University of Amsterdam - UvA Speciality : Business and Strategy
programme: Business Administration

Studying at the University of Amsterdam has been both challenging and fulfilling. The lecturers are not only experienced but also open to discussion, always pushing us to think critically and explore ideas on our own. What I value a lot is the international setting — meeting and working with students from different cultures has really expanded how I see the world.

For European students, the University of Amsterdam offers a strong value proposition. Tuition fees are relatively low compared to many other European institutions, and certain programs are well-regarded academically. However, the quality of programs is inconsistent; while some live up to expectations, others fall short in terms of rigor, support, and overall structure.

For international students, the experience can be far more challenging. Tuition fees are significantly higher, often totaling around €30,000 for a three-year bachelor’s program, which represents a major financial commitment. Unfortunately, the university does not appear to adequately acknowledge or accommodate the specific challenges international students face.

A major concern lies with the examination board and its treatment of students in exceptional circumstances. There are documented cases where students who experienced serious medical issues or the loss of a family member were not granted proper consideration. In such situations, it is unreasonable to expect students to perform at their best, yet the board often dismisses these factors and treats failed exams—even under extreme conditions—as legitimate grounds for expulsion from the program. This policy applies equally harshly to students in their final years of study as it does to those in their first year, which can result in years of work and significant financial investment being lost in an instant.

Universities have a responsibility not only to maintain academic standards but also to show compassion and understanding toward their students, especially when life circumstances clearly affect performance. The rigid and unsympathetic approach of the examination board undermines this responsibility. If the purpose of such committees is to evaluate fairly whether students are capable of continuing their studies, then fairness must also include a genuine consideration of personal circumstances. Without this, the process risks becoming punitive rather than supportive.

I chose my university because of its ranking but it was a mistake. The traditional metrics determining rankings such as teacher to student ratios do not really work on UvA since you will almost exclusively interact only with teacher assistants that are hit or miss when it comes to teaching ability. The social life in Amsterdam is overhyped and its existence comes mostly from overconsumption of drugs. Course tutorials are mandatory based on professors choice, so planning ahead is made difficult. Midterms and semesters are planned out in a way that makes it difficult to travel for longer periods of time even when attendance is not mandatory. If you can find a job and afford rent in Amsterdam the picture becomes much brighter but otherwise you will not have as much to do in the city and pay a lot for it anyway. The Dutch are complicated and not extremely welcoming as well.

the courses were ok but probably i chose the wrong specialization. I found most of it too outdated and theoretical. The professors were mostly good with a couple of classes that just weren´t my favourites. The student life was great and campuses were beautiful

The University of Amsterdam gave me a solid foundation with a mix of theory and practical case studies. Student life was dynamic, and the experience overall was positive. However, the lack of guidance and engagement from my thesis supervisor really let things down, especially during such a critical phase. I think it comes down to luck with which professors you end up getting.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the top universities in the Netherlands and Europe. UvA has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of research opportunities for students. Additionally, the university provides students with modern facilities, libraries, and resources to support their studies. However, the workload at UvA can be challenging due to its high standards, requiring students to effectively manage their time to meet the demands of their studies.

There are two reasons why I liked UvA: the location and the diversity. The university’s faculties are spread throughout Amsterdam, allowing students to enjoy Dutch culture and the vibrant student life. Furthermore, UvA fosters a strong international environment where students can meet and learn from different cultures, creating an international network.
If you are seeking a university with a solid academic foundation and a chance to explore the city, I would recommend UvA for its nice balance between the two.

University of Amsterdam: Outstanding learning environment, top-notch faculty, multicultural student body, and active cultural center. Definitely a stimulating experience that fosters intellectual development. highly advisable

The coursework was challenging, but the professors were engaging and provided valuable insights into the complexities of international business. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with students from different backgrounds and nationalities, which provided a unique perspective on global business issues.

A lovely Campus with good teachers and an excellent environment. The university offers globally competitive programs thereby meeting the international standards. It therefore admits students from all parts of the world bringing about diversity. I still appreciate the efforts of my teachers at this great varsity more those in the department of business. Course outlines were given in time and the units were covered well too