Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Exchange

Photo by: Steven Lek CC BY-SA 4.0
Map from: Google Maps

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Language of instruction: Dutch, English
Tuition payable to: UBC
Program website: VU Amsterdam Study Abroad Website
Terms available: Term 1, Term 2, Full year Term 1 + 2 (UBC Term 1 start)

Apply

Who can go?

  • Exchange students can take coursework in most areas of study
  • There is significantly more coursework available in English during the Fall semester

Academic planning

Term dates

Academic year consists of 6 periods.

  • UBC Term 1 (VU Fall Semester): September -February
    • Period 1: September - October
    • Period 2: November - December
    • Period 3: January - February (optional)
  • UBC Term 2 (VU Amsterdam Spring Semester ( UBC Term 2)
    • Period 4: February - March
    • Period 5: April - May
    • Period 6: June - July (optional)

Areas of study available:

  • Arts
  • Commerce (UBCV)
  • Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Land and Food Systems
  • Management (UBCO)
  • Science

Course availability 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.

Courses and Minors

Course equivalency Formula

2 ECTS = 1 UBC Credit

Course load Information

30 ECTS = 15 UBC Credits

Transfer credit

The transfer credit process takes approximately 16 weeks following each submission deadline. You should allow sufficient time to meet important deadlines that may affect you (e.g. application for graduation, registration in courses that require prerequisites that you took on exchange, entry to a major/honours program, etc.)

Search for previously approved courses

Additional note for language of instruction

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. 

Student experience

Housing
Information on accommodation

Accessibility
Some destinations may be more accessible than others for students with disability-related accommodations. If you identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodation, please contact a Go Global advisor before applying to explore options that are best for you.

Equaldex
The Equality Index measures the current status of LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and freedoms

Social Media

Read Student Reports

Finances and funding

While you’re learning abroad, you remain a UBC student and are eligible for UBC awards, scholarships, and financial assistance.

  • 15 credits or equivalent full-time program tuition per term, paid to UBC

Financial Planning 

Awards & Scholarships  
All students are automatically considered to receive either the Go Global Award ($1000) or Go Global Scholarship ($1500) for each term that they are abroad.  

All awards and scholarships available through Go Global:  
UBCV Students  
UBCO Students 

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