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Applying for a Bachelor's programme

Bachelor's programmes

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for our Bachelor's programmes.

  • 1: Check entry requirements: deadlines and documents

    Deadlines

    To leave enough time for immigration and housing procedures we have set different advisory deadlines for specific groups of applicants. 

    The deadlines for completing your application to start your degree in September:

    Applicants for programmes with fixed quota Business Administration 15 January
      Communication Science 15 January
      Political Science 15 January
      Psychology 15 January
    Applicants for selective programmes Liberal Arts & Sciences 1 February
      PPLE (Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics) 1 February

    Applicants for other Bachelor's programmes
     

    • The advisory deadline for all students with international prior education is 1 April.
    • If you require a visa and/or housing through the UvA we strongly urge you to apply before 1 April. For applications submitted after 1 April we cannot guarantee you can start immigration and/or housing procedures in time.

    The final deadline for all applicants is 1 May. 

    After the 1 May deadline, admission is only possible in exceptional circumstances.

    In order for your application to be processed for admission, you must:

    • submit an enrolment request in the Bachelor’s programme in Studielink at least one week before the deadline;
    • submit a complete application file via our online application system for your Bachelor’s programme of choice before the date stated in your invitation for application.

    Please note: the application deadlines for scholarships may vary and could be earlier than our application deadline.

    Required documents (see step 8 for more information)

    • Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of grades for secondary and, if applicable, higher education
    • English language proficiency test certificate (if required)
    • Curriculum vitae / resume
  • 2: Check entry requirements: selective programmes and programmes with fixed quotas

    Two of our Bachelor’s programmes apply selection procedures due to their small-scale and intensive approach. You can find more information about the selection procedure and application deadlines on the programme webpages.

    Programmes with fixed quotas (Numerus Fixus)

    The UvA offers several programmes with limited places and an enrolment quota. Because they can only accommodate a fixed number of students, these programmes carry out a selection process to determine which students can be admitted.

    The application deadline for these programmes is 15 January. More information about the entry requirements and application process can be found on the programme webpages.

    How does ‘admission with a fixed quota’ work?

    Registration and selection

    You will need to apply for these programmes through Studielink, the central registration system for Dutch universities. Application is open from 1 October until 15 January.

    If the number of students who apply for a programme exceeds the number of available places, a selection procedure will take place between 15 January and 15 April.

    Applicants participating in the selection procedure will be assigned a ranking number by Studielink on 15 April based on their results. Depending on your ranking number and the number of places available, you may or may not be offered a place in the programme.

    Places offered

    If you are offered a place, you will have to confirm your participation in the programme via Studielink within two weeks. If you don’t confirm your participation within two weeks, your place will automatically be assigned to another student.

    If you are not offered a place immediately, there is still a chance that you will be offered a place later, if one or more selected students do not accept their place. These places will then become available for the next student in line.

  • 3. Check entry requirements: prior education

    Students applying for one of our Bachelor’s programmes should hold a Dutch VWO diploma, a Dutch HBO propaedeuse or a foreign diploma that is equivalent to one of these diplomas. The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other Western European countries, but it is generally higher than in most countries outside Western Europe.

    To find out what specific entry requirements apply to your foreign prior education, please consult the diploma calculator below. If your prior education is not listed in the diploma calculator you can still apply. The Admissions Office will assess your documents on an individual basis. Please make sure to upload all the required documents when submitting the application form.

    The information in our diploma calculator was compiled with the greatest care. However, no rights may be derived from this information.

    ► To the diploma calculator

    For applicants with GCE A levels: please check the list of GCE A level subjects. In this list you will find an overview of accepted and non-accepted subjects by the University of Amsterdam.

  • 4. Check entry requirements: language proficiency

    Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and produce written work in English. Applicants are therefore required to submit proof of sufficient proficiency in English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): level C1).

