On this page you will find all the information you need to know to be well-prepared to start your studies. If you still have any questions, please contact us at contact@vu.nl.
We look forward to seeing you and wish you a lot of fun and good luck with your study programme!
Track the status of your application in VUnet
Make sure that you have completed your registration for your programme by the 31st of August at the latest. See your status overview on VUnet for any requirements you still need to meet to complete your registration.
Your registration is only complete once you see the indication ‘registered’ in the ‘my programmes’ field in Studielink. If you change anything in relation to your application or registration in Studielink or VUnet, it will be shown the next day in your status overview.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive a Proof of Registration document within two to four weeks.
Where will you find the status of your registration?
1. Log in to VUnet.
2. Under ‘Complete Application’, go to the relevant programme.
3. Under ‘Status’, click on ‘Check status’.
4. For each requirement, you can see if you still need to take any action.
For more information regarding admission as an international student, please go to the page Admission.
‘BSc-before-MSc rule’ on admission to the Master FSS in academic year 2020-2021
Generally speaking, students must complete their Bachelor’s or pre-Master’s before starting on their Master’s programme. This is known as the ‘BSc-before-MSc rule’. Due to the corona crisis, however, some students have had to partially stop their studies, resulting in an unfortunate delay.
Master’s programmes at VU Amsterdam have examined how an exception to the rule can be made possible, so that students do not get stuck in the transition from Bachelor’s to Master’s because of the corona crisis. This is a one-off measure. Read more on the masterplatform how this rule is applied to your specific degree, click on your degree programme and read more at “Corona Crisis: from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s’.
Questions?
Do you have questions about the registration process? Please contact the Student Desk or, if you applied with an international diploma, the International Student Advisor (International Office).
Additional information for international students:
Not yet admitted at VU Amsterdam ?
If you are still waiting for admission, you are advised to not yet arrange payment. Please wait until you have received a letter of admission.
How can you pay?
If you are a student from a SEPA* country:
You will be able to select the digital authorization option in order to arrange a spread payment option (in 5 instalments), in which case the first payment will be collected from your account around the 25th of September. Alternatively, you can pay the entire amount in a single sum.
If you are a student from a SEPA country with a VUFP scholarship:
You can select the digital authorization option and fill out your bank details to stop the messages from being sent. You will need to confirm the digital authorization form in the to-do list in the next step, in order to allow that payments will be taken out of your bank account.
If you are a student from a non-SEPA country:
You can fill out your country details to stop Studielink from sending out the messages. Studielink will notify you that you cannot arrange your payment directly via Studielink. You can either wait until you have opened a Dutch bank account in August, or arrange an international bank transfer.
All payment details can be found on Tuition Fees.
Do you still have questions about tuition fee payments? Please contact the Student Desk.
Student Desk
Many answers to questions about your degree programme can be found on VUnet. For questions about registration for courses, enrolment, tuition fees, student cards, transcripts, etc. you can contact the Student Desk.International Service Desk
The International Service Desk (ISD) deals with general questions of international students.Coordinators and Academic Advisors
Each Master’s programme has a coordinator. You can approach him or her with any questions you may have regarding your programme.
You can contact your academic advisor for any questions or advice regarding personal circumstances that are interfering with your studies, a delay in your study progress, or regarding study skills or choices within your degree programme. There is a (online) walk-in session for shorter questions. If you have a question that needs more time, you can also make an appointment. You can find more information about Academic Advisors, and how you can contact them, on VUnet.
Studying with a disability
If you suffer from a disability, a chronic illness, dyslexia, or a mental disability, this does not mean that you will be unable to successfully complete your studies. If you need help with your studies because of your disability, there are a number of people you can turn to. Firstly, you can see an Academic Advisor. You can find more information on Studying with a disability on VUnet.
If you have problems such as performance anxiety or study stress, or if you are experiencing problems that are interfering in your studies or preventing you from completing your degree, then you can get in touch with one of the Student Psychological Counsellors at VU Amsterdam.
