Notable programs
Communication Science (BSc + MSc)
QS #1 worldwide in Communication and Media Studies for nine consecutive years (2018-2026). Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) is Europe's largest communication research institute. Research foci: political communication, health communication, advertising and branding, digital media, journalism studies. Faculty includes Patti Valkenburg (Spinoza Prize) and Jochen Peter. Numerus fixus with competitive selection (~10-15% acceptance). Strong PhD placements globally. For media, PR, political communication, or journalism studies careers, this is the world's leading credential.
AUC — Amsterdam University College (Liberal Arts and Sciences)
Joint UvA + VU Amsterdam honors college (founded 2009). American liberal arts and sciences model, entirely English-medium. Small-scale: ~300 students/year, 3-year residential program at Amsterdam Science Park. Mandatory on-campus housing first two years. Three majors: Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities with interdisciplinary tracks. Selective (~30% acceptance). International student body 50%+. Consistently rated among Europe's best residential liberal arts experiences.
Medicine (Amsterdam UMC — AMC location)
Amsterdam UMC (merger of AMC + VUmc) is Newsweek 2025 #31 best hospital worldwide, #1 Netherlands. 7,000+ researchers. Medicine program at AMC (UvA side) is highly selective (numerus fixus + selection procedure). Six-year Bachelor + Master combined degree (Dutch model). Strong pipeline to Dutch medical residencies, academic medicine, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical industry. Non-EU Bachelor tuition: EUR 34,800/year (2025-26).
PPLE — Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (BSc)
Interdisciplinary English-medium Bachelor integrating four disciplines. Selective admissions with interview, small cohort (~100/year). One of few comprehensive four-discipline programs globally (modeled on Oxford PPE with added Law dimension). Strong preparation for consulting, law school, policy careers, business strategy, and think tanks. Statutory fee EUR 5,460 (EU); institutional fee EUR 19,000 (non-EU) in 2025-26.
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences
One of Europe's leading psychology programs with strong research tradition. Brain and Cognitive Sciences research institute. Numerus fixus Bachelor (selective). Extensive English Master programs. Pipeline to clinical psychology, research, consulting, HR, marketing research, digital behavior, and UX. Non-EU Bachelor tuition: EUR 15,795/year (2025-26).
Economics and Business (Amsterdam School of Economics)
Top Dutch economics program with Tinbergen Institute PhD partnership (joint with Erasmus and VU). Strong for quantitative finance, econometrics, banking, and consulting careers. English-taught Bachelor programs in Economics, Business Administration, and Business Analytics. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship: EUR 6,000/year x 3 years for outstanding non-EU applicants. Non-EU Bachelor tuition: EUR 12,075/year (2025-26).