The University of Amsterdam also known as Universiteit van Amsterdam in Dutch (UvA) is a public university that was established in 1632 and is situated in the Capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
It was formerly known as Athenaeum Illustre from 1632 to 1877 and as Municipal University of Amsterdam from 1877 to 1961. The University of Amsterdam is one of the publicly funded universities in Amsterdam and also one of the largest in the city.
The Academic Medical Center (AMC) of the UvA accepts a limited number of exchange students from international medical schools. International students can be accepted for periods known as ‘blocks’, research electives or elective clerkships. For blocks and most of the clinical electives good knowledge of the Dutch language is required.
University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements: The University of Amsterdam is the hub of innovation, research, and learning that nourishes students’ curiosity. It ranks in the top 60 universities worldwide and among the top 20 universities across Europe.
It is located in the capital city of the Netherlands and was established in 1632. It is part of the oldest medical universities in Netherlands. The alumni of this institution are doing well in medical research in the Netherlands.
Medical education in this university is oriented around the patient and organized in small groups. With this, proper learning and transfer of knowledge is achievable, making it even more obvious why this university, in particular, is so popular. The curriculum is divided into three years of theoretical education and three years of clinical education, after which the students receive the Master’s degree and are able to practice medicine in the Netherlands or worldwide.
Why University of Amsterdam Medicine study:
- The University of Amsterdam is a reputed university that ranks in the top 20 in Europe. It holds the best rank for communication science and media.
- Along with the degree, one can gain critical thinking skills and knowledge to open doors to incredible opportunities.
- The University of Amsterdam provides multiple scholarship programs to international students.
- After graduating from this University, one can expect to bag placement offers with good salaries.
- The University of Amsterdam has an excellent network with University partners, scientific universities, and private and public institutions in the Netherlands.
University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements | Medical Anthropology
The master’s programme in Medical Anthropology and Sociology focuses on health and healthcare in a political, economic and cultural context. In the programme you will use social science theory and methods to critically analyse health issues in a globalising world.
Their intensive, one-year programme combines coursework and a thesis project based on your own individual fieldwork. You can choose to do research in the Netherlands or anywhere else in Europe; go to Asia, Africa or the Americas. You will design and organise your own research project, on a medical anthropological or sociological theme of your interest, with the guidance of our international academic staff.
University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements | Medical Informatics
Bachelor’s degree | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in medical anthropology and sociology or in another closely related discipline (such as anthropology, sociology, political science, medical sciences (health, medicine and biomedical), history or psychology).
International degrees are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the degree should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education.
Social Sciences | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
All applicants are expected to have sufficient knowledge of social sciences evidenced by the completion of (the equivalent of) at least 18 ECTS credits during previous study. Relevant work experience in the field of Medical Anthropology and Sociology may partially substitute academic work in Social Sciences.
Research methodology | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a solid basis in research methods and techniques in the social sciences, including qualitative methods and techniques, reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 12 ECTS during previous study. Experience with the following research methods skills is expected:
- Making a solid research design
- Developing and carrying out qualitative research such as participant observation, interviewing, focus groups, discourse analysis, or historical analysis
- Understanding advantages and disadvantages of different social science research methods, including their usefulness for the purpose of triangulation
- Analysing and reporting the results of empirical qualitative research.
Grade average | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent standard, especially in the field of medical anthropology and sociology. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C (ECTS system), 7.0 (Dutch system) or equivalent.
English language proficiency | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
Our Master’s programmes are highly demanding and fully taught in English. To ensure the quality of education and to safeguard students from failing their studies or slowing down class interactions, a high level of English language proficiency is expected of all applicants. For more information, also on the test requirements and possible exemptions, please see here.
Pre-Master’s programme | University of Amsterdam Medicine Entry Requirements
Please see here for more information on pre-Master possibilities.
Faculty of Medicine (AMC)
The University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam UMC, AMC location offer study programs in almost every recognized medical specialty within the Faculty of Medicine.
The AMC is one of eight university medical centres in the Netherlands and one of the leading international centres in the field of academic medicine. As a university medical centre, the AMC has three main tasks:
- treatment of patients
- academic medical research
- providing medical education
International students
Do you have a specific question about your situation, please contact the education office of your faculty or the Central Student Service Desk.
