Netherlands flag

Amsterdam, Netherlands

University of Amsterdam

#55 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#55

Acceptance Rate

40%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$12,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#13

Amsterdam

Application Deadline

April 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

39,000

students

International Students

26%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Research university in the heart of Amsterdam — one of Europe's most liveable and international cities.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#9Psychology#11Communication & Media Studies#22Economics & Econometrics#23Politics & International Studies

Notes for US Students

Hundreds of English-taught programs. Amsterdam is incredibly international and liveable.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of Amsterdam

Acceptance Rate

40%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

April 1

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$12,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via Studielink by February 1
  • High school diploma
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+ for English-taught programs
  • Program-specific prerequisites (e.g. mathematics for Economics)
  • No SAT/ACT required

Class Size

Avg. Lecture180 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty14:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberLate January
Spring TermEarly FebruaryLate June
BreaksJul–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$12,000 / year
Application Deadline
April 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
40%
QS Best Student City (Amsterdam)
#13 globally

Programs Offered

BusinessSocial SciencesArts & HumanitiesSciencesLaw

Scholarships to Explore

  • Holland Scholarship
  • Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

Cost of Living — Amsterdam, Netherlands

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,200/mo
Groceries & dining$310/mo
Transportation$85/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$240/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,835

vs. avg US college student

3% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Amsterdam's housing market is tight. Apply early for student housing. The city is very bikeable, keeping transport cheap.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of Amsterdam as a US Student

University of Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is ranked #55in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Business, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Sciences, Law. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$12,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 40%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of April 1. Scholarships available include the Holland Scholarship.