Degree Programs in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is home to two of the most highly touted Dutch universities in the University of Amsterdam and the VU University of Amsterdam. It also boasts a prestigious arts school in the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and respected university of applied sciences in the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, among other smaller institutions.

Most classes that are available at any of these universities will be taught in Dutch, meaning that international students who intend to earn their degree abroad in Amsterdam should begin making an effort to learn the national language sooner rather than later. There are a handful of smaller English-taught degree programs in Amsterdam at the undergraduate and graduate levels, but learning Dutch is nonetheless the best way to get the most out of your experience abroad.

Some of the most popularly pursued degrees abroad in Amsterdam among international students include European studies, business, economics, art history, and language studies. If you enroll full time at a local university in Amsterdam then you will have the opportunity to pursue any degree you wish; by no means feel limited to within these fields! Amsterdam is a noted city of higher education, where you can explore a wide range of academic tracks.

With a population of nearly 2.5 million people, Amsterdam is the largest metropolitan area in the Netherlands; it is also the nation’s capital, although the seat of government is located nearby in the coastal city of the Hague. Amsterdam is further one of the most important financial and commercial centers in Europe, which is perhaps unsurprising if you consider that the world’s very first stock market was founded here at the turn of the 17th century.

Amsterdam is widely regarded for its historic charm, having first been established nearly a millennium ago as a fishing town and building from there over the centuries to become one of the world’s most influential cities. The city’s winding system of canals, which encompass some 90 islands and 1,500 bridges, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so is the ring of embattlements surrounding the city known as the Defense Line of Amsterdam.

On top of the many museums, galleries, and other enriching attractions where you can spend long afternoons learning about Amsterdam’s fascinating history, the city also boasts a bunch of great restaurants, bars, and infamous coffee shops, where you can fully immerse in the fun, outgoing pulse that governs student life in the city. Earning your degree abroad in Amsterdam certainly comes with its perks!

Higher education in Amsterdam is relatively affordable compared to other developed nations, costing an average annual tuition of around $2,000 if you are a citizen of the European Union. If you are an international student from outside of Europe, you may end up paying significantly more, however, to the tune of between $6,000 and $15,000 per year for a degree abroad in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam itself is also a fairly expensive city to study abroad in, so you’ll want to plan out and stick to a budget while you are living there. There are many scholarships available which can help ease the financial burden of earning your degree abroad in Amsterdam, so be sure to browse our Scholarship Directory to get a good idea for what kind of opportunities are out there.

Homestays, student dormitories, and off-campus apartments are a few examples of the types of housing you might be offered while pursuing your degree abroad in Amsterdam. Many international students also choose to take advantage of a combination of these options, such as splitting time between campus dormitories and an apartment elsewhere in the city throughout the duration of their multi-year program.

Unless you are coming from within the European Union, then you’ll need to apply for a student visa in order to earn a degree abroad in Amsterdam, as well. Your host school will typically endorse you throughout this process, but in the meantime you can check out our Embassy Directory to learn more about the Netherlands’ visa policy toward your home nation.

Dutch History. For how small of a country it is, the Netherlands has had a huge impact on European and global affairs throughout history. In fact, it was one of the first countries to set sail for the new world – remember New Amsterdam?

Global City. Amsterdam is ranked as an alpha global city, placing it amongst the top influences in the international community. Earning your degree abroad here is the opportunity to gain some serious global exposure.

Leisure Time. Earning your degree abroad in Amsterdam isn’t all about the academia; it is one of the most charming, fun, and fascinating cities in Europe where you can study as well.

Travelling to earn a degree abroad in Amsterdam is a big step forward, which can be a great opportunity to experience another culture and network in the international community. Only the ambitious need apply.