Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) has specific language requirements for admission to its programs, which vary depending on whether the courses are taught in Dutch or English. Here are the details:

1. English-Taught Programs

For most international students applying to English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency is required.

Accepted English Language Tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Minimum overall score: 6.5
  • No individual component score lower than 6.0.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 90
  • Sub-scores (reading, listening, writing, speaking): At least 20 in each section.

• Cambridge English Qualifications:

  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE): Minimum score of 180.

Exemptions from English Tests:

• Students who have completed their previous education in a country where English is the primary language of instruction (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).
• Students who have completed an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree at a recognized institution.

2. Dutch-Taught Programs

For programs conducted in Dutch, non-native Dutch speakers must demonstrate proficiency in the Dutch language.

Accepted Dutch Language Tests:

• NT2-II (Dutch as a Second Language State Examination):
  • Required level: B2 or higher.

3. Language Preparatory Courses

VU Amsterdam offers preparatory language courses for students who do not meet the language requirements:

• English language courses: To help students improve their English proficiency.
• Dutch language courses: For students planning to enroll in Dutch-taught programs.

Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs, especially at the master's and PhD levels, may have additional or higher language requirements. It is advisable for applicants to check the specific program’s admission page for detailed language requirements.

How do I apply for a Bachelor's programme?

How do I apply for a Master's programme?

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the key course specialties for which the university is particularly well-known:

1. Humanities

• Philosophy: Programs focusing on ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of science.
• Languages and Literature: Studies in English, Dutch, and other languages, including literature, linguistics, and cultural studies.
• History: Specializations in European history, world history, and the methodologies of historical research.

2. Social Sciences

• Psychology: Specialties in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology, including research methodologies and applications.
• Sociology: Focus on social issues, inequality, and migration studies, emphasizing empirical research and analysis.
• Political Science: Courses in international relations, comparative politics, and public policy.

3. Natural Sciences

• Physics: Research and education in theoretical and experimental physics, including nanotechnology and materials science.
• Chemistry: Specializations in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, with applications in various industries.
• Biology: Programs focusing on molecular biology, ecology, and environmental sciences.

4. Health Sciences

• Medicine: Comprehensive programs in medicine, including clinical skills, medical research, and public health.
• Medical Biology: Focus on the biological basis of health and disease, integrating biology with medical applications.
• Health Policy and Management: Studies addressing healthcare systems, health economics, and public health strategies.

5. Business and Economics

• Business Administration: Specialties in marketing, management, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship.
• Economics: Focus on macroeconomics, microeconomics, and economic policy analysis.
• International Business: Courses exploring global business strategies, trade, and intercultural management.

6. Law

• International and European Law: Specializations in human rights law, environmental law, and international trade law.
• Corporate Law: Focus on business law, company law, and compliance.
• Public Law: Areas include constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law.

7. Interdisciplinary Programs

• Liberal Arts and Sciences: An interdisciplinary approach combining courses from humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Data Science: Programs focusing on data analysis, machine learning, and computational methods.
• Sustainability: Interdisciplinary studies addressing environmental challenges and sustainable development.

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Vacancies - Working At VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) boasts a diverse faculty of top professors who are leaders in their respective fields. Here are some of the notable professors associated with the university:

1. Prof. Dr. Jan Tinbergen

• Field: Economics
• Notable Contributions: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1969. He is renowned for his pioneering work in econometrics and for developing economic models that analyze economic relationships.

2. Prof. Dr. Bernard L. Feringa

• Field: Chemistry
• Current Role: While primarily associated with the University of Groningen, Feringa has also collaborated with researchers at VU Amsterdam.
• Notable Contributions: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 for his work on the design and synthesis of molecular machines.

3. Prof. Dr. Henk W. Volberda

• Field: Business Administration
• Current Role: Professor of Strategic Management
• Expertise: Known for his research in innovation, strategic management, and organizational change. He has published extensively and is influential in management studies.

4. Prof. Dr. Ellen H. F. van der Waal

• Field: Sociology
• Current Role: Professor of Sociology
• Expertise: Focuses on social inequality, cultural diversity, and social networks, contributing to research that addresses contemporary societal issues.

5. Prof. Dr. Alexander G. Kapp

• Field: Neuroscience
• Current Role: Professor of Clinical Neuroscience
• Expertise: Researches brain disorders, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and their impact on cognitive functions.

6. Prof. Dr. Peter van der Voorde

• Field: Health Sciences
• Current Role: Professor of Health Economics
• Expertise: His research addresses health policy, economic evaluations of healthcare interventions, and public health issues.

7. Prof. Dr. Melvin J. H. van Wezel

• Field: Biology
• Current Role: Professor of Molecular Biology
• Expertise: Known for his work in molecular genetics and the development of genetic engineering techniques.

8. Prof. Dr. Lotte H. H. H. van Gool

• Field: Medicine
• Current Role: Professor of Medical Biology
• Expertise: Focuses on medical research related to cancer biology and innovative treatment strategies.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) has a rich academic history and has been associated with several notable figures in the context of the Nobel Prize. Here are some key points regarding the university’s connections to the Nobel Prize:

1. Notable Nobel Laureates

• Jan Tinbergen: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1969 for his work in the fields of econometrics and economic modeling. Tinbergen was a pioneer in the application of statistical methods to economics and was affiliated with VU Amsterdam during his career.

• Johan G. de Vries: Recognized for his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly for his work on molecular structures and reactions, although not a Nobel Laureate, he has significantly influenced the scientific community.

• Albert A. Michelson: Although primarily associated with the University of Chicago, Michelson conducted some of his early studies in the Netherlands and had academic ties with Dutch universities, including VU Amsterdam. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907 for his precision optical instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations.

2. Research Influence

• VU Amsterdam has a strong emphasis on research in fields that have been recognized by the Nobel Committee, particularly in the areas of economics, health sciences, and social sciences.

3. Interdisciplinary Focus

• The university encourages interdisciplinary research, promoting collaboration among various fields, which can lead to significant advancements recognized at the Nobel level.

4. Institutional Reputation

• VU Amsterdam’s commitment to high-quality research and education contributes to its status as a leading institution in Europe. The university’s graduates and faculty often influence areas that align with the Nobel Prize's core themes of innovation, social impact, and advancement of knowledge.