University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, the Netherlands
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Facts
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of students currently enrolled: 32,000
• Semester 1: Early September – Early February
• Semester 2: Early February – Late July
• Academic Calendar: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/studying-at-the-
uva/academic-calendar/academic-calendar.html
• Important information: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/other-
programmes/exchange/exchange.html?cb
About the University
Founded in 1632 the University of Amsterdam (UvA) prides itself on its reputation as one of
the best research universities in the world. As UvA places a strong emphasis on independent
thinking and studying, the academic climate is challenging but rewarding.
As the capital of the Netherlands and with a population of over 870,000, Amsterdam is at the
financial, creative and cultural heart of the country. English is considered the city’s second
language and with the extensive public transport system and the dominance of bikes getting
around the city will prove no trouble at all.
Website: https://www.uva.nl/en/home
What to expect
Application process
If you are allocated for an exchange at the University of Amsterdam, you will be officially
nominated by the Study and Work Away team and will then be provided with your detailed
application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated.
Type of Application: The application is completed online.Notes of Guidance for Exchange students
University of Amsterdam
Academics
Course/ credit load One full year of study equates to 60 ECTS (1680 hours of
study). One semester of study equates to 30 ECTS.
Courses available https://www.uva.nl/en/education/other-
programmes/exchange/global-
exchange/courses/courses.html
Course enrolment The course registration for semester 1 courses normally takes
place in June. Second semester courses are registered for
later in semester 1.
Course registration opens at specific times by degree
programme. You will need to use your UvA-net account.
Registration is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and it is
important to be flexible with your course choices as well as
have alternatives in place.
There is a wide range of courses taught in English but the
Academic restrictions
number of places available for exchange students may be
restricted. Therefore, it is very important for students to be
flexible about the course choices.
It is quite difficult to participate in MA-courses. These courses
are often fully booked and have very specific entry
requirements. During the second semester, hardly any MA-
courses are offered.
Exchange students cannot access Amsterdam University
College (AUC) courses.
UvA is not a suitable institution for the following degree
subjects:
• Philosophy
• Computing / Informatics
• Biological Science
• Chemical Engineering
Please research the suitability of the University of Amsterdam
Previous Students
for your degree programme. Courses and programmes at your
home and host institution may have changed since other
students studied there. However, please find below some
examples of the degree programmes of students who went on
exchange to UvA in previous years:
• Business with Marketing
• English Literature
• History
• History of Art
• Geography
• Social Anthropology
• Social Policy with Social Anthropology
• Psychology
• International Relations
2
These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 04 Oct 2022. Help us keep this information accurate by sending
any feedback to the Study and Work Away team at europe.outgoing@ed.ac.ukNotes of Guidance for Exchange students
University of Amsterdam
Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange
Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have
their approval.
Accommodation
University Accommodation is not guaranteed for international students
accommodation so it is important that you apply early.
• Explore Amsterdam accommodation, including information
on the housing procedures at the UvA, at:
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/practical-
matters/housing/housing.html
Application process Students will receive an email with a link to an online
application system for housing. You can expect this email
around mid-May for studies starting in September.
Private accommodation Off-campus housing:
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/practical-
matters/housing/finding-accommodation-on-your-
own/finding-accommodation-on-your-own.html
Other useful sites include:
• https://www.dekey.nl/shortstayEN
Costs
Estimated cost of living Estimated cost of living is between €900 and €1,500 per
month
Insurance Health insurance is mandatory for anyone studying in
Amsterdam. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
meets this requirement. For up to date information on using
UK issued EHIC cards after Brexit please see:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-
netherlands#healthcare
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/practical-
information/insurance/health-insurance.html
Banks The largest banks in the Netherlands are ABN AMRO,
Rabobank, ING, Bunq, SNS, ASN, and Triodos. ABN AMRO
and Bunq have detailed information in English. To open a bank
account you will need to bring a valid form of ID (Passport),
proof of address, and a residency permit if you are from outside
the UK.
The use of credit cards in the Netherlands is not extremely
common though you shouldn’t have trouble using a
VISA/American Express/Mastercard if need be. You should be
3
These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 04 Oct 2022. Help us keep this information accurate by sending
any feedback to the Study and Work Away team at europe.outgoing@ed.ac.ukNotes of Guidance for Exchange students
University of Amsterdam
able to transfer between UK and Dutch bank accounts if you
have your IBAN and SWIFT codes, however, your bank may
charge you.
Other
Employment Those with EU passports should not face any barriers to
employment. Non-EU/EEA students face restrictions on the
hours they can work and will need to apply for a work permit.
For up to date information regarding working in the
Netherlands after Brexit, please see:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-
netherlands#working
The orientation programme is organised by International
Orientation
Student Network (ISN) one or two weeks before the start of the
semester. The ISN introduction days will give students a
chance to meet other exchange students and explore the city
and nightlife of Amsterdam.
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/practical-
information/upon-arrival/upon-arrival.html
The Faculty of Humanities also has a faculty specific
introduction for all exchange students.
The University of Amsterdam offers a pick-up service from
Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport) for International students.
Visas Based up on the country of citizenship, students may need to
apply for an entry visa. To find out whether you need a visa to
travel to the Netherlands as a student, please use the
following website: https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-
your-stay/get-prepared
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/practical-
information/visas-and-permits/visas-and-permits.html
All non‐European/European Economic Area (non‐EU/EEA)
students will have to apply for a residence permit to legally
reside and study in the Netherlands for a semester or full
year. Students with the Australian, New Zealand and
Canadian nationality may also apply for the Working Holiday
Scheme permit (WHS permit) instead of the regular
residence permit. Students with a Chinese passport also
need to apply for a NUFFIC certificate, in addition to the
Residence Permit. See the Nuffic website.
Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for
disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to
disability or specific learning difficulty, and you wish to study
abroad then please contact the European team in the Study
4
These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 04 Oct 2022. Help us keep this information accurate by sending
any feedback to the Study and Work Away team at europe.outgoing@ed.ac.ukNotes of Guidance for Exchange students
University of Amsterdam
and Work Away service at europe.outgoing@ed.ac.uk. We
will work together with you to explore the help available at your
host institution. It might also be helpful if you discuss this with
your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office.
https://www.uva.nl/en/shared-
content/studentensites/uva-
studentensite/en/az/disability/disability.html
What other students had to say about the University
The best part?
Living in a beautiful city”
Having much wider course choices and working with people from all over the
world”
The greatest challenge?
It is continuous assessment, so you have to be on top of your game
throughout the whole year.
Advice for future exchange students
Accommodation
It is difficult to find accommodation yourself so to save stress I would
recommend that you apply for student halls.”
General advice
Having a part time job made me feel much more integrated into Dutch life in
the city.”
Buy a bike!”
I advise that you go to orientation/isn week since that is the easiest way to
meet people.”
5
These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 04 Oct 2022. Help us keep this information accurate by sending
any feedback to the Study and Work Away team at europe.outgoing@ed.ac.ukYou can also read
