Educational programs in Amsterdam for international students
- Higher Education in Amsterdam: Universities, Bachelor's and Master's Programs
- Advantages of Higher Education in Amsterdam
- Main Universities in Amsterdam
- Overview of Bachelor's Programs in Amsterdam
- Master's and PhD Programs in Amsterdam
- Student Life in Amsterdam
- Career Opportunities After Studying in Amsterdam
- Is Studying in Amsterdam Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor - Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesStudents who pick the BBA Entrepreneurial Business Administration programme and the specialism in Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing are frequently interested in launching their own businesses at the end of their studies, particularly in the fields of digitisation, marketing, and sales. It is a…
Bachelor - Entrepreneurship and FinTech
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesStudents who pick the BBA Entrepreneurial Business Administration programme and the specialism in Entrepreneurship & FinTech are frequently interested in launching their own businesses at the end of their studies, particularly in the fields of digitization, marketing, and sales. It is a demanding…
Bachelor - Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesStudents who pick the BBA Entrepreneurial Business Administration programme and the specialism in Entrepreneurship & Small Business are frequently interested in beginning their own businesses at the end of their studies. It is a demanding programme that is jam-packed with business and entrepreneurship…
MBA - Clean Technology Management
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesWittenborg University of Applied Sciences (WUAS) developed their Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration in Clean Technology Management (Energy & Clean Tech) in response to a European Union (EU) Interregional-funded research project involving the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and…
MBA - Smart Industry
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesThe Fourth Industrial Revolution is about to begin, and it will have a profound impact on businesses and the way we all work. The industry is in for a major shakeup in the next decades as a result of this revolution, which is being spurred by the rapid rise of ICT innovation. Businesses and sectors…
MBA - Digital Transformation
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesFull-time and part-time students with a 'tech' background from the Netherlands and throughout the world can enroll in the Master of Business Administration program at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and choose to specialize in Digital Transformation.
The goal of this concentration…
MBA - Data Analytics
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesOur Master of Business Administration program at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has a concentration in data analytics for full-time and part-time students from the Netherlands and throughout the world with a 'tech' background.
In order to work with big data and integrate data…
MBA - Applied ICT
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesIn the digital age, leaders that can combine current ICT solutions with business goals are in demand. Technology is continually transforming company environments. Wittenborg's MBA program focuses on applied ICT for IT professionals who wish to lead the fast-changing industry.
This MBA program…
MBA - Accounting
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesIn a time of financial openness and responsibility, qualified accounting experts who can handle financial management and strategic fiscal analysis are more needed than ever. In response to this requirement, Wittenborg offers an MBA in Accounting for financial industry leaders.
Our MBA in…
Master of Business Management - Nursing
Wittenborg University of Applied SciencesIn a time of unprecedented healthcare demands, strategic business management and advanced nursing techniques are becoming increasingly vital. In recognition, Wittenborg offers an MBM/MSc with a nursing emphasis. This programme is for healthcare professionals who desire to combine clinical experience…
Higher Education in Amsterdam: Universities, Bachelor's and Master's Programs
Amsterdam – an international educational hub of the Netherlands, ranking among the world's top 60 university cities. It hosts major research universities and applied sciences institutions offering Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Amsterdam attracts international students with internationally recognized degrees, English-taught programs, and career opportunities with leading European companies. The city is renowned for its multicultural environment, high-quality teaching, and openness to international applicants.
Advantages of Higher Education in Amsterdam
- Top universities: University of Amsterdam (UvA) ranks in QS Top 100 globally, particularly strong in communication, psychology and social sciences. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) consistently ranks well for business, IT and humanities.
- Cost of living: According to Numbeo, Amsterdam's cost of living index is 75-79, about 16% lower than London but higher than Berlin or Rotterdam. Monthly expenses range €975-1,500 including rent and food.
- Career opportunities: Amsterdam hosts numerous international firms (finance, IT, media) with extensive internship and employment opportunities. Career services, job fairs and international project placements are available.
- Education quality: 90% of graduates find employment or continue studies within six months. Programs are updated with industry expert input.
Main Universities in Amsterdam
Top Universities
| University | Main Fields | Tuition Fee for International Students (€/year) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam (UvA) | Economics, psychology, communication, IT | ~10,500-17,270 (Bachelor's) ~17,000-19,030 (Master's) |
Top 60 globally, strong in social sciences and business |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) | Business, computer science, law, psychology | ~13,000-19,000 (Bachelor's/Master's) | Strong global rankings, consistent research quality |
| Amsterdam University College (AUC) | Liberal Arts and Sciences | ~13,790 (Bachelor's for non-EU) | Joint UvA/VU program, interdisciplinary preparation |
Other Recommended Institutions
| University | Main Fields | Tuition Fee (€/year) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | IT, media, design, business, engineering | ~10,279 (applied programs) | Offers hundreds of English-taught applied programs |
Overview of Bachelor's Programs in Amsterdam
Bachelor's programs last 3-4 years, taught in English, combining theory with practice and internships.
Popular fields:
- Business and Economics: Economics, management, business administration with real company projects and international market focus.
- Engineering and IT: Computer science, cybersecurity, digital development, data analytics with strong practical emphasis.
- Medicine and Healthcare: Medicine, dentistry, public health at UvA (3-6 years, highly competitive, €24,640-37,500 for internationals).
- Arts and Humanities: Philosophy, communications, cultural studies, Liberal Arts at AUC/UvA with research and creative projects.
Duration and Format:
- 3 years – standard
- 4 years – with integrated internship or international module
Study formats: Full-time with optional distance learning elements
Average tuition fee: €10,500-19,000/year depending on program and university
Master's and PhD Programs in Amsterdam
Master's Programs
- Professional Master's: Business, law, communications, IT, arts, economics (1 year with industry collaboration)
- Research Master's: Prepares for academic careers with thesis and research internships
Tuition fee: €15,700-22,500/year for non-EU students
PhD Programs
- 3-4 year research-focused programs
- Publication opportunities and international collaborations
- Typically employer/grant-funded (otherwise ~€25,000/year)
Student Life in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a safe, comfortable city for international students.
Cost of living: €975-1,500/month (UvA estimate) including rent (€650-1,200), food, transport and study materials. Numbeo estimates €1,126/month excluding rent.
Safety: Low Crime Index (32-37) – considered very safe internationally.
Career Opportunities After Studying in Amsterdam
- Key European economic/tech hub with major company offices
- 90% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- Orientation Year permit (Zoekjaar): 12-month post-study residence permit for job searching/business startups
- Option to transition to Highly Skilled Migrant visa after employment
Is Studying in Amsterdam Worth It?
Amsterdam offers the ideal combination of:
- Academic excellence at reasonable cost
- Safe multicultural environment
- High quality of life
- Strong industry connections
Compared to other Western European cities, Amsterdam stands out for English-taught programs, career prospects and urban livability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Amsterdam universities accept international students?
Main options: University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University College.
2. What is the tuition fee in Amsterdam for international students?
Bachelor's: €10,500-19,000/year; Master's: €17,000-22,500; Medical/engineering programs up to €37,500.
3. What is the average cost of living in Amsterdam?
Approximately €1,000-1,500/month including rent, food and transport.
4. Can international students work while studying in Amsterdam?
Yes – maximum 16 hours/week during term, full-time during vacations.
5. How safe is Amsterdam for international students?
Very safe – Crime Index 32-37 ranks among Europe's safest student cities.