Semester at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to our enrollment policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

We recommend 3 U.S. semester credits/4.5 quarter units for every 6 ECTS. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.

Upon program completion, students will receive an official transcript issued by VU. The transcript will reflect ECTS credits for all courses taken.

All students are required to indicate course selection upon application to the program. This is a tentative selection as all course eligibility will be determined by VU and there will be an add/drop period on-site. The courses listed below are based off of last year’s course offerings; we will inform you of course updates as they become available. Additional upper division courses may be available. All course selections are dependent upon approval from VU.

It is recommended that students take only two courses during the initial period of their time abroad, allowing more time to adapt to the differing academic structure and lifestyle. To avoid scheduling conflicts VU recommends that, whenever possible, students register for classes within the same faculty (department) during the same period.

VU has identified various tracks, which they call minors, and are a combination of five related courses to be taken within one semester. Enrolling in a track will evade scheduling conflicts and ensure course continuity.

High-achieving students participating in this program may enroll in honor courses. These courses are smaller, more intensive, and discussion-based. Interested students will submit a motivation letter and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5; use the Contact Us button to learn more.

The academic structure at VU is different than in the US with exams totaling up to 100% of final grade. Please consider each course’s assessment techniques as you make your course selection.

Academic Year students will take courses in periods one through five. There may be the option to add a sixth period, use the Contact Us button to learn more or request sample syllabi.

Eligibility for courses is dependent upon the fulfillment of the posted pre-requisites. Please note that local VU students are on an academic track very different than in the US; they do not take general education courses and are often at a higher level of study than their US counterparts within the same discipline.

If you have not taken a Dutch language course before or do not have experience in the Dutch language, it is highly recommended for you to take the course Basic Dutch Language on Campus (3 credits).

Tracks (Minors):

• VU offers structured tracks (called minors) consisting of five related courses taken within one semester.

• Enrolling in a track helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures course continuity.

Honors Courses:

• Available to high-achieving students (GPA ≥ 3.5).

• These are smaller, discussion-based, and more intensive.

• Interested students must submit a motivation letter.

• Use the Contact Us button for more details.