European Studies

European Studies at the University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of Europe's political, economic, social, and cultural landscape. This Bachelor's program is designed for students who are curious about Europe’s past, present, and future, and who want to gain a nuanced understanding of the regional diversity, integration processes, and Europe's role in global affairs. Throughout the program, students engage with core issues such as European history, institutions, policies, and identities, while also examining pressing contemporary challenges like migration, climate change, and economic development. The curriculum combines engaging academic lectures, interactive seminars, and practical experiences, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as European politics, security, law, or cultural studies, tailoring their education to their interests and career aspirations. The program emphasizes active learning through debates, research projects, and internship opportunities, fostering a dynamic environment for academic and personal growth. The university’s strategic location in Amsterdam provides access to a vibrant multicultural city and numerous European institutions, enriching students' exposure to real-world European issues. Graduates of European Studies are well-equipped for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, and academia, benefiting from a strong foundation in European affairs, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. The program promotes an open, inclusive, and European-oriented outlook, preparing students to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to Europe's ongoing development and global engagement.

European Studies

This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage Europe’s complex present and future, and is taught entirely in English.

Programme structure

European Studies is a three-year Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits. An academic year accounts for 60 credits that are spread across two semesters, with each comprising two 8-week blocks and a 4-week block.

• In the first year of the programme you will take a number of mandatory subjects, including the study of a modern language.
• In the second year, you will choose a major that will provide the basis for further specialisation in European Studies.
• In the third year, you may choose from a range of electives or opt for another specialisation in the form of a minor. You can also decide to study abroad for a semester or do an internship

The first year

The first year of the programme serves as an introduction to European Studies. Your courses will offer an overview of the entire discipline.

• You will explore the history of Europe, the development of European cultures, the rise of nationalism, and the creation and workings of the European Union.
• You will choose a modern language (other than English) in which you will become proficient by the end of your studies.
• You can choose to study Arabic, Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Spanish.
• Dutch native speakers may also opt for one of the following languages: Modern Greek, Serbian and Croatian.
• You will develop specific academic skills, such as academic writing and conducting independent research.
• At the end of the first year, you will visit Brussels to get a firsthand look at the day-to-day workings of the European Union.

The second and third years

The second and third years of the programme build on the foundations laid in the first year, allowing you to specialise in your area of interest.

• In the second year, your course selection will be devoted to your major.
• You will choose to specialise in one of five majors: European Culture, European History, East European Studies, European Law and European Economics.
• In the course, ‘Philosophy of the Humanities’, you will explore the historical and philosophical background of the Humanities.
• You will continue to develop the language you selected in the first year.
• In the third year of the programme, you can tailor your own curriculum by specialising in a second major, opting for a minor or choosing electives in a wide range of subjects.
• You also have the opportunity to use your elective credits to study abroad or do an internship for a semester.
• You will conclude the programme by writing a Bachelor’s thesis, your first major piece of independent research.

Learning and assessment

As a Bachelor’s student, you are expected to spend an average of 42 hours a week on your studies.

• In your first year, 12 to 15 of those hours will be spent attending lectures, while in your second and third years you will have approximately 8 to 10 hours of class. 
• The remaining time will be spent on self-study, preparing for lectures and seminars, completing coursework and assignments, as well as exams.
• You will attend both lectures and small group seminars.
• Lectures generally introduce the main topics of the course, discussing and explaining course readings and literature.
• In the seminars, you will work closely with your fellow students, collaborating on assignments, presentations and talks.
• You will be tested by means of written and oral exams, presentations, essays, reports and assignments.
• Your final grade for a course is determined by the results you receive for each of these.

Honours programme

Highly-motivated students may qualify to take part in a selective honours programme. This programme accounts for an additional 30 ECTS and will help familiarise you with various other aspects of academic research and prepare you for a subsequent Research Master's degree.

Prior education

• Studying with a foreign diploma at the University of Amsterdam means that a student's preparatory education must be equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with English included in the final examination.
• The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than in most countries outside of Europe.
• A student's diploma or certificate from prior education will be compared with the list of country qualifications that has been drawn up by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Nuffic).

