University of Amsterdam

We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Amsterdam. As an UvA student, you have access to our libraries, modern study centres, Central Student Support Desk, career centre, university doctors, dentists and counsellors, and sports and cultural facilities. Students with a disability can also turn to the UvA for extra advice and assistance. We offer support and guidance in arranging practical matters like visas, residence permits and housing. Read more about our UvA facilities  or follow the links below.

Study facilities

City campuses:  Our locations are found throughout Amsterdam, increasingly focused on four open campuses. Many classes are given in historic buildings overlooking the canals or in high-tech laboratories at our Science Park – one of the largest in Europe.

University library: The University Library owns a vast collection of books, e-books, journals, e-journals and databases from around the world. Offering inspiring study, research and meeting spaces around the city, the library will move to the UvA’s new University Quarter in 2022.    

Language classes: If you would like to learn Dutch while studying at the UvA you can take courses at special student rates at the Institute for Dutch as a Second Language.

Studying with a disability: The UvA offers extra support for students with a disability, chronic condition or dyslexia. 

Extracurricular facilities

Sport and fitness: The University Sports Centre (USC) has locations throughout the city and students receive membership discounts.

Student Cultural Centre (CREA): CREA, the cultural organisation of the UvA, organises courses and workshops in the fields of music, theatre, dance, film, digital media, photography and literature.

Student associations: A student organisation is a great way to meet other people. The UvA has a thriving student community with various student associations.

Restaurants, cafés and coffee bars: Our campuses offer many options for snacks and meals - from cafés and coffee bars to restaurants and canteens. 

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) reflects the spirit of Amsterdam – it’s a place to be who you are and to discover who you want to become. With the UvA’s very wide range of degree programmes, attracting people from all over the world and from many different disciplines, you can be sure of an exciting and diverse environment. You can enjoy freedom of choice here, exploring the many opportunities that the UvA and the city offer.

Great place to live:
The UvA is located at the heart of Amsterdam, a vibrant, cosmopolitan, capital city with a small-scale feel. The city placed 11th out of 231 cities worldwide in Mercer’s 2019 Quality of Living survey, and 24th in the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking . It’s busy enough to be exciting, small enough to feel at home in. Cycle almost everywhere on dedicated bike paths and enjoy concerts, clubs, festivals and cafés in a compact city of less than a million inhabitants. Find your people and become a local in a European city with a global outlook.

One of the world's safest cities

In the Economist’s 2019 Safe Cities Index, Amsterdam placed 4th for safest cities worldwide. It's listed as as the overall safest in Europe. In the pan-European 'International Student Barometer', 96% of students polled felt safe and secure, and 97% said Amsterdam was 'the place to be'.

What's it like to study at the UvA?

Want to find out more about what it is like to be a student at the UvA? Our Bachelor's and Master's student ambassadors share their experiences on our website. Feel free to contact them if you have any questions about student life, living in Amsterdam, our education system or campuses:

Explore your options first to find the programme that suits you best. After that, just follow our step-by-step admissions procedure. You can do it all online from where you are. The steps and deadlines differ depending on to the programme you choose.

Key steps for admission to the UvA

Every programme at the University of Amsterdam has its own entry requirements, application procedure and deadlines. Find out how to apply for a programme by following the step-by step guide in the application and admission section of each programme.

- Find out how to apply for a Bachelor’s programme
- Find out how to apply for a Master’s programme

For many students* the career impact of an UvA degree is among the top reasons for choosing to study with us. It’s not just your study choice and the final degree certificate that matter. All our Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes combine teaching and research, promoting critical thinking that can give you the edge in professional environments.   
Amsterdam is not only the creative and cultural heart of the Netherlands but also a global business centre. Both during and after your studies, you can benefit from having access to major international firms and Dutch companies located in Amsterdam, such as Philips and Heineken, as well as academic institutions and cultural organisations.
Our team of career advisors can help you to decide on the next steps to take for your studies or career. We also host various workshops, events and fairs to help students prepare for their future professional life.

• Find out more: www.career.uva.nl

*Source: International Student Barometer 2018