU students need a Dutch residence permit, and UvA guides applicants through the process.
Check UvA’s official programme and tuition pages. Fees, deadlines and rules can change.
Compare UvA With Other Top Universities
Disclaimer: This page is based on the QS World University Rankings 2027, UvA’s official pages, and other publicly available sources, last checked in October 2026. Fees, rankings, deadlines, and admission rules change, and no admission, funding, visa, or employment outcome is guaranteed. Always verify current details directly with the university before applying.