Undergraduate Current Students | University of Amsterdam

About University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Studying at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) provides students with a double challenge: the intellectual challenge of a comprehensive academic curriculum and Amsterdam's exciting urban environment. The UvA is a large university, but a small scale has been preserved in how it is organized. The University is housed in both classic and modern buildings, most of which are located in the historic city centre. The combination of attractive buildings—situated along a canal, in a courtyard or surrounded by water—at the same time offering state-of-the-art facilities, is what makes the UvA so unique. The city itself is a popular cultural and media centre and an international junction of commercial firms—an attractive spot from which to view future career.

Quick facts:

• Founded in 1632, UvA is the Netherlands’ largest university.
• UvA is a top-100 university globally and one of Europe's 15 best universities.
• UvA’s Economics and Business program has the prestigious triple crown accreditation by AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.
• Internationalization is a keyword at UvA Economics and Business. The staff, student body, degree programs, and research all have a strong international focus.
• Courses at UvA Economics and Business are aligned to meet the demands of today’s professional careers, and strong ties are maintained with Amsterdam’s corporate sector.

Term Dates

UvA offers IBEX opportunities in the fall and spring semesters.

• Fall semester: late-August to late-December. Block 1 is eight weeks long and Block 2 is another eight weeks. There is also a Block 3 that students can stay to complete. It is approximately four weeks long and takes place in January. *See additional information below.
• Spring semester: early-February to early-June: Block 1 is eight weeks long and Block 2 is another eight weeks. There is also a Block 3 that students can stay to complete. It is approximately four weeks long and takes place in June. *See additional information below.
  *Additional information on Block 3: If you finish a full time course load (minimum 24 – 30 Amsterdam credits/minimum 4 – 5 classes) in the first two blocks of the semester, you are allowed to return home earlier and not take courses in Block 3. However housing lease contracts cannot be shortened and cover (almost) the entire semester, including Block 3.

Dates are approximate and may be subject to change.

Housing and Living Costs

• Housing: since the housing market of Amsterdam is extremely competitive, it can become very difficult to find student accommodations on the private market. For this reason, the Global Exchange office of International Student Affairs arranges and guarantees housing for all students. Rental prices range is approximately €975 – €1500/month.
• Living expenses: approximately € 400-500/month.
• Books and necessary class materials: approximately €50-100/month.
• Local transportation: approximately €70 – 100/month maximum. Most students travel by bicycle and second-hand bikes vary from €100 – 200. A decent lock costs approximately €50.

€ = Euro

Find out more about IBEX tuition, housing, and other logistics.

Language of Instruction

English

Student Services

The student services available to exchange students include:

• Introduction Week
• Career Weeks
• International student trips
• Weekly parties
• Internship information sessions