Get up to $1,250 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by June 30, 2026. See our Official Rules for full details.
Language: Dutch
Climate: Temperate Maritime
Currency: Euro
Study abroad in Amsterdam and fall in love with one of the most eclectic and culturally rich cities in Europe. Whether you’re walking, biking, or riding a boat down the city’s famous canals, there's always something new to explore in Amsterdam. Home to residents from over 180 nationalities, cultures, religions, and backgrounds, people are drawn to Amsterdam as a Mecca for personal freedom and tolerance. In addition to Amsterdam’s historic significance, the city is also on the cutting edge of using technology and data to improve city services and environmental sustainability.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $24,995
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $24,995
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $24,995
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $24,995
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $4,795
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Starting at $4,795
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) was founded in 1880 and is now ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world. With a focus on research and academic excellence, VU Amsterdam hosts about 25,000 students a year, and 14% of them are international. Higher education in the Netherlands is world renowned and regulated by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). All Bachelor programs are accredited through the NVAO.
VU Amsterdam was the first university in the Netherlands to be established without interference from the church or the state. In fact, Vrije Universiteit literally means Free University. That secular tradition continues in the university’s work to create its own study programs with an emphasis on a personalized approach to teaching and learning. The campus is easy to navigate, thanks to the single-building complex design, and students quickly feel at home.
The university has a wide variety of academic offerings, with over 350 courses regularly taught in English. Like many Dutch institutions, VU Amsterdam puts a heavy emphasis on academic responsibility and independence. Instructors expect students to be active listeners and participate in classroom discussions. There is a high level of classroom interaction, a strict adherence to attendance policies and school rules, and direct honesty in grading, with no grade inflation.
When you study at VU Amsterdam, you’ll be just 15 minutes by bike from the city center. International students are actively welcomed, and encouraged to take part in arts, sports, and cultural programs through the student center and the ERASMUS Student Network (ESN). You can even expand your horizon by joining student clubs, participating in free workshops, or joining a volunteer program. From the campus bike repair shop to volleyball courts to film screenings and the on-campus grocery store, VU Amsterdam creates a cozy home away from home for all students.
VU Amsterdam is fully recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a research university. All bachelor's and master's degree programmes at VU Amsterdam are either accredited by or in the process of being accredited by NVAO (Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie,) the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders. This body was established by international treaty and guarantees the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium through the accreditation of study programs. VU's Business School is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
VU Amsterdam awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations for semester programs are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Whereas CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations for summer programs are based on the following conversion:15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit.
Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from VU Amsterdam upon successful completion of the program. The transcript will reflect ECTS credits for each course.
CEA CAPA Content Creator Janzyn Tupuola captures her travel adventures on film while studying abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
CEA CAPA Alum Janzyn Tupuola writes about her academic culture shock and the best places to study while studying abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
CEA CAPA Content Creator Janzyn Tupuola documents her day celebrating King’s Day while studying abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Read more.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Discover the authentic rhythm and vibrant energy of life in Amsterdam from your private room in an aparthotel. Conveniently located near your local university, you'll have access to public transportation, allowing you to explore the entire city. The building features shared kitchens on each floor and an onsite café.
This housing option is included in the program price.
