Language of instruction
The University of Amsterdam enjoys a global reputation for cutting-edge research, high-quality teaching and a broad range of degree programmes. The University’s open, tolerant and international academic tradition dates back to 1632 and UvA is today considered one of the Top 100 universities in the world.
As a key cultural and intellectual centre in Western Europe, Amsterdam provides an ideal environment for academic study. The city has all the advantages of a major metropolitan centre while retaining a cosy, small-scale feel. It is full of beautiful architecture, over 150 canals, museums, galleries, and many lovely parks.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Spring Semester | February–June |
| Semester 2 | Autumn Semester | Late August–January |
View the UvA academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
UvA has online resources to help get more from your exchange:
Campuses
UvA has multiple campuses around Amsterdam:
- City Centre campus
- Roeterseiland campus
- Amsterdam Science Park
- Academic Medical Center
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B. Arts / LawsSemester 1, 2017
- B. Arts / LawsSemester 2, 2016
- B. ScienceSemester 2, 2017
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at UvA is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.0 to study at UvA.
Students must have completed two years of study at UQ and show relevant academic background in the proposed field of study before going to UvA.
Find courses
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Search the UvA course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Most academic departments at UvA have their own eligibility requirements regarding academic background. Please see the Courses and Faculty Criteria document under Entry Requirements to see the full list of restrictions or requirements.
Courses from the following programs are not available to exchange students:
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Postgraduate Social Science
- Masters of Science – Business studies
Students wanting to take courses in Psychology need at least 1 full academic year worth of academic background in Psychology.
There are a number of restrictions applicable to Law students at UvA:
- Law students need to have at least 2 full years of academic background in Law.
- LLB Exchange students can only take master’s courses at the Amsterdam Law School and do not need a completed bachelor’s degree to do so.
- Students interested in taking courses in EU law without a background in European Union Law will need to take the introductory course in European Union Law. This course is offered twice a year (September and February).
- Students looking to study courses in international law without having a background in international law need to take the introductory course in International Law, offered in September only.
Additional academic information
UvA has online resources to help navigate their academic policies:
- Course and program information for exchange students
- Academic information, including grading system
- Dutch language courses
Students can also study at the Amsterdam University College but will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 to do so.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Accommodation
UvA reserves a range of furnished accommodation for exchange students with different housing corporations in Amsterdam. Students renting accommodation through the UvA will be charged a service fee.
Cost of living
UvA provides a breakdown of living costs students can expect while on exchange in Amsterdam to help them plan their budget.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in the Student Exchange Program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
You are required by law to have appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As UQ Abroad is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
UvA has visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Dutch Embassy or Consulates for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow UQ Abroad students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, UQ Abroad programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.