- Vrije Universiteit or “Free University” Amsterdam was established in 1880
- First institution of higher education in the Netherlands independent from both the Church and State
- VU Amsterdam is a leading European research university with about 25,000 students and 2,500 academic staff. 14% of the student body is international.
- One of the highest-ranked universities in the Netherlands and globally ( World University Rankings 2019-2020, # 146th)
- The Vrije Universiteit is made up of several faculties, responsible for teaching and research, as well as a number of interdisciplinary research institutes.
- The university offers a wide choice of study options;50 Bachelor degree programmes ( 4 completely taught in English), and over 70 English taught Master degree programmes
- A strong reputation for high quality teaching; Students work in relatively small groups, in which considerable emphasis is placed on interaction and a personal approach.
- Located on a compact urban campus in the southern Buitenveldert neighbourhood of Amsterdam and adjacent to the modern Zuidas business district.
Visa + Requirements|Travel advice + advisories
Partner university’s areas of study
The language of instruction for most bachelor's courses is Dutch. However, the university offers a few undergraduate programs fully in English. Over 70 master's programmes at VU are offered entirely in English.
Eligibility and Timing
Terms Offered
Who can go?
Exchange students can take coursework in most areas of study
Term Dates
Academic year consists of 6 periods.
Fall Semester ( UBC Term 1)
- Period 1: September - October
- Period 2: November - December
- Period 3: January - February
Spring Semester ( UBC Term 2)
- Period 4: February - March
- Period 5: April - May
- Period 6: June - July
Periods 3 and 6 are both ‘stand-alone’ periods and therefore optional.
There is significantly more coursework available in English during the Fall semester.
Credits
Course equivalency formula
2 ECTS = 1 UBC Credit
Credit transfer process
For more information about Go Global transfer credit
Grading scheme
Dutch grades range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest). Grades of 5.5 and higher are passing grades. The highest grade, 10, is very rarely awarded. An 8 is considered a high mark and a 7 is more common. Grades from 1 to 3 are also quite rare.
Passing grade
Grades of 5.5 and higher are passing grades.Course Information
* Students who have special requirements or require academic accommodation should contact a Go Global advisor regarding their needs at least six weeks prior to the application deadline.
Type of Go Global Experiences
Course information and restrictions
There is significantly more coursework available in English during the Fall semester.
Students have the opportunity to follow special "minor" programs offered in the first semester.
Full course load information
30 ECTS = 15 UBC Credits
Transfer Credits And Equivalent Courses At This University
Check out the courses that previous students have transferred back to UBC in the last 5 years using our Course Search Tool. If you don't see a particular course you listed, it simply means you need to submit it as a new course request through the Transfer Credit Portal while on your Go Global experience. For more information, please visit the Go Global Transfer Credit webpage.
Scholarships and awards
The Go Global Award $1000
All students accepted to Go Global for Exchange, Research Abroad, or Study Abroad travel programs are automatically considered for this award. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be notified of your award after you're accepted to Go Global and after you get nominated to apply to the partner university.
Additional awards
Students who are eligible for awards may receive one UBC or UBC-affiliated international learning award. If you're eligible, you are always offered the highest-value award. Unless stated otherwise, you need to meet eligibility criteria set out by the University Senate regarding awards.
Check out international learning awards and eligibility.
Information for US students:
If you attend an eligible institution, then you may receive Title IV federal student loans while on Exchange.
If you attend an ineligible institution:
- You will not be eligible for US federal student loans,
- You may invalidate any US student aid you have previously received for your studies at UBC,
- You may be required to immediately begin repaying your US student loans, and
- You may not be eligible for any future US student aid for the remainder of your studies at UBC.
Types of accommodation available
Housing notes
The International Office offers accommodation to participants in the Exchange programmes.
- There are furnished rooms with private or shared facilities. The number of rooms available is limited so provision of accommodation for every student is not guaranteed (However, the International Office will do its utmost best to find suitable accommodation for everyone).
- Once your application has been accepted and you have confirmed your participation in VUnet, you will be able to apply for accommodation in VUnet. Accommodation will be assigned based on a first paid, first serve system.
- For more information, watch this video about finding accommodation at VU and Amsterdam here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv-fDMnulxY&ab_channel=VrijeUniversiteit...