Universities in Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam began in the Golden Age as a school to train students in trade and philosophy, the Netherlands’ great specialities of the time. Now it is a large university with seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry.

The Free University Amsterdam, founded in 1880, was originally only for Reformed Christians, but is now known for its open organisation and its emphasis on social involvement. Its streams include Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World (technological and digital innovations) and Professional Services, which are designed to help students look beyond the boundaries of specific disciplines and make use of their knowledge beyond academia.

Amsterdam Fashion Academy is a progressive, creative fashion school located in the heart of Amsterdam. It prioritises small class sizes and individual attention for people wanting to study for a university-awarded fashion bachelor's degree programme. 

Focusing on urban and societal challenges, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences educates students in a large selection of fields and disciplines. With digitalisation, sustainability and diversity central in all activities, HvA offers the chance to be a part of creating a smarter, greener and fairer future. 

InHolland University of Applied Sciences has eight campuses spread over six cities in the Randstad area, namely Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Haarlem and Rotterdam. The programmes on offer vary from Electronic Music and Applied Mathematics to Aeronautical Engineering and Business Innovation.

Training students for the international world of art, culture and heritage, the Amsterdam University of the Arts is made up of several academies, including the Netherlands Film Academy, the Academy of Architecture and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, among others, all in the Dutch capital. From cinematography and music to dance and theatre, AHK supports talented students in the development of their artistic identity.

Specialising in fine arts and design in Amsterdam, Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a small-scale university of applied sciences in the Netherlands that offers full-time and part-time programmes. Students can specialise in various crafts, from architectural design and ceramics to photography and fashion design.

Nyenrode Business University offers degree and executive education courses in business, management, accountancy, controlling and tax law, with locations in Amsterdam, The Hague and Breukelen.  

Teaching entirely in English, Amsterdam University College specialises in a Liberal Arts and Sciences programme that leads to a joint Bachelor’s (Honours) degree issued by the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit with majors in Science, Social Sciences or Humanities. 

Tio Business School is a private educational institution with campuses in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, Hengelo, Rotterdam and Utrecht, as well as headquarters in Hilversum. Tio offers a variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in the fields of hotel management, event management, tourism, business and marketing.