About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Basic Information and Contact Details for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, established in 1880 by Neo-Calvinist theologian and former prime minister Abraham Kuyper, holds the distinction of being the first independent university in the Netherlands, free from control by either the church or the state. Despite this independence, it has maintained strong ties to Protestantism. The university’s name, “Vrije Universiteit,” translates to “Free University,” reflecting its foundational commitment to academic freedom.
The university’s journey began in a few rented rooms along the Amstel river, and as it expanded, it moved into more buildings across Amsterdam. Since 1968, however, VU Amsterdam has operated from a single campus located in the Buitenveldert area of southern Amsterdam, next to the Zuidas business district.
In 2009, work began to renovate and modernize the campus to accommodate its rapidly growing student population, which today exceeds 23,000 students. This ongoing project, aimed at doubling the size of the university, includes the Main Building, the New University Building, the O|2 Lab Building, a new campus square, and additional student housing. The vision is to create a car-free campus with green roofs and squares, offering spaces that promote interaction and collaboration.
VU Amsterdam offers a broad array of academic programs, with nearly 50 undergraduate and over 100 master’s programs, many of which are taught in English. The university is renowned for its focus on scientific research, boasting five Spinoza Prize winners (the “Dutch Nobel” prize).
Notable alumni include Ellen van Dijk, a cycling world champion, and Werner Vogels, Vice President of Amazon.
Rankings
World University Rankings 2025: 136th
Arts and Humanities: 101-125th
Business and Economics: 101-125th
Clinical Health: 101-125th
Computer Science: 151-175th
Education: 151-175th
Law: 101-125th
Life Sciences: 126-150th
Physical Sciences: 176-200th
Psychology: 31st
Social Sciences: 88th
Ranking Breakdown
- Overall: 62.7
- Teaching: 37.4
- Research Environment: 49.6
- Research Quality: 92.9
- Industry: 73
- International Outlook: 86.2
Impact Rankings 2025
- Overall: 301-400th
- No Poverty: 601-800th
- Zero Hunger: 301-400th
- Good Health and Wellbeing: 601-800th
- Quality Education: 401-600th
- Gender Equality: 201-300th
- Clean Water and Sanitation: 201-300th
- Affordable and Clean Energy: 601-800th
- Decent Work and Economic Growth: 801-1000th
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 201-300th
- Reduced Inequalities: 26th
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: 301-400th
- Responsible Consumption and Production: 401-600th
- Climate Action: 301-400th
- Life below Water: 201-300th
- Life on Land: 301-400th
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: 401-600th
- Partnership for the Goals: 601-800th
Key Student Statistics
- Gender Ratio: 57% Female, 43% Male
- International Students: 20%
- Students per Staff: 17.5
- Total Students: 31,761
Subjects Taught at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Arts and Humanities: Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Performing Art and Design, History, Philosophy and Theology, Languages, Literature and Linguistics
- Business and Economics: Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics and Econometrics
- Computer Science: Computer Science
- Education: Education Studies
- Engineering: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Law: Law
- Life Sciences: Agriculture and Forestry, Biological Sciences, Sport Science
- Medical and Health: Medicine and Dentistry, Other Health
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy
- Psychology: Psychology
- Social Sciences: Communication and Media Studies, Geography, Politics and International Studies, Sociology