Careers and internships
Are you interested in which companies you could end up working or are you looking for stories of alumni, career days or starter functions? Then visit the Social Sciences Career Platform and create a personal profile using your VUnet ID.
For program-specific questions, please contact the master coordinator (see the information below on your specific degree program for contact details).
VUnet-ID and VUnet
The VUnet-ID is your username and password that gives you access to all kinds of digital services such as VUnet and Canvas.
VUnet will be an important source of information during your studies at the university. Through this portal you will find all relevant information such as your e-mail, your personal schedule, exam grades, important announcements and a link to the study guide. The VUnet homepage provides news from the university and the world of academia.
Log in using your VUnet-ID, which you should already have received. If you have lost your VUnet-ID, please visit the Student Desk. Take your university registration card or other form of identification for identification purposes.
VU Amsterdam e-mail
Each student is assigned a personal VU Amsterdam e-mail address, with the following format: initials.lastname@student.vu.nl. You can read and send e-mails by logging in to VUnet with your VUnet-ID. The university uses this e-mail address exclusively when corresponding with you about your studies. It is essential that you check your inbox regularly to ensure that you do not miss any important information about your degree programme. If you would like to avoid having to log in to check your e-mails, you can have your VU Amsterdam e-mail automatically forwarded to your personal e-mail address.
Canvas
Canvas is the digital learning environment of VU Amsterdam. Each course also has a course in Canvas, to which you automatically have access when you have signed up for the course. On Canvas you will find the course's study manual, the teacher will keep you informed about your progress and you will sometimes have to submit assignments via Canvas. Also, after a lecture, teachers often put the lecture sheets on Canvas, so that you can study them again at home.
Study guide and timetable
In the online study guide you will find information about the content of your courses, method of assessment and which literature you need. Here you will also find the Teaching and Examination Regulations of your study programme. The timetable of your study programme can be found at rooster.vu.nl.
Exemptions
If you think you might be eligible for one or more exemptions, based, for example, on your prior education, please submit a request well in advance of commencing the course in question to the Examination Board for your programme. You can do this via VUnet.
You can register for courses in period 1 starting on 20 July up to the first week of the teaching period (no later than 7 September). Please note: for the remaining periods, registration closes four weeks prior to the start of each teaching period.
You can plan your courses by adding them to your schedule in the registration module in VUnet even before the course is open for registration. Please note: planning is not the same as registering! If you have planned courses, you must still register for them, the related teaching activities, and exams. Registration is not automatic. Further information about Registration for Courses and Exams is available on VUnet.
Resit
Once you register for a course, you are also automatically registered for the first exam opportunity for that course. If you however need to take a resit, (also for an assignment, paper etc) the Education Office will register you in case you did not pass the exam (NVD, fail). If you have other reasons to take the resit, eg. in case of a ‘no show’ (NS), you must register for this separately as this will not arranged automatically. You can take care of the registration up to 14 days prior to the resit.
Tip!
Set the deadlines in your calendar or as a reminder in your phone so that you are on time. If you don't sign up in time for courses and exams, you won't be able to participate!
Extra courses
If you want to take additional courses alongside your required courses, you can register for ‘extra-curricular courses’. Naturally, you must meet the entry requirements for the course. Please see the course descriptions in the study guide for specifics.
If you take an extra course that is not part of your programme and you wish to add it to your own programme, then you apply to the Examination Board for permission. If you take that extra course at another educational institution, you are responsible for ensuring that the results and credits are forwarded to VU Amsterdam, so that the results can be entered into your file.
High-level athletes and forms of outstanding performance
If you participate in top-level sports or other high-level activities, you may have difficulty combining these with a busy degree programme. For that reason, VU Amsterdam has a High Achievers Scheme (in Dutch) for students who are involved with these kinds of extra-curricular activities in the areas of sports or culture. The scheme includes financial assistance in the event of delays to study progress and features that can help to reduce such delays.
