Application process

The application deadlines for applicants with international prior education:

Prior education

• Studying with a foreign diploma at the University of Amsterdam means that a student's preparatory education must be equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma.
• The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than in most countries outside of Europe.
• A student's diploma or certificate from prior education will be compared with the list of country qualifications that has been drawn up by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Nuffic).

Use the online International Qualifications Tool below to find out whether you meet the requirements.
Please note: the information in our international qualifications/diploma calculator was compiled with the greatest care, however, no rights may be derived from it.

English language proficiency

All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and write papers in English. It is therefore essential that students have a good command of the English language, which must be supported by a sufficient score on an English language test (unless you are exempt).

For more details about the English language test and exemptions, please visit:

Deadline: 1 April (non-EU nationals), 1 May (EU nationals)

Before you can apply to the UvA, you will need to submit an enrolment application in Studielink. Studielink is the national online system for students who would like to pursue a degree programme at a Dutch university. 

Applicants for the English-taught Bachelor's Literary and Cultural Analysis need to register in Studielink for Literary Studies or Literatuurwetenschap. 

After you have registered in Studielink, you will need to submit your UvA application in MyInfo by the deadline applicable to you (see step 6 below).

Check your DigiD (before starting in Studielink)

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is an online ID (username and password) that provides access to government administration websites.

• Students who do not live in the Netherlands can use Studielink without a DigiD.
• Students who currently live in the Netherlands will need their DigiD to use Studielink. We strongly recommend that you apply for your DigiD at least three weeks before registering in Studielink.

Read the step-by-step guide to Studielink

Before starting your enrolment application in Studielink, read the 'Step-by-step guide to Studielink'. 

Submit enrolment application in Studielink

After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an email with your UvAnetID. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your ID as you will need it to complete your UvA application. 

Deadline: 1 April (non-EU nationals), 1 May (EU nationals)

After you have registered in Studielink, you will also receive an email within 48 hours with a link to our online application system (MyInfo). This is where you will need to submit your application to the University of Amsterdam. Please keep the deadline in mind.

Required documents

In this application you will need to indicate your previous education and upload all of the required documents:

• Final secondary school/higher education diplomas and grade lists obtained;
• Proof of recent results (if you are still attending a programme);
• Official translations in English or Dutch if the diploma and/or transcripts are not already in English, Dutch, German or French;
• A sufficient English test result, if required and already available. If your results are insufficient, do not upload this test, but send another one at a later date;
• A curriculum vitae;
• UvA Matching form.

The outcome of the application will be sent to you by email. We aim to inform you within six weeks after the initial submission date of your UvA application form. If you are admitted to the programme, the conditions of the offer will be outlined in the email.

To secure your place on the programme, you will be asked to accept our offer. You will receive a link to the acceptance form and instructions by email. Only once you have accepted our offer will you receive further information about applying for housing and visa (if applicable).

UvA Matching is an introduction to the Bachelor's programme for which you are applying. At the Faculty of Humanities, all international students are required to participate in UvA Matching. More information will follow shortly.

If you are admitted to the programme, you will be asked to send certified copies of your documents and test results by regular post. Watch the following video and follow the instructions below.

Certified copies:

• contain the original stamp and signature of the issuing educational institution;
• mention the names of both the applicant and the institution.

We require certified copies of the following documents:

• Secondary school diploma;
• Final grade list;
• Official translations in English or Dutch if the diploma and/or transcripts are not already in English, Dutch or German;
• If applicable, transcript of records of higher education with all credits obtained;
• If applicable, national university entry exam results.

Please note that in the case of A-levels, AP-scores and IB-diplomas, the documents must be provided by the official Examination Boards.

Official certified documents deadlines:

• 1 June - official English language certificate
• 31 August - certified copies of your diplomas and final grade list

If you are an international student, you will need to arrange a variety of practical matters before starting your studies. This includes your visa or residence permit, insurance and housing. You will receive an email with more information about this and how to register for the Start Appointment (see step 13) after you have been admitted.

The intake form is mandatory for all students enrolling in a Bachelor's programme and will ask you to reflect on your academic background and motivations for enrolling in the programme. The link to the intake form as well as additional information about the intake process will be sent to you by email.

A student ID card is a personal card which serves as proof of identity for examinations or borrowing library books. You will receive instructions on how to request your student ID card.

To help you get started in Amsterdam, the UvA and the Faculty of Humanities organise several mandatory and optional introduction sessions before the start of the semester. 

START appointment
During the individual Start appointment, you will be able to collect your student ID card and check the status of your enrolment. More information about the START appointment. 

Faculty introduction meeting
At the Faculty introduction meeting, which will take place two weeks before the start of the semester, you will receive practical information about studying at the Faculty of Humanities and in Amsterdam. Moreover, it is a great way to meet other new students at the Faculty of Humanities. 

Intreeweek
The Intreeweek is a great way to get to know Amsterdam, the UvA and your fellow UvA students. The Intreeweek is open to international and Dutch students for a small fee. Each year, a team of dedicated students organise this major event to kick-off the new year. You can find details on the Intreeweek website. 

Study programme introduction

Most Bachelor's programmes organise a Programme specific introduction during the Intreeweek. If applicable to your programme, you will receive an invitation separately. 

You will need to pay the tuition fee in order to complete your enrolment for a degree programme at the UvA.