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Diversity policy of the University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is committed to inclusion and equal opportunities. We want to provide students with equal opportunities, regardless of their background. In addition, we want a greater mix of backgrounds within our staff to improve the quality of our work, both by recruiting new employees and by creating diverse teams. We do this through various initiatives.

Our Diversity Document provides a starting point for creating and implementing university policies surrounding diversity and inclusion. The strategic objectives in this document can be broken down into four main themes:

  • accessibility and study success for students whose backgrounds might make studying at a university a less obvious choice for them;
  • successful cooperation in diverse teams;
  • recruitment, selection, appointment, promotion and retention of colleagues from diverse backgrounds;
  • identification and stimulation of good practices and knowledge exchange.

We use these themes to expand upon existing programmes and develop new activities that contribute to a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. In this, we work together with students, faculties, services, diversity officers and UvA partners.

Establishing a UvA-wide Diversity Document

In 2019, the Executive Board discussed the UvA's Diversity Document and how to implement it with the academic community in various ways. The University Forum and the Senate discussed it and students and staff could comments on the denkmee.uva.nl platform. Responses from these consultations were included into the final document which was sub to the Central Works Council and the Central Student Council and then approved.

Copyright: UvA
“The Diversity Document describes how we can foster an inclusive learning and working environment where all students and staff members can feel at home and which increases the quality of our education and research and our impact on society.” President of the Executive Board Geert ten Dam

Amsterdam Agreement for inclusive higher education

On Monday, 21 September 2020, the University of Amsterdam and eight other higher education institutions signed the Amsterdam Agreement for diverse, inclusive and socially involved higher education. With this agreement, the educational institutions commit to working together towards an inclusive and just society in which there is no room for racism and discrimination.

Fact and figures

Our UvA Fact Book contains up-to-date and detailed facts and figures on students, staff, research and funding.

Go to facts and figures

Accessibility and equal opportunities at the UvA

The University of Amsterdam commissioned the Kohnstamm Institute to conduct research into the accessibility of the institution and opportunities for students, regardless of their background.

Read about the research results

Gender Equality Plan

From 2022, every higher education institution must have a gender equality plan in order to be eligible for funding from Horizon Europe. With our efforts, which form a prominent part of our wider intersectional Diversity & Inclusion approach, the UvA will continue our contribution towards gender equality in academia.

Read more about the UvA Gender Equality Plan