The Boardroom
The Boardroom is a special programme consisting of high-level master classes for a maximum of 20 Master’s students. Every three weeks, a prominent alumnus of VU Amsterdam shares their unique knowledge and skills with you, drawing on their vast expertise and experience. One of our researchers provides an introduction to the topic. You will become acquainted with companies and organizations, and you will develop a skill set that goes above and beyond the standard for your degree programme.
Boardroom activities take place during evening hours, and active participation is expected. The programme runs from October to June. Applications can be sent from 1st of August to 1st of October.
Thinking about a PhD?
Do you want to obtain a PhD degree and write a doctoral dissertation? For all questions concerning visa, housing/accommodation, funding opportunities, exchange programmes and mobility, please consult the web page PhD Programme.
In addition to your studies, you can become a member of a study association or enjoy the cultural, sporting and social activities offered by VU Amsterdam. More information can be found on the page Extracurricular activities.
Your opinion matters
Would you like to have a say in matters relating to education? As a member of a programme committee, the university council, or a faculty student council, you will play an important part in how the faculty and university function. You will also gain great experience and learn how to think about and help decide on changes and improvements to the university in a constructive manner.
Programme committee
Programme committees (PC) are advisory bodies in which teaching staff and students join forces to help improve the quality and content of education. These statutory committees serve to advise the education office and the Faculty Board about any number of issues regarding education. All bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in the Faculty of Social Sciences have a PC, so PC student-members are directly involved with their own education. All PCs find it important to know what the students have to say. You can read more about the PCs on VUnet.
Faculty Student Council
The Faculty Student Council (FSC) is the highest student consultation committee in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The FSC is a crucial link between students and the Faculty Board and is tasked with guarding the interests of fellow students. Through the FSC, students can be involved with the decision-making process within the faculty. The FSC consists of seven members responsible for representing their fellow students in the Faculty of Social Sciences for the full academic year. They do this by taking part in meetings of the Faculty Board, as well as by participating in various committees.
During your first days, VU International Office will arrange several activities in order to help you become acquainted with the university campus and to get to know your fellow students. This will be an online programme due to the current Corona measures.
International Students: when in Amsterdam?
The corona measures have a huge impact on higher education, but we are certain of one thing: if you start your degree programme in September, you can expect high-quality education from us. On campus if we can. But also: online because we can. Therefore our advice would be to come to Amsterdam in August if your situation allows you to. Read more on this topic here.
Introduction and first lecture
There is no special introduction day for this master. Your first lecture of the course ‘Sensemaking in Organizations’ will take place on Tuesday 1 September (start at 1.30 pm). At the start of this lecture, all necessary information about your education and curriculum will be provided. It is very important that you are present. NB. We are aiming to organize this first lecture (somewhere) live, keep a close eye on the Canvas page of the course for the latest information.
Courses, schedule and study books
In the study guide you will find a complete overview of your courses. You can find the schedule online and after registering for your courses, it will appear in your personal schedule on VUnet.
The books for your programme are sold by the VU Bookstore in collaboration with study association EOS. Here you will find the book list.
Digital services
Are you new to the VU? To become familiar with the digital services of the VU, we have created a manual to help you on your way online at VUnet (eg. Course registration), Canvas, the library. Please do read before you start with your Master’s programme.
Any questions regarding the programme?
Please contact Henk Koerten, coordinator of the Master programme COM.International Students: when in Amsterdam?
The corona measures have a huge impact on higher education, but we are certain of one thing: if you start your degree programme in September, you can expect high-quality education from us. On campus if we can. But also: online because we can. Therefore our advice would be to come to Amsterdam in August if your situation allows you to. Read more on this topic here.
Introduction and first lecture
There is no special introduction day for this master. The Academic Year starts on Monday 31 August. At the start of your first lecture, all necessary information about your education and curriculum will be provided. It is very important that you are present. NB. We will update this page during Summer, please keep an eye on it to know when this first lecture exactly takes place.
