1. The Athenaeum Illustre, the UvA’s forerunner, was established in 1632, and since then has maintained a legacy of academic freedom, tolerance, and global engagement. It is currently one of Europe’s largest comprehensive research institutions with more than 34,000 students.
2. In a poll conducted by Time Out Magazine, Amsterdam came in second place out of more than 37 cities globally (september 2021). Amsterdam did well in categories like sustainability and greenery. For instance, the Vondelpark was called “the lungs of the city” in the magazine. In the pan-European “International Student Barometer,” 97% of students thought Amsterdam was “the place to be,” and 96% stated they felt safe and secure.
3. Amsterdam has great connections to the rest of the globe and is well connected for travel inside Europe. Students have access to the various cultural, commercial, and social activities that a capital city has to offer in this long-established crossroads city. The faculties of the UvA are situated in or close to the city’s centre or at the cutting-edge Amsterdam Science Park.
4. The academic programmes of the UvA give students a considerable degree of autonomy, reflecting the Dutch society’s value of individual beliefs and perspectives. As a result, students are encouraged to become independent and self-reliant thinkers through an interactive teaching approach.
5. Currently enrolled at the UvA are more than 7,000 international degree and exchange students representing more than 100 nations. Throughout their time in Amsterdam, UvA staff and other students provide active support. The UvA offers assistance with day-to-day tasks like creating a bank account, obtaining a visa, and locating housing.
6. The League of European Research Universities (LERU) and Universitas 21, a significant international network of research-intensive universities, both have the UvA as members. Along with other universities and research organisations, it actively participates in numerous EU-wide programmes.
7. With several opportunities to pursue a degree within or across fields, from the Bachelor’s up to the PhD level and beyond, students benefit from strong academic career trajectories. At the UvA, teaching and research are intertwined in all Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
