collageThe University of Amsterdam is known for its prestigious Psychology program, attracting students from around the world. However, gaining admission into this program can be quite competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 4% for international applicants. In fact, in the last 5 years, the acceptance rate for subjects like Psychology has been recorded at 10%.
In order to be considered for admission into the University of Amsterdam’s Psychology program, prospective students must meet certain basic requirements. This includes having at least two years of academic education, a grade point average of 3.0 (US system), and a relevant academic background in the proposed field of study. Additionally, English language proficiency scores are required, with TOEFL IBT scores ranging from 92–100 and IELTS scores ranging from 6.5–7.0.
The admission process for the University of Amsterdam involves submitting an application through their online portal, providing all required documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee, who will make a decision based on the applicant’s academic background, test scores, and other relevant factors. Overall, gaining admission into the Psychology program at the University of Amsterdam requires a strong academic record and a thorough application.
University of Amsterdam Admission Requirements
| Minimum Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Academic Education | At least two years |
| Grade Point Average (GPA) | 3.0 (US system) |
| Relevant Academic Background | Required |
| SAT and ACT Scores | Not required |
English Language Proficiency Scores
| Test | Score Range |
|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT | 92–100 |
| IELTS | 6.5–7.0 |
Acceptance Rates at University of Amsterdam
| Program | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| International Applicants | 4% |
| Sociology | 10% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Medicine | 10% |
| Computer Science | 10% |
| Information Systems | 10% |
University Of Amsterdam Psychology Overview
Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam is a publicly owned university. It was established by the municipal authorities of the city under the name Athenaeum Illustrate. Between 1917 and 1931 student numbers increased from 1100 to 2500. After WWII the UvA soon became the Netherlands’ largest university, with 7100 students in the academic year 1950-1951. Today, it is amongst the best universities for research. It also has memberships of renowned organizations such as EUA, UNICA, Universitas 21, and LERU.
Situated in Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands, the university conducts teaching and research activities on 4 campuses. The main campus is situated in central Amsterdam and includes the central library and academic buildings of humanities faculty. The university library has more than four million volumes of books that are used for learning and teaching. The second campus is at Science Park situated in east Amsterdam. This campus is home to the best research institutes, a science faculty, a University College, and over 120 companies. The UMC campus in Bijlmermeer houses a research hospital, Faculty of Medicine, and Academic Medical Center. Roeterseiland Campus includes the CREA block and academic buildings of three faculties.
The other facilities of the university include religious, medical and sports centers, restaurants, and gathering halls. The university has collaborated with several non-profit organizations that provide apartment-style housing to students. Most of the residential properties are located about an hour away from the campus.
The academic structure of UvA has been organized into 7 faculties that offer more than 200-degree programs. It offers degrees in diverse disciplines of arts and humanities, applied sciences, economics, business, law, medicine, dentistry, behavioral and social sciences. Further, it has collaborations with foreign institutions, which facilitates student and staff exchange programs for better learning.
UvA has various student organizations that conduct more than 50 athletic and entertainment activities including dance, drama, tennis, skating, aerobics, music, swimming, golf, and photography. It has nearly 35,000 students and 3,000 Ph.D. researchers. The student population of the university includes 5,000 international students and researchers from more than 100 countries of the world. There are 6,000 employees in the university including the academic and administrative staff.
| Degree programme | BSc |
|---|---|
| Mode | Full-time |
| Credits | 180 EC ECTS, 36 months |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Starts in | September |
| CROHO code | 56604 |
The university maintains a list of notable alumni who are pioneers and award winners in the fields of mathematics, sciences, politics, writing, media, art and sports. Alec Jeffreys, great geneticist known for his invention of DNA fingerprinting, is an alumnus of the university. Other distinguished alumni of UvA are Jacobus vant Hoff (Great Theoretical Chemist), Pieter Zeeman (Popular Dutch Physicist), Boudewijn Sirks (Academic Lawyer), Max Euwe (Author, Mathematician and a Popular Chess Player) and Charles Michel (Present Prime Minister of Belgium).
Students with a foreign diploma are eligible to apply if their diploma is equivalent to the Dutch pre-university diploma (vwo-diploma) and includes:
- Mathematics
- English
as part of your final examinations.
The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other Western European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than in most countries outside Western Europe. A student’s diploma or certificate from previous education will be compared with the list of country qualifications which has been drawn up by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
University Of Amsterdam Psychology Study programme
One of the most important instruments available to the psychologist is research. By using scientific methods to do research, a psychologist can gain insight into human behaviours. During your studies you will train your scientific and writing skills. In addition, you will be introduced to all areas of psychology: from social psychology to clinical psychology. You will follow large-scale lectures and small-scale tutorials.