How to get into the University of Amsterdam: deadlines and documents
Deadline and documents – application to the University of Amsterdam.
Selective courses have specific deadlines, see above, but the general deadline is 1 April, if you also wish to apply for housing through the University of Amsterdam and 1 May if you intend to organize your own accommodation.
It is worth bearing in mind that accommodation is not necessarily easy to find in Amsterdam, particularly if you leave it to the last minute, and many first-year undergraduates prefer to get onto the University of Amsterdam housing list as soon as they are offered a place.
Dutch university applications are processed through the central admissions system, Studielink.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with your University of Amsterdam student number and information on what to do next.
You will upload your completed application form and documents – proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 100;CAE Grade A) school grades, transcripts, CV, etc- through the MyInfo portal on the website.
You can apply for four courses at a time – but only two of these can be Numerus Fixus (fixed quota) courses.
Financial support and general costs at the UvA
Study at the University of Amsterdam – costs:
EU students will pay the statutory annual tuition fee of 3 252 euros (2021-2022), but the Dutch government is currently offering a 50 percent reduction for first-year undergraduates, in response to the pandemic, so this reduces the first-year fee significantly.
In terms of living costs, Amsterdam is not the cheapest -nor the most expensive – city in the world.
It has been calculated that you will need between 925 and 1 500 euros a month for all your expenses, with tuition fees on top.
Transport can cost from 70 to 100 euros a month, and since Amsterdam is a small city, most students buy bicycles.
A good bike will cost you 100-200 euros and a sturdy lock is about 50 euros, so this is an excellent option for economizing.
If you do find a job and work 56 hours a month, all through the year, then you will be eligible to apply for Studiefinanciering
Immigration
- Can I travel to the Netherlands as a non-EU/EEA student?As a student you are exempted from the EU travel ban and you are allowed to travel to the Netherlands if you have received the IND decision letter stating that you will receive a residence permit for study. You will receive this IND decision letter from the immigration office of the UvA. You have to carry this with you while you travel.You must bring the letter stating that you will receive a residence permit (kennisgeving) when you travel to the Netherlands. If a family member is accompanying, they must have a copy of your IND letter as well.
- The embassy/consulate where I need to collect my entry visa/MVV is closed. What should I do?Please visit the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on entry visa/MVV collection issues caused by the coronavirus situation.
- What happens with my residence permit when I am outside of the Netherlands for more than 12 months?If you are abroad for more than 12 months you lose the right to maintain your residence permit. We have to inform the IND about where you are and if you are abroad, when you intent to come back. Please let us know via this form. (Please note that the cancelation of your residence permit will have no influences on your registration at the UvA. You can continue with online education.)
If, after your residence permit is cancelled, you want to travel to the Netherlands to pick up your Diploma you can travel on a tourist visa.
If, after your residence permit is cancelled, you want to travel to the Netherlands to continue your study, you need to start the immigration procedure again in order to obtain a new permit.
Please note that you must re-arrange all the documents that you have submitted before, such as:- your financial proof (you need to submit a bank statement that is dated within the last 2 months)
- In case of a sponsor: you need to submit a sponsor’s support statement as well, incl your sponsor’s passport
- your passport (which must be valid for 6 months)
- your antecedent certificate.
- I have to re-apply for my residence permit because I am abroad. Do I need to obtain 50% ECTS this academic year?If you are studying online and you need to re-apply for your residence permit because you are abroad due to Corona, you still have to obtain 50% ECTS this academic year. If you do not obtain 50% ECTS this academic year, your residence permit will be revoked.
Corona-virus measures in the Netherlands, vaccines and self-quarantine
- Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 when temporarily in the Netherlands?International students can get their vaccination at RAI Amsterdam any time after their arrival in the Netherlands.You will not be required to prove that you have been staying in the Netherlands for at least one month or to have a BSN number.Is this the first time you will receive a dose of a vaccine?
You do not need to make an appointment for the RAI Amsterdam location.Have you received the first dose of a vaccine in your home country?