Courses, schedule and study books
In the study guide you will find a complete overview of your courses. You can find the schedule online and after registering for your courses, it will appear in your personal schedule on VUnet.
The books for your programme are sold by the VU Bookstore in collaboration with study association EOS. Here you will find the book list.
Digital services
Are you new to the VU? To become familiar with the digital services of the VU, we have created a manual to help you on your way online at VUnet (eg. Course registration), Canvas, the library. Please do read before you start with your Master’s programme.
Any questions regarding the programme?
Please contact Rein Koetsier, coordinator the Master programme PS.International Students: when in Amsterdam?
The corona measures have a huge impact on higher education, but we are certain of one thing: if you start your degree programme in September, you can expect high-quality education from us. On campus if we can. But also: online because we can. Therefore our advice would be to come to Amsterdam in August if your situation allows you to. Read more on this topic here.
Introduction and first lecture
The Academic Year starts on Monday 31 August. At 11.00 hrs, there will be an online introductory meeting of the Master. During the introduction, you will receive all information about the organization of the Master program. It is very important that you attend this meeting. Sign up in time via Canvas (course: Field Research Design) and keep an eye on this website!
On Tuesday the 1st of September at 13.30 hrs you will have your first lecture for the course Theoretical Orientation on Mobility (TOM). This lecture will take place on campus and the number of seats is limited. Because of the corona measures we do not know all details yet. Sign up in time for the course so you will receive the information via Canvas.
Courses, schedule and study books
In the study guide you will find a complete overview of your courses. You can find the schedule online and after registering for your courses, it will appear in your personal schedule on VUnet.
The books for your programme are sold by the VU Bookstore in collaboration with study association EOS. Here you will find the book list.
Digital services
Are you new to the VU? To become familiar with the digital services of the VU, we have created a manual to help you on your way online at VUnet (eg. Course registration), Canvas, the library. Please do read before you start with your Master’s programme.
Any questions regarding the programme?
Please contact Boris Slijper, coordinator the Master programme SCA.International Students: when in Amsterdam?
The corona measures have a huge impact on higher education, but we are certain of one thing: if you start your degree programme in September, you can expect high-quality education from us. On campus if we can. But also: online because we can. Our advice would be to come to Amsterdam in August if your situation allows you to. A key feature of our programme is Peer Group Learning: we want to build a strong community of learners that is inspiring and supportive. We believe that this can be better done offline with attendance of as many Research Master students as possible. These Peer Group Learning meetings start early September at the VU campus. However, if you are not able to come across due to the corona measures, we use online tools to involve you in our community of learners. Read more on this topic here.
Introduction and first lecture
We will organize a study tour on Campus on Thursday 27 August from 2pm to 4.30pm, as an introduction to the VU, and to meet your fellow students and the lecturers of Societal Resilience. Keep an eye on this page as we will update it with more information during summer.
Your first lecture of the course ‘Peer Group Learning’ will take place on Tuesday 1 September (starts at 4pm in room HG-6A37 – in the Main Building of the VU). At the start of this lecture, all necessary information about your education and curriculum will be provided. It is very important that you are present. NB. Rooms and times might change over summer, please check this information regularly.
If you have no programming experience, we advise you to take an introduction course in R on Datacamp or Dataquest this summer. This will prepare you for the course Big Data, Small Data that starts in the first period.
Courses, schedule and study books
In the study guide you will find a complete overview of your courses. You can find the schedule online and after registering for your courses, it will appear in your personal schedule on VUnet.
The books for your programme are sold by the VU Bookstore in collaboration with study association EOS. Here you will find the book list.
Digital services
Are you new to the VU? To become familiar with the digital services of the VU, we have created a manual to help you on your way online at VUnet (eg. Course registration), Canvas, the library. Please do read before you start with your Master’s programme.
Any questions regarding the programme?
Please contact Tijs van den Broek, coordinator of the Master programme Societal Resilience.