Required documents

In this application you will need to indicate your previous education and upload all of the required documents:

• Final secondary school/higher education diplomas and grade lists obtained;
• Proof of recent results (if you are still attending a programme);
• Official translations in English or Dutch if the diploma and/or transcripts are not already in English, Dutch or German;
• A sufficient English test result, if required and already available. If your results are insufficient, do not upload this test, but send another one at a later date;
• A curriculum vitae;
• UvA Matching form.

What is it?

UvA Matching for international students is an introduction to the Bachelor’s programme for which you have applied. It is designed to help you assess whether you have chosen the right programme, through a combination of online activities such as assignments, reading course literature and/or making a test. The activities may differ per programme.

Once you have completed these activities, you will receive personal advice based on your test results. This will help you determine whether the Bachelor’s programme matches your interests and capabilities and whether you have the motivation and study skills to start the programme in September.

After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink you will receive more information on UvA Matching for international students.

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

The University of Amsterdam offers a diverse range of financing options to support students enrolled in the European Studies program. Tuition fees for European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students are set annually and are typically competitive within the Netherlands. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition fee for EU/EEA students is approximately €2,200 per year, while non-EU/EEA students pay higher fees, around €12,000 per year. Students are advised to verify the current fees on the official university website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To assist students financially, the University of Amsterdam provides several scholarship options. The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships are targeted at talented non-EU/EEA students, offering full or partial tuition fees waivers. Additionally, the Holland Scholarship is available for talented students from outside the Netherlands, providing financial support of €5,000 in the first year. Furthermore, the university participates in the Erasmus+ program, enabling students to study abroad at partner institutions with the aid of Erasmus grants. These grants can cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of the exchange semester or year.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources as well. The Dutch government offers the Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme, primarily aimed at students from certain countries, which can provide significant financial support for tuition and living costs. Moreover, many students secure financing through national student loan schemes, such as the Dutch Student Finance system, which offers loans and grants to Dutch and eligible international students.

Apart from scholarships and loans, the university facilitates part-time work opportunities on and around campus. Students can work as research assistants, teaching assistants, or in administrative roles, deriving income to cover daily expenses. The university's Career Services Center provides guidance on job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation to help students balance work and study efficiently.

International students should also consider the availability of residence permits that permit limited working hours, typically up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during scheduled breaks. This flexibility allows students to supplement their income while complying with immigration regulations.

In conclusion, financing studies at the University of Amsterdam's European Studies program involves a combination of tuition fee management, scholarship opportunities, government and external funding sources, part-time employment, and careful budget planning. Students are advised to start researching funding options early and to utilize the university’s financial aid resources to make their studies financially manageable.

European Studies at the University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary bachelor's program designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of European politics, history, culture, and society. The program emphasizes a comparative approach, allowing students to analyze the development of European institutions, integration processes, and transnational cooperation. Students gain analytical skills through courses in political science, economics, history, law, and sociology, providing a broad yet specialized perspective on European issues. The curriculum includes foundational courses in European history, European Union law, policy analysis, and international relations, complemented by language courses and opportunities for internships and exchange programs within Europe. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, intercultural competence, and active engagement with current European affairs. Students learn to evaluate policies, understand diverse cultural perspectives, and develop their own viewpoints on European integration challenges and opportunities. The program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, policy analysis, journalism, and NGOs, among other fields. The University of Amsterdam's location in the heart of Europe and its extensive network foster international collaboration, offering students invaluable exposure to European governance and multicultural environments. The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their studies toward their personal interests and career aspirations. Students can participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that deepen their understanding of key European subjects. The university also encourages critical engagement with contemporary issues such as migration, climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical conflicts within the European context. Upon completion, students will possess a solid foundation in European affairs, with skills in research, analysis, and communication that are highly valued in international careers. The program is suitable for those with a keen interest in European politics, history, and society, and aims to cultivate informed, active citizens who can contribute thoughtfully to Europe's present and future.