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Are you applying to an SFU field school?
If you are a current SFU student, and/or applying for an SFU field school please select 'Yes' to view study abroad programs. If you are a student at another institution wishing to study at SFU, please select 'No' to view institutions that have exchange or study abroad agreements with SFU.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. With more than 24,000 students, of which over 4,000 are international, the University conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance. We have one of the largest English-taught course offerings in mainland Europe for exchange students.
The University 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.
The University distinguished itself in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes: Human Health, Science for Sustainability, Connected World and Governance for Society. As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world. In addition Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as a source of innovation and progress, and hence as a special strength.
The university campus is situated in the south-western part of Amsterdam, in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands. The proximity to International Airport Schiphol and train connections into Europe, makes VU University easily accessible to the world.
If you have a non-Canadian citizenship, you may or may not be able to apply for a student visa at the Vancouver location of the Netherlands Consulate. Please consult the Netherlands Consulate and your host institution for your citizenship's requirements. If you have any questions, please contact studyabroad@sfu.ca.
NUFFIC Certificate (if applicable): If you are a Chinese national (even if you are currently living outside China) you have to get a Nuffic Certificate, to be eligible for a Dutch entry visa. This does not apply to Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR) and Taiwan (ROC) nationals.
Available Exchange Terms
Exchange terms for 2019/20 will be posted by early November 2018
First semester
September - early February
Second semester
February - June
Fall term exchange students who want to return to SFU for the Spring term can do so by choosing not to take courses in period 3, which runs in January. They can still complete courses in period 1 and 2, for which a full course load is 24 ECTS in total.
Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Sciences, Business, Cognitive Science, Communication, Computing Science, Criminology, Earth Sciences, Economics, English, Gender Sexuality and Women's Studies, Health Science, Hellenic Studies, History, Humanities, International Studies, Linguistics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology
Exchanges: The names of the subject areas may be different at the partner. The above does not guarantee availability in a specific term or language, nor how courses taken on exchange will transfer back to SFU. This list may be subject to change. Use the above list as a guideline for exploring academic options at the partner.
VU offers Minor programs which exchange students can complete in 1 term of exchange (Fall term only). Medical Sciences minor programs can be found here.
As an exchange student, you must take a minimum of 24 ECTS credits per semester (or 48 ECTS for the whole academic year).
Chemistry or Physics are not available for exchange students.
Bachelor's students are not allowed to take courses at the Master's level, unless these courses are also mentioned in the exchange courses overview under Bachelor's courses.
2 Credits (ECTS) = 1 SFU Unit *This ratio is subject to change without prior notice
There is special funding available for this country. See details.
Vrije University Amsterdam's Medical Centre is offering an Erasmus+ financial award. Funding is only open to students studying at the VU Medical Centre in Fall 2024. To apply, log into the Study Abroad System, click on the "Search Funding Options" tab, and then select "Erasmus+ Funding" to access and complete the application.