    Proof of sufficient English language proficiency

    The requirement for sufficient English language proficiency can be met in the following ways :

    1.      By completing fully English-taught secondary education in Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America;
    2.      By obtaining an International Baccalaureate DP diploma with English as an IB exam subject
    3.      By obtaining a European Baccalaureate diploma, with the subject English as first or second language (minimum final score result: 6);
    4.      By obtaining a French Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général with Baccalauréat Francais Internationale (BFI) or Option Internationale du Baccaluréat (OIB), section britannique/américaine;
    5.      By submitting a valid English language proficiency test certificate. Please see below for the approved tests and minimum scores.

    If your diploma is not mentioned above, or if you are applying to the PPLE programme, please consult the diploma calculator to see if your prior education exempts you from taking the English language proficiency test.

    Exemptions on an individual basis are possible. If you think you are entitled to exemption to the rules mentioned above, please enter your prior education in detail in the application form. The Central Admissions Office will make a final decision after checking your documentation.

    UvA approved English language proficiency tests and minimum test scores

    UvA approved tests Selective programmes (minimum score) All other programmes (minimum score)
    IELTS Academic 7 ( each subscore: 6,5) 6.5 (each subscore: 6)
    TOEFL (iBT)

    100 ( each subscores

    • Reading: 24
    • Listening: 22
    • Speaking: 25
    • Writing: 24)
    92 (each subscore: 22)
    Cambridge C1 Advanced 190 180
    Cambridge C2 Proficiency 200 200

    Other test versions or modules are not accepted. Examples of these include but are not limited to: IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBestScores.

    Please note:
    The test must have been taken less than two years before the start date of the Bachelor programme. Test results obtained prior to 1 September 2022 will not be accepted. 
    Take enough time to prepare for the test.

    Deadline
    The deadline for providing the UvA with an English language test certificate with sufficient scores for non-selective Bachelor's programmes is: 1 April for non-EU/EEA applicants, and 1 May for EU-EEA applicants. Make sure to book your test at least one month before the deadline, but the earlier the better. We cannot accept applications without English proficiency test results (if required).

    Online test results verification

    For a timely verification of your English proficiency test results make sure to include the following documents in your application file:

    • IELTS test takers: Official test results certificate including the TRF number.
    • TOEFL iBT test takers: Official test results certificate including the appointment number
    • Cambridge C1 Advanced test takers: Official test results certificate including the reference or validation number.
  • 5. Submit enrolment request in Studielink
  • 6. Activate your UvAnetID

    After submitting your enrolment request in Studielink, you will receive an email with your UvAnetID (username and password). Follow the instructions in the email to activate your UvAnetID immediately, for you will need it to complete your application.

    Please note: after submitting your enrolment request in Studielink, it may take up to 48 hours before you receive your UvAnetID, so make sure to register in Studielink at least 1 week before the application deadline.

  • 7. Pay your application fee

    All students applying for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree programme with an international diploma are required to pay a non-refundable €100 application fee.

    Only after you have paid this fee can the UvA start to process your application.

    You don't have to pay the application fee:

    • If you have already applied for (and paid the application fee for) another Bachelor’s programme at the UvA for the academic year 2024-2025;
    • If you are an exchange student;
    • If you are applying through the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF);
    • If you are an EEA citizen, have or will obtain an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and your programme is part of the IB pilot.

    Paying the application fee

    You can pay the application fee of €100 by credit card or iDEAL only. You will be asked to pay the fee after completing your application form. Submitting the form without paying the application fee is not possible.

  • 8. Submit your application file

    After registering in Studielink, you will receive an email from the University of Amsterdam with an invitation to our online application system. This may take up to 48 hours. Here you will submit your application for the programme of your choice.

    As part of the online application, we will ask you to upload the following documents:

    • Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of grades for secondary and, if applicable, higher education.

    If you have not yet obtained your diploma, please upload your most recent official transcript of grades as well as an official statement from your school confirming your final exam subjects and predicted final (exam) grades.