Please make an appointment with The Amsterdam Municipal Health Service (GGD). A special appointment hotline for international students is available: (+31) 020 5555 202. You can also send an email to coronavragen@ggd.amsterdam.nl. More information about coronavirus vaccination in AmsterdamRead more about getting vaccinated - Do I get a proof of my vaccination in the CoronaCheck-app if I am not registered in the BRP?No, if you are not registered in the BRP yet, you don’t get the QR-code. However, as soon as you have been registered, you can add your BSN number in the app and you will receive the QR-code. It is important to keep your patient number, since you need it to register your BSN number.
- Where do I find the proof that I have been vaccinated?In the CoronaCheck-app, you can find a QR-code that indicates that you are fully vaccinated. You can download the app in the Appstore and Playstore.
- Which measures is the Dutch government taking during the coronavirus in the Netherlands?On the website government.nl you can read the frequently asked questions about the approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands and the rules that apply.
- Which measures will apply to me if I travel to the Netherlands?Visit Netherlandsandyou.nl for information about travelling to the Netherlands, including information about travelling from high-risk regions.
- Am I obliged to have proof of a corona vaccination before starting my programme?While we hope that everyone who studies and works at the UvA chooses to get vaccinated, everyone is free to decide this for themselves. This means we will not be requiring a vaccination certificate or negative test certificate. We are counting on everyone to take responsibility to prevent further infections. Do you have any symptoms? If so, stay at home and ask for a test at the GGD.
- What should I do if I develop Corona-related symptoms while I am in the Netherlands?If you develop symptoms that could be related to coronavirus, you can get tested to see if you are infected. Please visit www.government.nl for more information. Please stay home and do not visit the campus if you have any symptoms.
- Do I need to self-quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands?You can find the information on self-quarantine on this website: www.government.nl. The University of Amsterdam expects students to act responsibly and to self-isolate in accordance with the recommendations from the Government of the Netherlands.
- Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 when I land at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport?Please check the latest information at www.schiphol.nl.
- Should my roommates also self-quarantine?No, if you have to self-quarantine because you traveled from a country categorized as orange or red your roommates do not have to self-quarantine unless they themselves have travelled from a country categorized as a red or orange. Only if you (or they) develop symptoms should you all stay inside and avoid contact with others.
- Can I come to the campus during my self-quarantine?No, as you are expected to stay at home during your self-quarantine you cannot go outside or visit the UvA campuses.
- What should I do if I need medical assistance?For medical assistance, the usual practice in the Netherlands is for a patient to have an initial consultation with a general practitioner, before making an appointment with a specialist in hospital. As a student in Amsterdam you can contact the General Practitioners Practice UvA if you need medical assistance. Do not visit the practice, please call first.
Application & admission
- I need a graduation statement from the UvA to register for a Master’s programme. How can I obtain this?To register for a Master’s programme at the UvA you’ll need a graduation statement from your Bachelor’s. If you obtained your Bachelor’s at the UvA, we can send you one by post. You can submit your request via the Digital Student Service Desk.
- I will not be able to submit all the required documents because my exams are postponed/school is closed. What if I cannot start the programme?We are monitoring the situation closely and will take action when needed, following the guidelines of the Dutch government. For now, the government is holding onto the 1 September start of the academic year. However, if you cannot submit the required documents in time please sent us digital copies instead. Please note that these will preferably have to be sent in by your school, University or Exam Board.If you cannot make the 1 September start, you can cancel your application any time even if you have previously accepted the offer of admission. (If you cancel before 1 September 2020 you will also be reimbursed for any tuition fees already paid).Or you might also consider deferring your application to the next available start date of your programme.For advice, please contact the admissions office.
- My diploma ceremony has been postponed, but I urgently need my diploma, what can I do?Unfortunately, as long as the corona measures are in place, graduation ceremonies and diploma ceremonies will be postponed until further notice. In exceptional cases, a diploma can be sent by registered mail on request. You can submit your request via the Digital Student Service Desk.
Inbound exchange (international students coming to the UvA)
For Covid-related questions on international exchange students coming to the UvA, please visit the inbound exchange FAQ.
Outbound Study Abroad (current UvA students going abroad)
For Covid-related questions on current UvA students going abroad on an exchange programme, internship or graduation project, please visit the outbound Study Abroad FAQ.