Home › Colleges › Netherlands › University of Amsterdam
35%
Acceptance rate
~$18k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
30%
Intl students
1632
Founded
#53
QS World rank
Top European university for AI & economics. This guide covers University of Amsterdam's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at University of Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam is best known for AI, Economics, Humanities. Popular programs for international students include:
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Economics
- MSc Finance
Class profile: Selective intake.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 85 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Optional |
| GMAT (MBA) | 600 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.0/4.0 |
| Work experience | Not required |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for University of Amsterdam.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | €15–18k/yr |
| Application fee | $50–100 |
| Living costs (est.) | €10,800–13,200/yr |
| Scholarships | Amsterdam Merit, Holland Scholarship |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Find English-taught master's (Studielink)
- Meet IELTS 6.5 + GRE if recommended
- Apply by Apr 1 (non-EU)
- Receive offer → pay deposit
- Arrange proof of funds
- Apply for MVV residence permit
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- Motivation letter
- LORs
- CV
- IELTS / TOEFL
- GRE (recommended)
- Passport
- Proof of funds
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Netherlands
- Student visa: Residence permit (MVV)
- Work while studying: 16 hrs/week during term
- Post-study work: Orientation Year (zoekjaar): 1 year
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 35% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 7+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at University of Amsterdam and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. University of Amsterdam needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85 / PTE 58. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (€15–18k/yr) plus living costs (€10,800–13,200/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. University of Amsterdam's main intakes are Sep — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Sep |
| Typical deadline | Apr 1 (non-EU) |
| Acceptance rate | 35% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (uva.nl) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for University of Amsterdam?
- University of Amsterdam typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 85, PTE 58). GRE: Optional.
- How much does University of Amsterdam cost?
- International tuition is approximately €15–18k/yr, plus living costs of €10,800–13,200/yr. Application fee: $50–100.
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Amsterdam?
- University of Amsterdam has an indicative acceptance rate of about 35% (Selective intake).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at University of Amsterdam?
- Intakes: Sep. Typical deadline: Apr 1 (non-EU).
- Is University of Amsterdam hard to get into?
- University of Amsterdam is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 35%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does University of Amsterdam require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Optional. GMAT (for MBA): 600. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at University of Amsterdam?
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar): 1 year (Netherlands). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 16 hrs/week during term.
- What documents do I need to apply to University of Amsterdam?
- Typically: Transcripts, Motivation letter, LORs, CV, IELTS / TOEFL, GRE (recommended), Passport, Proof of funds. Check program-specific requirements before applying.