academics in AMSTERDAM

VU offers hundreds of English-taught courses on both Bachelor's and Master's level in various fields of study. The subjects vary, ranging from arts & culture and social sciences, neurosciences and computer science, to economics and business administration. In the above study guide, you can click through to the course offerings of the different faculties. Most of the courses have entry requirements, which means that you must have a relevant academic background in order to qualify to take these courses. Students are also able to take a Dutch language course while studying at VU.

A maximum workload for one semester is 30 ECTS, and the minimum is 24 ECTS. Most courses are 6 ECTS , which equals 3 credits at Illinois. Exchange students must enroll in courses for at least 18 ECTS credits per semester in the Faculty (academic college or school) for which they were nominated according to the exchange agreement.  

The VU Amsterdam semester is made up of 3 periods. A regular workload for the first 2 periods is 12 ECTS per period (i.e. 2 courses each period). Students can finish the program after the first 2 periods or take 1 additional course during period 3.

The end date depends on students’ exam schedule, which depends on which courses they take. However, the last exam date for period 2 is around December 18. Students should not take courses in period 3 as it overlaps with the beginning of UIUC spring semester. For spring semester, students take period 4 and 5, with period 6 being optional. The first period of the spring semester, period 4, typically begins in early-February. Period 5 typically ends the first week of June and period 6 ends the first week of July.

At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the academic year is divided into 2 semesters. Each semester is divided into 3 periods: View dates here: https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/courses. 

Exchange students may take their full course load (24 ECTS) in the first two periods of the semester and are not required to stay for the last period.  

 Keep in mind, however, that you would have to pay for the full length of your housing contract if you get accommodation via the university, unless you find someone to take over your contract privately. Overall it will still be cheaper (and easier) than finding something on the private market.

Spring Term Specific Updates:

• In Spring semester VU offers less courses for exchange students than in Fall, and no minor programs. 

• VU cannot guarantee student placement in all course options students try to register for.

• A full workload is 30 ECTS. Most courses are 6 ECTS each. You can check which courses have been made available to incoming exchange students here: https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/courses