Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Summer School
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Summer School offers an interactive, tightly focused learning experience designed to provide an intensive, in-depth look at your topic of study. Make lasting friendships with students from over 60 countries. You have the option to study for 2 weeks to 4 weeks.
Take in the picturesque canal network whilst getting lost in the arty Jordaan, often cited as Amsterdam's most charming neighbourhood, and cycle to hidden gems made easy by the city's unbeatable network of cycle routes and flat landscapes. Escape the city to enjoy the rich landscape of gorgeous countryside, beaches, windmills and historic forts that provide a window into the region's past.
Fields of study
- Arts, Culture and Literature
- Behaviour and Society
- Earth and Sustainability
- Economics and Entrepreneurship Engineering
- Health Sciences and Health Care
- History and Heritage
- Law and Governance
- Language and Communication Mathematics and Information Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Theology, Religion and Philosophy
- Math and Information Sciences
- Engineering
It is possible to follow two courses in two different sessions, as long as they don't overlap. This means courses in session 1 can be combined with courses in either session 2a or 2b, for up to four weeks of intensive summer learning! VU Session overview.
Find more information regarding specific courses on the VU International website.
Credit Equivalent
3-5 ECTS = 2 UQ Units. You will be able to choose a maximum of one course per session. A maximum of 4 UQ Units if 6 ECTS are successfully completed across two sessions (pending UQ faculty approval).
Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority, we cannot provide visa advice.
Please review the host university webpage for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the standard UQ Student Eligibility Criteria and any additional eligibility criteria set by VU International.
Session 2a impacts on UQ semester 2 dates. UQ students must meet the additional special conditions for programs that impact on teaching dates.
If you are intending to undertake your experience for-credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to the Global Experiences team at least 4 weeks before applying to the host to allow sufficient time for the Faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note however, that it is your responsibility to meet the host application deadline.
Cost
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad. Tuition for the program will cost approximately $1,565 - $1,960 AUD per course.
Detailed information regarding fees, discounts, scholarships and inclusions can be found on the host university website.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the program fee. Participants are required to organise and book their own accommodation. For more accommodation information, please see the VU international website.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 14 April 2026
Host: 31 March 2026
Program Dates
Session 1
Start: 6 July 2026
End: 17 July 2026
Session 2a*
Start: 20 July 2026
End: 31 July 2026
Session 2b
Start: 20 July 2026
End: 24 July 2026
*For-credit only as dates impact on UQ Semester 2
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (In-person)
Credit: For-credit or Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.
OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:
- any earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your overseas study
- any later than 3 months before the official end date of your overseas study.
*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.