Is the University of Amsterdam a good choice? Explore its courses, admission rate, and application requirements. Learn more about how to successfully apply.

The University of Amsterdam is one of the most popular choices for students seeking to study in Europe. As one of the largest and oldest institutions of higher education in the Netherlands, the university offers a diverse range of academic disciplines and is renowned for its strong academic research capabilities. It is highly regarded for its international rankings, teaching resources, and geographical location within the city. This article will delve into the question, “Is the University of Amsterdam a good choice?” and provide insight into the university's acceptance rates and application requirements, helping prospective students prepare thoroughly for their future educational plans.

Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is located in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. The university's precursor, the Athenaeum Illustre, was established to promote the study of humanities and sciences, with an initial focus on history and philosophy. Over time, faculties for medicine, law, and theology were added. In 1877, the institution officially became a university and has since developed into one of the largest higher education establishments in the Netherlands. It is also a member of Universitas 21, the European University Association, the League of European Research Universities (LERU), and the European University Alliance (EPICUR) [1].

After nearly four centuries, the University of Amsterdam is now internationally recognised, with over 34,000 undergraduate students, 3,000 doctoral candidates, and more than 100 international students currently enrolled [2]. 

Source: University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is a research-intensive institution offering over 300 English-taught degree programmes at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Additionally, the university maintains strong relationships with the local government and institutions, actively collaborating on solutions to urban challenges. Students can participate in practical projects in areas such as urban studies, artificial intelligence, and social sciences, gaining valuable experience.

Many parents and students ask, “Is the University of Amsterdam a good choice?” The university is one of the largest research universities in Europe, renowned for its high-quality undergraduate education and research training. Its academic papers are frequently cited, and it has produced six Nobel Prize winners, along with numerous highly respected academic and professional leaders in various fields.

Moreover, the University of Amsterdam consistently performs well in global academic rankings, showcasing its excellence in research, teaching quality, and international reputation. Below are the university’s rankings:

The University of Amsterdam offers a diverse array of programmes, with more than 70 bachelor's degrees and nearly 250 master's courses across a wide range of fields, including humanities, media, business, law, politics, medicine, and sociology. Among its faculties, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is particularly popular, with approximately 10,000 students enrolled in programmes related to social sciences, psychology, child development and education, and social science research. The Faculty of Science (FNWI) also attracts around 7,000 students, focusing on natural sciences, life sciences, and earth sciences [4].

Students are encouraged to explore the university’s programme offerings and consider their academic interests and career development needs when making their application choices. 

Source: iStock

To apply for studies at a Dutch university, including the University of Amsterdam, applicants must use the official Dutch application platform, Studielink, to submit their application. Studielink is the primary application route for most Dutch universities, and all international students are required to complete their personal details, choose their programme, and upload the relevant documents via this platform.

The University of Amsterdam clearly lists the necessary application documents and recommends that international students complete the uploading and submission process well in advance. For undergraduate degree applications, required documents include: diplomas and transcripts from secondary and higher education, proof of English language proficiency, and a personal CV. For Hong Kong students, the following documents equivalent to those required by the University of Amsterdam must be provided to have a chance at successful admission.

Depending on the chosen programme, there may be additional application requirements. For example, programmes in actuarial science, business administration, and natural sciences typically require the submission of OMPT-D test scores or outstanding performance in other mathematics assessments. For research degree applications, a bachelor's degree diploma and transcript are required [7]. It is recommended that prospective students review the specific admission requirements for their intended programme on the official website of the University of Amsterdam or seek assistance from professional education consultants to ensure they are fully prepared and meet the requirements.

Source: iStock

According to EduRank, a global university ranking organisation, the University of Amsterdam’s admission rate is approximately 51%, based on the ratio of applicants to accepted students [8]. However, the actual admission rate can vary depending on factors such as the programme chosen and the number of applicants.

To increase the chances of gaining admission to the University of Amsterdam, it is advisable for applicants to strengthen their skills in relevant areas, particularly English proficiency, in line with the entry requirements of their chosen programme. In addition, the University of Amsterdam offers a foundation programme (OnCampus Amsterdam) that covers fields such as business, politics, science, and social studies. This programme helps students build the necessary foundations prior to enrolment, and students can use their foundation course results to apply for their desired programme, thus improving their chances of being admitted to the University of Amsterdam.

If you are considering the question, "Is the University of Amsterdam a good choice?", this prestigious European research university attracts students from around the world with its outstanding academic and research capabilities. The University of Amsterdam offers a wide range of programmes, and students can prepare for formal admission by enrolling in a foundation course for their chosen field of study. For further details on the University of Amsterdam's application requirements and admission rates, feel free to contact Grove Education. We will assist you in successfully navigating your journey to study in Europe.

Reference:

1. University of Amsterdam - Internationalisation 

2. University of Amsterdam - From Athenaeum Illustre to University 

3. University of Amsterdam - Rankings 

4. University of Amsterdam - Teaching and research organisation 

5. University of Amsterdam - Entry requirements depending on your diploma 

6. University of Amsterdam - Applying for a Bachelor's programme 

7. University of Amsterdam - Applying for a Master's programme 

8. EduRank - University of Amsterdam: Statistics