Year 1
Introduction
Your first academic year, known as the propaedeutic year, consists of a substantive component and a research component. During the substantive component, you are introduced to the field of psychology and all its sub-disciplines: neuropsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, work and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, research methods and cognitive psychology.
In the research component, you will learn academic and writing skills during Research Methods and Statistics and practical training groups. At the end of the year, you will also write a propaedeutic thesis. After completing all components in the propaedeutic year, you will receive the first-year diploma.
Year 2
Conduct research and choose your major
In the first half of the second year, the focus is on learning how to conduct research. You learn how to translate psychological questions into a research design, how to compile a study, analyze the date and how to write a research report. In addition, you will attend practical training in psychological communication skills.
In the second half of the second year you will choose your major: your specialisation. You can choose from a variety of specialisations:
- Work and Organisational Psychology
- Psychological Methods
- Brain and Cognition
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Clinical Neuropsychology (Dutch)
- Clinical Developmental Psychology
Year 3
Bachelor’s thesis and choose between a second major, a minor or an exchange
Your Bachelor’s thesis will take up a grand part of the first half of your third year. In the second half, you can choose between doing a second specialisation, a minor (for example Communication Science or Law) or an exchange programme. You can use this last part of the Bachelor’s programme to tweak the programme to your individual wishes.
Additional options
If you would like to get more out of your studies, you can, for example, go abroad for a period of time, do a minor or take part in the honours programme.
Honours Programme
If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours programme. You can begin the programme in the second year of your Bachelor’s. You’ll take the Honours programme alongside your regular studies. Completion results in you graduating ‘with honours’: an internationally recognised qualification. If you are up to it, then it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
Exchange
The UvA has partnerships and exchange agreements with more than 100 other universities. As part of your Bachelor’s programme you can do an exchange semester abroad. This can be a valuable learning and cultural experience, and a great addition to your study programma. In order to support students in arranging a stay abroad, the Psychology department has its own International Office to which students can turn to with questions and for advice.
Minor
There are various opportunities during the Bachelor’s programme for you to shape your programme to your liking. You can choose a minor: a cohesive programme lasting half a year taken outside your own degree programme. You could choose a minor in Communication Science or Business Economics, for example.
Workload
The Bachelor’s programme is structured to include approximately 42 study hours per week. During the first year, you will have 12 hours of teaching each week. The remaining time is spent on self-study. Self-study may include assignments, searching for and reading study materials in the library, and preparing for exams and write essays.
Career prospects
Upon graduation you will be awarded a degree certificate in Psychology. As a Bachelor of Science you can enter the labour market. Most students however, decide to continue their studies and obtain their Master’s degree because they expect further specialisation contributes to even better career perspectives.
Where do our graduates work?
As a Master’s graduate, you will have developed an academic level of thinking and working. You will know how to analyse psychological problems and develop research questions on the basis of these problems.
Graduates find employment in a range of different positions, depending on the major:
- psychologist
- HR officer
- trainer
- sports psychologist
- test developer
- adviser
- sexologist
- information specialist
Potential employers and working environments include:
- organisational consultancies
- marketing and research agencies
- the world of business
- mental healthcare
- education
Master’s programmes
After obtaining your Bachelor’s degree in Psychology you can specialise by choosing a Dutch or English-taught Master’s programme. The Graduate School of Psychology offers different Master programmes like Psychology, Health Care Psychology and the Research’s Master.
Career coaching during your Bachelor’s
The Student Careers Centre (SCC) helps you develop individual skills, gain experience and build connections. The team of career assistants, career coaches and internship advisors help you focus on your individual career journey.
Career events
The Student Careers Centre annually organises a major career event where you can come into contact with potential employers and you will learn more about the latest developments in the area of applying for a job, work, and the labour market.
University of Amsterdam Psychology Tuition Fees
As a student in the Netherlands you will pay an annual tuition fee. There are two different fees: the statutory fee and the institutional fee. Which fee you pay depends on your nationality, your degree programme and – for the statutory fee only – whether you study full-time or part-time. During the 2021-2022 academic year, students will pay a lower tuition fee. The Dutch government is doing this to help students cope financially with the pandemic’s impact.
