University of St Andrews

At a glance

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level to more than 26,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff of 122 nationalities create a dynamic international academic community.

Established : 1880
Student Population : 26000
History : Vrije Universiteit (VU) University was founded as a private Protestant institution, but is now publicly funded and accepts a wide variety of students. Its Theology Faculty remains the strongest in the country, and one of the strongest in Europe.
Rankings : #21 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies

Overview of Facilities and campus : VU Amsterdam is located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language spoken. The campus is surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands hosting over 700 companies. Visit the campus virtually here.

Website and links

Website : VU Amsterdam Webpage

Study abroad page : Exchange Programme

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam (Free University of Amsterdam):

• Divinity
• History

Semesters Available

• First Semester
• Second Semester

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2023/4
Semester 1 Sep 2023 to Feb 2024
Semester 2 Feb 2024 to Jul 2024
2024/5
Semester 1 Sep 2024 to Feb 2025
Semester 2 Feb 2025 to Jul 2025

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : Bachelor's courses Faculty of Religion and Theology

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 1 semester place per year

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

Amsterdam has excellent international air connections. Schiphol Airport has its own train station. It takes around 10 minutes to travel by train to Amsterdam Zuid WTC, from which you can take a tram (5) or the sneltram (express tram) 51 into the city centre or to the Vrije Univeriteit. It takes around 20 minutes from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station, from which you can take many trams and metros.

Travelling from Schiphol to the city centre by taxi is another, more expensive option, which may save you some time but will cost considerably more.

The city of Amsterdam has excellent public transport links, including buses and trams. Bikes are also a popular way of getting round and are available for hire. A travel discount is available for students.

Accommodation

Exchange students can apply for student housing through the VUweb. A handling fee is required for this service. Students will be informed about the procedure after uploading their application package. Housing cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

A Buddy Programme is available for exchange students.

Students can take Dutch Language Courses at the Department of Dutch as a Second Language.

For issues such as study progress, motivation, family matters, adjusting to life in the Netherlands, discrimination, disputes with lecturers, students can contact one of the student advisors. More information can be found on the website of VU University.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.