Description

A modern university with a rich history, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) traces its roots back to 1632, when the Golden Age school Athenaeum Illustre was established to train students in trade and philosophy. Today, with more than 30,000 students, 5,000 staff and 250 study programmes (Bachelor's and Master's), many of which are taught in English, it is one of the larger comprehensive universities in Europe. It is a member of the League of European Research Universities and also maintains intensive contact with leading research universities around the world.

Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted in seven faculties: the Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry, with programmes offered in almost every field. Over time, the UvA has risen to international prominence as a research university, gaining an excellent reputation in both fundamental and socially relevant research. The UvA's thriving doctoral programmes provide an excellent foundation for engaging in high-quality teaching and research.

The UvA seeks to offer an inspiring international academic environment in which both staff and students can develop their talents optimally. Characterised by a critical, creative and international atmosphere, the UvA has a long tradition of open-mindedness and engagement with social issues, in keeping with the spirit of the city with which it is inextricably linked.

Close cooperation with Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)

The UvA aims to see all its students graduate, which is why it seeks to give each student the education that suits him or her. This means a wide range of educational routes with tailor-made student guidance. In order to facilitate this, the UvA has been actively involved with the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), University of Applied Sciences. If a student appears to have made the wrong choice in the course of the first year, he or she is steered towards a more appropriate programme within the UvA or HvA. In light of this, the UvA and HvA have increasingly synchronised their student guidance facilities.

Highlights

10 Reasons to Study at the UvA

1) International recognition
We are ranked among the top 15 universities in Europe and the top 50 world-wide.

2) Range of study
The UvA has one of the largest numbers of international Master's study programmes of any university in Europe, with over 100 taught in English and several of the courses offered being unique to the UvA.

3) Depth of study
Excellent academic career paths with multiple options to pursue study within or across disciplines all the way from Bachelor through to PhD level and further.

4) Research quality
The UvA is in the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

An association founded to strengthen the position of European universities in the arena of international scientific research. The UvA is also an active partner in many EU wide initiatives with other universities or research institutions.

5) History
The University of Amsterdam continues a tolerant, open and international academic tradition dating back to 1632. The faculties are located in either the heart of the old city or state of the art purpose-built facilities.

6) Quality of life
The city of Amsterdam features as one of the world's 15 best places to live in Mercers 2008 "Quality of living Survey". In the 2008 pan-European "International student barometer", 96% of UvA students polled were 'very satisfied' about safety, and 96% said it was 'the place to be'.

7) Practical support
The UvA presently has more than 1,800 international students, from over 80 countries, all actively supported by the International Student Network while in Amsterdam. The UvA helps with logistics such as opening a bank account, applying for visas and finding accommodation.

8) Career prospects
The presence of numerous Dutch and international firms (e.g. Philips, ING, Heineken) academic institutions and cultural organizations make Amsterdam the commercial, social and artistic heart of the Netherlands and a prestigious global business centre.

Students benefit from having access to major corporations during and after their studies.

9) Prime location
Amsterdam is well connected for travel to the rest of Europe with excellent links to the rest of world.

The city has long been a cultural and commercial crossroads and gives students access to all the arts, entertainment and social possibilities of a capital city.

10) Personal development
Study programmes at the UvA offer a high level of autonomy. Respect for each individual's opinions and convictions are central in the Netherlands' diverse and plural society.

This leads to an interactive teaching style encouraging students to develop self reliance and independent thought.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please University of Amsterdam for current pricing.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

University of Amsterdam's Mission Statement

A modern university with a rich history, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) traces its roots back to 1632, when the Golden Age school Athenaeum Illustre was established to train students in trade and philosophy. Today, with more than 30,000 students, 5,000 staff and 250 study programmes (Bachelor's and Master's), many of which are taught in English, it is one of the larger comprehensive universities in Europe. It is a member of the League of European Research Universities and also maintains intensive contact with leading research universities around the world. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted in seven faculties: the Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry, with programmes offered in almost every field. Over time, the UvA has risen to international prominence as a research university, gaining an excellent reputation in both fundamental and socially relevant research. The UvA's thriving doctoral programmes provide an excellent foundation for engaging in high-quality teaching and research. The UvA seeks to offer an inspiring international academic environment in which both staff and students can develop their talents optimally. Characterised by a critical, creative and international atmosphere, the UvA has a long tradition of open-mindedness and engagement with social issues, in keeping with the spirit of the city with which it is inextricably linked. The UvA aims to see all its students graduate, which is why it seeks to give each student the education that suits him or her. This means a wide range of educational routes with tailor-made student guidance. In order to facilitate this, the UvA has been actively involved with the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), University of Applied Sciences. If a student appears to have made the wrong choice in the course of the first year, he or she is steered towards a more appropriate programme within the UvA or HvA. In light of this, the UvA and HvA have increasingly synchronised their student guidance facilities.

Year Founded

1632