Statutory tuition fees 2021-2022
| full-time students | €1,084 | |
| part-time students | €923 | |
| dual students | €1,084 | |
| AUC students | €3,476 | |
| PPLE students | €3,252 |
University Of Amsterdam Additional requirements: Mathematics
In general, mathematics has to be included in the upper secondary education curriculum up until the final year and final examinations. The level of mathematics should be equivalent to at least the Dutch level of VWO mathematics: Wiskunde A. There are no further minimum grade requirements.
An alternative route to meet the mathematics entry requirement may be to complete one of the English taught mathematics courses and exams offered by the James Boswell institute in The Netherlands. We will accept VWO certificates in mathematics A, B or C.
University Of Amsterdam Psychology Acceptance rate & Admissions
| Acceptance Rate | 4% |
|---|---|
| Admissions Requirements | Secondary school certificate in subjects appropriate to faculty requirements (diploma eindexamen Gymnasium A or B, or Atheneum A or B) or equivalent |
| Academic Calendar | September to July (September – January; February-July) |
| Enrollment | 31,123 |
| Full time employee | 3,750 |
| Student:staff ratio | 8:1 |
University Of Amsterdam Additional requirements: English language proficiency
All non-native speakers of English are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, participate in classroom discussions and complete written assignments in English. Students who are considered as native English speakers are those who have obtained their diploma in Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. All non-native speakers of English must verify their English proficiency by providing one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- TOEFL IBT: 92 points overall and 22 points for each sub-score
- IELTS (Academic test): 6,5 Overall and 6,0 for each sub-score
- Cambridge Assessment English
- Certificate in Advanced English: 170 Points Overall and in each skill
- Certificate of Proficiency in English: 170 Points Overall and in each skill
Test scores must also conform to the following guidelines:
- An official test score must be received before 1 April 2020 for all international students
- If you do not provide a test score before this deadline, you must have a test scheduled for a date which is before the deadline
- Your test score may not be more than 2 years old with respect to the start date of your programme
Taking the test
Be sure to plan your test on time; test dates fill quickly and it can take several weeks for you to receive your results. Applications without a sufficient score or with a test date after the deadline, will not be accepted.
We refer to the contact details of test centres below. In case of insufficient scores, applicants can do a resit as long as deadlines are respected. Without sufficient test scores, you do not meet our admission requirements.
- TOEFL test
- IELTS test
- Cambridge exams
Exemptions
These applicants are exempted from the English test:
- Applicants with a Dutch vwo diploma with a satisfactory result (min. 6 out of 10) for English.
- Applicants with 3 GCE A-levels and 3 GCSE O-levels.
- Applicants with the course English included in their final examination in one of these diplomas,.The course must be passed with a satisfactory result.
- Applicants who have obtained a Dutch hbo bachelor diploma
- Applicants who have obtained a Dutch university propaedeutic exam or bachelor diploma
Amsterdam is one of the most international and developed cities in Europe and due to its vibrant and diverse cultural and city life, and a completely relaxed atmosphere, it’s practically a heavenly spot for international students. What better place to study a Psychology degree than a European city that gathers a large multicultural population, and has friendly locals who are incredibly open-minded?
In addition, Dutch universities are known to compete with worldwide famous educational institutions, offer a wide array of Bachelor’s and Master’s English-taught degrees, including in the Psychology field.
In fact, the higher education system in the Netherlands is so open and welcoming to internationals that some faculties use the American grading system for assessments and exams.
University Of Amsterdam Tuition
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
|---|---|---|
| Local students | $3,750 | $1,750 |
| International students | $3,750 | $13,750 |
Why study abroad in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is such a cool place, combining a sophisticated and elegant flair as you admire the cosy houses surrounding the numerous canals, and a thriving and hip social life due to so many modern pubs and bars that you can find in the city.
As a bonus for bike lovers, Amsterdam not only encourages everyone to use bicycles as a way of getting around the town, but the infrastructure of the city is conceived to be bike-friendly more than anything else.
Here are the main reasons that make international students love Amsterdam:
1. Everyone speaks English
As an international student, one of the most important aspects is for you to easily integrate and immerse in the local culture. In Amsterdam, this process won’t take too long, as you can easily communicate to anyone in English, academically and socially speaking as well.
2. Belgium, Germany, and even France are just a few hours away
Amsterdam has such a great location that whenever you feel like spending your weekend in one of the nearby countries, nothing can stop you from doing it. Amsterdam has a very good transport connection, so Brussels, Antwerp, Paris and Dusseldorf are just a few hours away by train.
