5 Best Public Universities in Amsterdam for International Students

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Amsterdam is one of the cities in Netherlands you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Amsterdam can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 10 universities you can find in Amsterdam, and 5 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Amsterdam a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Amsterdam, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Rank University Location
1 Amsterdam University College Amsterdam, Netherlands
2 KIT Institute Amsterdam, Netherlands
3 Amsterdam Tech Amsterdam, Netherlands
4 University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
5 Free University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands

Public Universities in Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam University College

  • Amsterdam University College Page
  • Amsterdam University College was founded in 2009 through a collaboration between two leading Dutch universities, the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It takes pride in its international campus, which includes a well-equipped academic building and student residences where students from Amsterdam and overseas can interact and study in a vibrant and harmonious environment. The college specializes in different fields of liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on practical learning and application.

    2. KIT Institute

  • KIT Institute Page
  • KIT Institute is a leading knowledge institution dedicated to making an impact on society by educating and empowering students and individuals from different communities. Its program offerings focus on sustainability, equality, and addressing global challenges. At present, it offers a Master’s Program in Public Health and Health Equity as well as several specialized short courses on relevant topics.

    3. Amsterdam Tech

  • Amsterdam Tech Page
  • Established in 2015, Amsterdam Tech is a modern institution for higher education dedicated to helping businesses by developing highly qualified individuals and collaborating with employers. Programs at this university are designed to impart leadership and technological skills to enable its graduates to thrive in any industry. Amsterdam Tech also has a vast network of employers that will allow students to gain real-world experience and increase their chances of securing their dream jobs after graduation.

    4. University of Amsterdam

  • University of Amsterdam Page
  • 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.

    5. Free University of Amsterdam

  • Free University of Amsterdam Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Amsterdam?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Amsterdam can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Amsterdam charge up to 15,500 Euros for bachelor’s and 22,900 Euros for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Amsterdam. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.