Amsterdam is one of the best known student cities in the Netherlands. It has several universities, many English-taught programmes, and an active international student scene. Costs are usually higher than in many other Dutch cities, so it helps to plan early and check each university and the official Dutch sources before you apply.
Universities and colleges in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has both research universities and universities of applied sciences. They are different, so check which type matches your goals.
- University of Amsterdam (UvA) - a major research university with many subjects, including humanities, social sciences, business, law, and science.
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) - another large research university, known for a broad range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) - practical, career-focused study in areas like business, sport, education, tech, and media.
- Amsterdam University College - a selective liberal arts and sciences college connected to UvA and VU.
- Breitner Academy and other specialist schools - for specific creative or professional fields.
There are also arts and design schools in and near the city, such as institutions linked to music, theatre, and design. If you want a creative course, always check the school's own admissions page, because entry steps can be different from regular university study.
English-taught study
Amsterdam is a strong choice if you want to study in English. Many bachelor's and master's programmes are taught fully in English, especially at the research universities and in international business, economics, social sciences, and some STEM subjects.
- For bachelor's study, English options are available, but not in every subject.
- For master's study, the choice is usually wider.
- Some programmes ask for a specific English test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless you already meet an exemption.
- Always check the programme page for the exact language and entry rules.
In the Netherlands, admissions can be strict about subject background. A programme may require certain school subjects, grades, or a specific bachelor degree. That is normal, so read the full entry requirements before you start an application.
Costs of living in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is usually one of the most expensive student cities in the Netherlands. Rent is often the biggest cost, and rooms in the city are harder to find than in smaller cities. Food, transport, and going out can also cost more than in many Dutch towns.
- Rent: student rooms are typically expensive and hard to secure, especially close to the city centre.
- Utilities and internet: sometimes included in rent, sometimes not. Check carefully.
- Food: supermarket prices are fairly similar across the country, but eating out is usually costly in Amsterdam.
- Transport: many students use bikes, which is usually the cheapest and fastest option for short trips.
For current cost information, check the university's student living page, the Dutch government or Study in NL information, and the housing platform used by the institution. Do not rely on old social media posts, because the market changes fast.
Student housing and finding a room
Housing is one of the biggest challenges in Amsterdam. Many international students start searching very early, and some universities offer limited housing support for first-year international students. This is helpful, but it is not guaranteed for everyone.
- Apply for housing as soon as the university opens the housing process.
- Check whether the university has reserved rooms, partner housing, or a lottery system.
- Look at private rooms, but read the contract carefully and avoid paying before you verify the offer.
- Be careful of scams. Never send money without a proper contract and clear landlord details.
If you are still in your home country, ask the university what proof of income, deposit, or documents they need for housing. Some student residences have age limits, contract dates, or rules for exchange students only.
Transport, part-time work and daily life
Amsterdam is easy to move around by bike, tram, metro, bus, and train. Many students cycle every day, because it is fast and flexible. The city is also well connected to the rest of the Netherlands, so you can travel to other cities for study, work, or weekends.
- Bikes: the most common student transport. Use lights and a lock.
- Public transport: useful for longer distances. Check official transport apps and the OV-chipkaart system.
- Walking: good in the centre, but the city is large, so many students mix walking and cycling.
Part-time work can help with living costs, but it is not enough to solve high rent on its own. Rules for working as a non-EU student depend on your residence status and employer. Check the Dutch immigration authority, usually the IND, and your university's international office before you accept a job.
- EU/EEA students usually have easier access to work.
- Non-EU students often need work permission rules to be followed by the employer.
- Many students find jobs in hospitality, retail, tutoring, or university support roles.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
Admissions teams in Amsterdam look for students whose profile clearly fits the programme. A strong profile does not mean a promise of admission, but it can help your application or make it easier for an admissions office to contact you first.
- Use a clear profile with your field of interest, previous education, grades, and English level.
- Add scanned documents if you have them, such as transcripts, diplomas, and language proof.
- Write the exact programme names you want, not just the city name.
- Check each programme page for entry requirements, deadlines, and document formats.
- Contact the admissions office if something is unclear, especially about subject requirements or your school system.
Amsterdam universities get many applications, so clear information matters. If your background is unusual, explain it simply and honestly. Use the official admissions page for the final answer on eligibility, not general advice pages.
Common questions
Is Amsterdam a good city for international students?
Yes, if you want English-taught study, a busy city life, and strong international networks. It is also expensive, so plan your budget and housing early.
Can I study in English in Amsterdam?
Yes, many programmes are in English, especially at master's level. Always check the specific programme page, because not every course is available in English.
Is student housing easy to find?
No. Housing in Amsterdam is difficult and competitive. Start early, use official university housing options first, and be careful with private listings.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see if you fit their programmes. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.