    If your documents are not in English, Dutch, French or German, please upload an official translation of all documents as well.

    • English language proficiency test certificate (if required)
    • Curriculum vitae / resume

    Visit this website for examples of a resume.

    If you have applied for multiple programmes, make sure to upload all required documents in every individual application file.
    If you cannot complete your application at once, you can save it and log in later to make any changes until you are ready to submit your application. Please note that you need to submit your application before the date stated in your invitation.

    Pilot International Baccalaureate

    The UvA is currently running a pilot for EU/EEA nationals who have or will obtain an IB diploma (as indicated in Studielink). If you are applying for an English-taught programme at the Faculty of Humanities or at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences  and have or will obtain an IB diploma, you no longer need to submit an application file or resume. You only need to submit the digital results of your IB diploma. Read more about the pilot at www.uva.nl/IBpilot.

  • 9. Wait for admission decision

    The Admissions Office will only review complete applications. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email with the admission decision.

    Bachelor’s programmes (non-selective)

    Applications to non-selective programmes are processed using the rolling admissions policy: if you apply early, your application file will be processed early. If your qualifications are included in our diploma calculator, you can expect your admission decision within one to two weeks. Full review and verification of qualifications not on this list may take up to eight weeks.

    Bachelor’s programmes (selective)

    Students applying for a selective programme or for a selective programme with a fixed quota can check the webpage of their programme for notification dates.

    Scholarship application

    If you need early confirmation of admission for scholarship purposes, please contact us well in advance of your scholarship deadline. Timely handling will always be aimed for, but cannot be guaranteed. 

    Our Rules & Regulations are based upon the European Standard Guidelines: 

    The Lisbon Recognition Convention;
    The Dutch law in Higher Education
    The Code of Conduct for international students
    Students Charter and Enrolment Provisions of the University of Amsterdam.

After conditional admission

  • 1. Confirm your participation

    Once you have been conditionally admitted, you will receive an invitation by email to confirm your place in the programme. You will automatically receive a link to confirm your participation unless you have applied for a selective programme with a fixed quota (Numerus Fixus). In that case, if you are offered a place, you will have to confirm your participation via Studielink within two weeks.

    If you are participating in the IB pilot and have applied for a non-selective programme, you do not need to confirm your participation.

    If you are waiting for additional administrative procedures that will affect your decision to confirm your participation in the programme (for instance, waiting for a scholarship decision), please confirm your place in the meantime. It will allow you to continue with other procedures while you wait for the administrative processes to be completed. Completing the form is a very important step, as other enrolment procedures, such as visa or housing applications, are triggered by your confirmation.

    Your admission is conditional upon a number of factors, such as meeting all our enrolment requirements with any remaining grades, submitting your certified documents, and paying the tuition fee. We also recommend that you have a back-up plan or alternative education options in case you do not end up meeting all your enrolment requirements.

    Please note that you can cancel your place in the programme free of charge until 1 September through Studielink.

  • 2. UvA Matching for international students

    UvA Matching for international students is an introduction to the Bachelor’s programme to which you are applying. It helps you determine whether the Bachelor’s programme of your choice is the right fit for you. UvA Matching is a mandatory part of the application procedure for all prospective Bachelor’s students who have completed their prior education at a non-Dutch educational institution. This also includes prospective students applying with an International Baccalaureate DP diploma obtained in The Netherlands.

  • 3. Submit certified documents

    Once you have been conditionally admitted, you will need to send in certified copies of your diploma and final transcript of grades by postal mail before 31 August. The English language proficiency test certificate (if required) can be uploaded to your application file.

    A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document with an original wet ink stamp and signature from your school/university representative or from a notary. The stamp and signature declare the content of the photocopy to be identical to the original document. Certified documents that are not written in Dutch, English, German or French, must be accompanied by an official translation made by a sworn translator.

