Quick Summary
Situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands, The University of Amsterdam is a public research university established in 1632. Ranked #55 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 43000 students including 33% from outside Netherlands. Known for strengths in Communication & Media Studies, Psychology, Geography, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Consistently ranked #1 globally for Communication Science; offers a diverse, international environment in the heart of one of Europe's most vibrant capitals.
Subject Strengths
Communication & Media StudiesPsychologyGeographySociologyLinguisticsLawPhilosophy
Founded1632
TypePublic Research University
Total Students43000
Intl Students33%
Faculty Ratio26
CampusUrban / City Integrated
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsAmsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC)
AccreditationNVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#55
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#61
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Executive Education, Professional Doctorates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Select MOOCs and specialized certifications)
Online Programs
Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC), Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3
GRERequired for specific Master's programs in Economics and Business
GMATRequired for MBA and selected Business Master's programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 1 (Non-EU), May 1 (EU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1 (Select programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Check specifically if your program is 'Numerus Fixus' (enrollment limited). Apply as early as possible because housing in Amsterdam is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€12,500/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€15,200/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€18,000/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$108
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€27,700/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAmsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES), Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS), Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$15,000
Financial AidAvailable for EU students via DUO; limited for non-EU students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Executive Education, Professional Doctorates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Political Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| European Studies | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong; facilitated through faculty career centers and proximity to Zuidas business district
Industry Connections
Strong ties with multinational firms like PhilipsING Groupand numerous Science Park tech startups
Notable Alumni
Guido van Rossum (Python creator), Frits Zernike (Nobel Prize Physics), Charles Michel (President of European Council), Thierry Baudet
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (University-managed housing, but limited and high demand)
Sports Facilities
University Sports Centre (USC) with multiple locations across the city
Student Clubs
ASVA Student Union, CREA Cultural Centre, and various faculty-specific associations
Library Resources
University Library (UB) with over 4 million volumes and extensive digital collections
Exchange Programs
Global Exchange Programme with over 100 partner institutions worldwide
Summer Programs
Amsterdam Summer School (various academic tracks)