3. Incredible city life
In Amsterdam, it will be impossible to get bored, so you can enjoy many cultural venues, museums, galleries, but you can also party and have fun in countless bars, pubs and attend several concerts and local festivals.
4. Safe city and a high-quality life
Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe, so your main concern will be to concentrate on your studies and enjoy living in this wonderful city. Amsterdam is also rated as a city with a high quality of life, which positively influences every aspect of your study experience while living here, including education, housing, work and internship opportunities.
Notable attractions in Amsterdam include Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, Anne Frank’s house, Vondelpark. At least one cruise on one of the numerous canals is a must and consider visiting the Nine Streets – the hotspots of vintage shops and stores.
Why study a Psychology degree in Amsterdam?
First of all, studying Psychology abroad brings numerous advantages, as you will gain an understanding of how Psychology is practised internationally. Secondly, universities in Amsterdam provide numerous specialisations in the field, such as industrial and organizational psychology, cognitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and more.
The main public universities from Amsterdam that offer Psychology studies are leading research groups, scientific publications and are involved in various projects related to mental health and psychotherapy. The institutions also have extensive partnerships with worldwide research universities and are always interested in various research opportunities.
Find out why Mirna decided to study Psychology in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam hosts several conferences and presentations in the psychology and behavioural sciences fields and in 2018, the European Congress of Psychology will take place here. So all students interested in this challenging and versatile field have all the reasons to consider specialising in Psychology in Amsterdam.
Teaching style in universities and colleges from Amsterdam
International study programmes offered by universities from Amsterdam dedicated to foreign students are English-taught and in some cases, provide part-time study options as well. Psychology faculties focus on teaching students how to apply psychological theories to understand and solve people’s individual or family issues.
Main features of Psychology degrees in universities from Amsterdam:
- Apart from lectures, students can arrange teaching in individual meetings with professors
- Theoretical classes are combined with advanced experimental research training
- Students can attend special courses and workshops conducted by leading social psychology experts
Universities offering Psychology degrees in Amsterdam
The main universities where you can apply for a psychology degree in Amsterdam are:
- University of Amsterdam
- Vrije University Amsterdam
Career development for Psychology students
In Amsterdam, you can find several private psychological counselling offices and due to the fact that every business field needs the expertise of a psychologist, graduated psychology students can engage in work opportunities in one of the many local companies. Examples include famous multinationals, such as Booking.com, ING, Philips, IBM, Accenture, Heineken, Microsoft, KPMG.
Additionally, a common practice is for psychology and counselling specialists from Amsterdam to promote their services on websites. Check out these resources:
- Amsterdam Counselling Therapy
- International Therapist Directory North Holland
- Counselling Amsterdam
Living in Amsterdam: accommodation and transportation
Considering the high quality of life and the fact that it’s a European capital, Amsterdam has moderate living costs.
Average costs of living in Amsterdam
Most international students spend between 1,000 and 1,500 EUR/month.
Types of student housing options in Amsterdam is available on and off campus.
- Students dormitories in flats on campuses usually cost around 650 EUR/month
- Hostels and shared rooms have prices that range between 275 and 500 EUR/month
- A one-bedroom private rental apartment is between 1120 – 1,400 EUR/month, depending on location
Transportation
As mentioned before, Amsterdam is an ideal city for cycling, so traveling by bike is always an option. A transport pass costs 90 EUR/month, but with the “Iamsterdam City Card”, you can enjoy discounts, free canal cruises and free use of public transport.
Tuition fees for Psychology students in Amsterdam
The annual tuition fees for a Psychology programme at a university from Amsterdam averages at approximately 2,000 EUR/year for EU full-time Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
For non-EU students, tuition for a Psychology degree is usually higher, ranging between 6,000 and 14,000 EUR/year, depending on the degree level.
Check out Bachelors in Psychology in the Netherlands
Scholarships for students in Amsterdam
Students who plan to study in Amsterdam can choose from various funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships and grants. The Netherlands government is interested in attracting international students, thus it provides several scholarships.
- Scholarships provided by Nuffic (The Netherlands Organisation for international cooperation in higher education)
- Netherlands Fellowship Programmes
- Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme
- Fellowships and scholarships provided by Dutch universities and organisations
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in the Netherlands.
Choose a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology in one of the universities from Amsterdam and start your amazing study journey.
After graduation
Graduates find employment in a range of different positions, depending on the major:
- psychologist
- HR officer
- trainer
- sports psychologist
- test developer
- adviser
- sexologist
- information specialist
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