    Your conditional offer will specify which documents to send in and state the deadline for submission. Certified documents can be sent to the following address:

    Admissions Office, Central Student Administration
    University of Amsterdam
    Hogehilweg 21
    1101 CB Amsterdam
    The Netherlands

    Depending on where you live, it may take a while before the UvA receives your documents. Please use registered mail and do not send in your original documents. Once the certified documents have been processed for application, they cannot be returned.

    Digital credential verification

    In certain cases, your results can be verified digitally or can be sent directly from the exam board to the University of Amsterdam. For more information please visit uva.nl/onlineverification.

    Watch the video for more information about submitting certified documents.

  • 4. Arrange your immigration and housing

    If you are an international student, you will need to arrange a variety of practical matters before starting your studies.

    Visa, residence permit, insurance

    The first step is to determine whether you will need a visa and/or residence permit. Then you need to arrange your insurance.

    Housing

    The UvA does not offer student housing on our campuses. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the housing market in the Netherlands before you choose your study programme.  It can be difficult to find available housing in Amsterdam, so you will need to start looking for yourself as soon as possible via Dutch student housing websites. For international students, the UvA has limited number of rooms available throughout Amsterdam, which you can apply for via UvA Housing. Please note there are not enough rooms available via UvA Housing to accommodate all international students. As placement for UvA Housing is not guaranteed, we advise you to start your orientation for housing options early and to always explore the private housing market as well.

    Upon arrival

    To get a head start on your preparations, you can also check our webpage on matters you will need to arrange upon arrival, such as registering with the municipality of the city you will move to and opening a bank account.

  • 5. Pay your tuition fees

    All students are required to pay the tuition fee in order to complete their enrolment at the University of Amsterdam.

    Under Tuition fees you can find more information about the various payment options.

  • 6. Introduction day

    In the week before the start of the academic year, most programmes organise a compulsory introduction day. You will receive more detailed information about the programme introduction day in the summer. Check our website for more information on the introduction process of your programme.

  • 7. Request student ID card

    A student ID card is a personal card which serves as proof of identity for examinations. You can also use it for borrowing library books. You can request your student ID card one month before the start of your programme.

Other information

  • Information for refugees

    Refugees who wish to study at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) must follow the same application procedure and meet the same entry requirements as prospective UvA students with a non EEA/EU nationality. Looking for more information? Visit our webpage for refugee applicants.

  • Switching programmes

    Information for current UvA students

    Current UvA students who would like to switch to another Bachelor's programme must  meet the same entry requirements as new students.

    • If you plan to switch programmes, make sure to apply before 1 August or earlier and before the programme's application deadline if and when selection/numerus fixus applies.
    • Start the application process in Studielink. If you attended secondary school abroad, include this in Studielink. The admission decision will be based on your secondary education rather than your current degree programme.
    • If you hold a residence permit and did not obtain 30 ECTS, you cannot switch programmes, unless there are severe personal circumstances that would give you an exemption of the 30 ECTS. Visit the Visas and permits webpage for more information. Please make an appointment with the student counsellor for assistance as soon as possible.
    • If you have received negative Binding Study Advice (BSA), please inform the student counsellor about the outcome of your appeal in regard to your residence permit.
       

    Information for students from different Dutch universities

    If you are registered at a different Dutch university and you would like to switch to a programme at the UvA, you need to submit your enrolment request in Studielink before 1 July in order to give the Admissions Office enough time to check your credentials. Please note that you will have to meet the entry requirements for your programme of choice.

    Note to non-EU/EEA students:

    You always need to comply with the requirements of your student residence permit and visa, also when you would like to switch programmes. You need to obtain 50% of the ECTS of your study programme each year, in order to be able to stay in The Netherlands. Furthermore there can be other restrictions on switching programmes due to your visa and Binding Study Advice (BSA). Please always contact the student counsellor about your options.

  • Any questions? 

    If you have questions about the application and admissions process, or about studying at the UvA, you can contact our Central Student Service Desk.