6 Best Universities In Amsterdam For International Students 2025

Amsterdam is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Netherlands. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 10 universities and colleges in Amsterdam, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 10 universities in Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Free University of Amsterdam are the top-performing schools in Amsterdam. This list covers both public and private institutions in Amsterdam.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Amsterdam. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Amsterdam.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Amsterdam?

Applying to the universities in Amsterdam involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Amsterdam to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Amsterdam?

Tuition fees at Amsterdam’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 2,900 Euros to 15,500 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 3,600 Euros to 22,900 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Amsterdam!

As we cover the best universities in Amsterdam for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Amsterdam for International Students

The University of Amsterdam is among the top public universities in the Netherlands (UvA). It has been in the academic industry for centuries, and its prominence in the global community is quite evident. Known to be the leading institution in science and innovation, it also offers outstanding educational programs in other areas of study, such as social sciences, humanities, and arts. The university is undoubtedly a remarkable institute that provides the highest standards of teaching and research.

The Free University of Amsterdam, commonly referred to as VA Amsterdam, is a public university with more than 140 years history. It offers degree programs in Sciences, Business and Economics, Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The university has more than 31,000 students, with nearly 5,200 international enrollment.

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is known as Hogeschool van Amsterdam in Dutch. This specialized institution mainly offers bachelor’s courses, along with a select number of master’s programs. These programs may be pursued full-time or part-time. Some are also English-taught, making it easy for international students to pursue studies at AUAS. Various disciplines are covered by its courses, including design, business, health, technology, and more.

Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a specialized English-taught art school in Amsterdam. It primarily offers undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s students begin first-year with the same program – Basic year – before choosing from one of 12 specialties. Another option for undergrads is the five-year DOGtime program, which includes three years of in-depth study. The academy’s Sandberg Instituut provides Master’s degrees. However, there are only two such programs available.

Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) is a career-oriented higher institution that provides high standards of teaching and research in arts and culture. It offers top-class programs in film, art and design, theatre, music, architecture, and arts education. As an industry-specific university, it has been known for educating and training creative individuals. And even as an internationally recognized institution, it continues to improve and develop quality programs to offer to its current and future students.

Hogeschool iPABO offers teacher training programs in two locations: one in Amsterdam and the other in Alkmaar. The university is the result of several amalgamations of teacher training schools back in the 80s. Today, it provides comprehensive primary and pre-school education programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. In addition, the faculty is comprised of experts and highly-qualified educators who will aid students in acquiring the fundamentals of teaching and knowledge and, at the same time, develop core skills necessary for their future professions.