Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 170 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level to more than 30,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 118 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community. VU Amsterdam is located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language spoken. The campus is surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands hosting over 700 companies: the Zuidas. We conduct cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance. VU Amsterdam distinguishes itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes: Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World and Governance for Society. As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world. In addition, VU Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
Learn more!We have around 25 English-taught Bachelor's programmes
We have around 150 English-taught Master's programmes
If you are not directly eligible, you can progress to VU Amsterdam after successfully completing your programme at the International Study Centre.
"My name is Mihika Jain. I grew up in
Bombay, India and at the age of 18 moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as my family
relocated there. I completed my Bachelor's degree (BSc Computer Science) after
which I moved to Singapore. I lived in Singapore for five years where I
completed my Masters degree (MSc IT and Business Administration) before starting
my first job at IBM Singapore. After working at IBM for three and a half years,
I decided to get back into the classroom and moved to Amsterdam to study VU Amsterdam.
I was keen to experience a business course and widen my horizons
as I had a background and experience primarily in STEM. Hence, I chose to study
the MSc in Business Administration with a specialization in Strategy and
Organisation. I enjoyed all aspects of the course, especially the practical
application of theory in the form of case studies and group projects based on
real companies.
Today I am a
Manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), The Netherlands within the Deals
(Mergers and Acquisitions) business unit. I work in a diverse, fast-paced and
challenging environment where I get to apply both my STEM knowledge and
business skills.
Orientation week for me was one of the most memorable
moments at the VU. We were exposed to so many students from different
nationalities and cultures, it was amazing. It is also where I met friends with
whom I am still in touch today. We also had the opportunity to attend SAIL
Amsterdam that year, a truly awesome experience! My only wish was that we had
our orientation together with our Dutch classmates as well so that we could all
get to know each other right from the start."