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Exchange Programme
Social and Behavioural Sciences

Application and admission

On this page:

Application deadline

The application deadline for the Exchange Programme Social And Behavioural Sciences is:

  • Application deadline for an exchange starting in the 1st semester (Fall semester or Full Year): 1 May
  • Application deadline for an exchange in the 2nd semester (Spring semester): 1 October.

For exchange students applying through UvA bilateral agreements (Office of International Student Affairs) other procedures apply.

All incoming exchange students, in the framework of the exchange programmes in the field of Social and Behavioural Sciences, are placed in the Exchange Programme Social and Behavioural Sciences. Exchange students from partner universities have to be nominated by their home university.

Entry requirements for Bachelor's Students

  • Having completed (90 EC with a C average (ECTS system) in a relevant discipline before starting in the Exchange Programme – Social and Behavioural Sciences.
  • Please note that for advanced courses having completed 120 EC will be required.
  • English language test for bachelor level students equivalent to: 
    • level B2 in the CEFR:
    • TOEFL (minimum score: 92 internet test) 
    • IELTS (minimum score 6.5)
    • Cambridge Examination scores (minimum scores: CAE C, CPE C)
    • sent directly by the testing organization to the Universiteit van Amsterdam (TOEFL reporting number = 9011)
    • proof of B2 level in the CEFR on the Erasmus Mobility Tool Language Assessment Test

Entry requirements for Master's Students

  • Having completed a bachelor degree in a relevant field.
  • English language test for master level students equivalent to: 
    • level C1 in the CEFR: TOEFL (minimum score: 600 paper test, 100 internet test, minimum score on each component 22) 
    • IELTS (minimum score 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 for each test component
    • Cambridge Examination Scores (CAE C, CPE C)
    • sent directly by the testing organization to the Universiteit van Amsterdam (TOEFL reporting number =9011 )
    • proof of C1 level in the CEFR on the Erasmus Mobility Tool Language Assessment Test

A test score is valid for a period of two years. Students holding older test scores are requested to contact the International Office Social and Behavioural Sciences as soon as they start their application to discuss their options. 

Please note that only mother tongue speakers are exempted from the English language test requirement.

Waiver requests should be submitted together with the application at an early stage to avoid delay in the admission process.

All (complete) applications are handled individually by the International Office Social and Behavioural Sciences. All partner universities have been informed on the entry requirements.

Application process

  • 1. Instructions on how to apply

    After your home university has nominated you, the University of Amsterdam will send you two emails.  
    * The first email will contain instructions on how to apply. Please read this email carefully.
    * The second email will be sent within one working day after the first email, and will include your UvAnetID (student number).
    * Sometimes these first emails will arrive in your spam mailbox. Please regularly check your spam mailbox.
    * If you did not yet receive any email from the UvA on May 3, 2024 please contact us.

  • 2. Activate your UvAnetID

    Activate your UvAnetID as instructed in the second email. 

  • 3. Submit your application

    Once you have carefully read the information on this page, and have activated your UvAnetID, please visit SIS, log in with your UvAnetID and click on ‘My Admissions’ to submit your application. Please note that you will need to upload the following documents in PDF format with your application in the SIS student portal:

    • Transcript of records (with digital verification or signature and stamp) - please note that master students need to upload both their bachelor and master transcripts
    • List of courses in progress, with number of EC/credits per course
    • Scan of passport or ID card (front and back)

    Proof of English proficiency - During the application process, you will be asked to fill in a course wish list. We are working on the course list for the Exchange Programme of 2024-25. For now, please refer to last year’s course catalogue when selecting courses on your wish list. Note that by submitting your wish list you do not register for these courses. You will be informed about our course registration period at a later stage.

  • 4. English language test report

    If applicable: make sure the testing organisation of your English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge) sends your test report directly to us. You can also send us your login information for us to review your results. 

    While we recommend you upload a language test score together with your application, a valid language test result can be submitted until one month before the start of your exchange period.

    In some cases we will ask you to provide us with an updated transcript just before the start of the semester.

After application

  • 5. Acceptance

    The International Office Social and Behavioural Sciences aims to confirm receipt of nominations and applications within one week. Applicants receive the decision regarding their admission before 1 June (first semester and full year) or 1 November (second semester). Accepted exchange students receive information letters by e-mail. Please find the timeline of the first semester 24-25 below.

  • 6. Course registration

    Information about our course registration period and Q&A sessions will be sent to you in separate emails after acceptance. 

  • 7. Learning agreement and other documents

    Home universities often require specific documents to be signed by the International Office Social and Behvrioural Sciences. The most common documents are the Online Learning Agreement and Confirmation of Arrival.
    The Online Learning Agreement is signed once your registration for all courses is final.

    The Confirmation of Arrival is signed once you arrive in Amsterdam. Please send the document that your university requires us to sign by email to: international-office-fmg@uva.nl.

  • 8. Housing

    The Amsterdam housing market is extremely challenging. UvA International Student Housing has a limited number of rooms reserved for roughly half of the newly incoming international students every semester. Please note that accommodation therefore cannot be guaranteed.
    Shortly after acceptance the student will receive an email about the application procedure for student housing (draw). 
    More information on UvA International Student Housing can be found on uva.nl/housing. We recommend students to withdraw their exchange if they can’t find a place to live before they arrive.

  • 9. Practical information

    Moving to Amsterdam for your exchange is an exciting experience. To help you with the transition, the UvA has various services and support facilities. Find out how to arrange your visa or residence permit, your insurance, and other practical matters.

    Students who have been admitted to the UvA will receive inspiring nice-to-know and need-to-know information in our online Start magazine and Start Newsletters:

    UvA Start Magazine
  • 10. Time line semester 1 24-25

    Please find here our time line for semester 1.