Erasmus guide University of Amsterdam
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Snapshot
A broad, research-heavy Amsterdam exchange option with strong social sciences, humanities, business, law, communication, and a very international classroom culture.
Why students shortlist it
A research university spread across Amsterdam faculties, useful for exchange students in economics, law, psychology, media, communication, political science, humanities, and sciences. Course fit depends heavily on faculty rules and housing timing.
Teaching languages: English (primary for most exchange and master's courses); Dutch for some bachelor-level programmes
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, UvA online application, course selection, transcript, passport or ID, language proof where required, and backup course choices for prerequisites or timetable clashes.
Nomination Process
Your home university International Office submits a formal nomination by the applicable deadline; without nomination, the host university will not process your application.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa. Non-EU students must apply for a Netherlands MVV entry visa and residence permit; the host university initiates the IND procedure after acceptance.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Full year | Typically April 1–15 | Typically May 1 — confirm with host faculty |
| Spring | Typically October 1–15 | Typically November 1 — confirm with host faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Apply for UvA housing as soon as invited.
- Check faculty campus location before choosing a room.
- Prepare backup courses and backup housing routes.
Academics
Course Registration
UvA has broad choice, but faculty rules, prerequisites, and timetable clashes matter.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
Dutch 1-10 grading scale with ECTS credits; a 5.5 or 6 is typically the lowest passing range depending on course rules, and the home university handles conversion.
Exam Culture
Dutch courses usually combine tutorial preparation, participation, essays or group work, and a final exam, with resit windows for failed modules.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100) | Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 2,314/year | EU/EEA statutory Dutch rate ~€2,314/year (2025-26). Same for all Dutch public universities by law. Non-EU pays much more — see row below. |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 9,000–22,000/year | UvA non-EU international tuition: Humanities/Social Sciences ~€9,000–12,000, Science/Economics ~€12,000–16,000, Medicine ~€22,000/year. EU students pay statu… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100)
Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E…
EUR 2,314/year
EU/EEA statutory Dutch rate ~€2,314/year (2025-26). Same for all Dutch public universities by law. Non-EU pays much more — see row below.
EUR 9,000–22,000/year
UvA non-EU international tuition: Humanities/Social Sciences ~€9,000–12,000, Science/Economics ~€12,000–16,000, Medicine ~€22,000/year. EU students pay statu…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — valid health insurance covering Dutch healthcare costs. EHIC alone is not sufficient.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
UvA's University General Practice is located in the VU Medical Center on campus. Psychological counselling and student support services are available to all enrolled students.
Mental Health
UvA provides psychologists and student counsellors for study-related and personal difficulties. Workshops, group programmes, and 24/7 crisis support available.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Emergency coverage for EU students — supplement with Aon or equivalent for full coverage.
Aon Student Insurance
~€39/month
Recommended by most Dutch universities; covers health, liability, and personal belongings.
InsureToStudy
Varies
Alternative international student insurance provider accepted in the Netherlands.
Campus Services
Student Services (UvA)
UvA central student portal: enrollment, study support, career services, housing, health, and campus life. First stop for any practical question.
Career Centre (UvA)
UvA Student Careers Centre: one-to-one career guidance, internship and job listings, career fairs, and alumni networking. Open up to one year post-graduation.
Health & Wellbeing (UvA)
UvA psychologists and student counsellors for study-related and personal difficulties. Workshops, group programs, and crisis support for enrolled students.
Study Guidance & Counselling
Academic counselling and study support at UvA: study choice, academic difficulties, study schedule, and disability accommodations.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Large faculty associations, international groups, culture, debating, and student societies.
Buddy Program
ISN Amsterdam and ESN Amsterdam are the easiest first social layers.
Sports & Recreation
- University and city sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Amsterdam - exchange events and trips.
ISN Amsterdam - international student onboarding.
Amsterdam language exchanges - wider city network.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm your faculty campus.
- Lock bike and transit basics.
- Join ESN/ISN and one faculty group.
- Book BSN registration once housing is confirmed.
Key Dates
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.
Campus events hub: Browse all events