ShareUMD Exchange: University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
Ranked consistently as one of the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a modern university with a rich history that can traces its roots back to 1632. Today, with more than 30,000 students, 5,000 staff and 285 study programs, many of which are taught in English. It is one of the largest comprehensive universities in Europe, offering courses in seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Economics and Business, Science, Law, Medicine, and Dentistry.
As a member of Universitas 21 (U21), the leading global network of research intensive universities working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning and student mobility, it maintains intensive contact with other leading research universities around the world. Characterized by a critical, creative and international atmosphere, the UvA has a long tradition of open-mindedness and engagement with social issues, in keeping with the spirit of the city. Many of the university buildings are located in the historic city center of Amsterdam. Students can also choose from many student organizations, including the popular the International Student Network (ISN), athletic activities, and student services within the areas of religious services, career counseling, counseling, disability services, and student health services, and the University Sports Center.
UvA, in addition to excellent academic opportunities, offers exchange students the opportunity to become involved in an award winning Global Exchange Ambassador Programme. For more information, please visit the UvA website: www.uva.nl/ambassadors. This program is an excellent way to meet Dutch and other international students and promote UMD at UvA.
Read the Exchange Express, a newsletter made by the Global Exchange Ambassadors at UvA!
Host City
UvA is located in Amsterdam, the capital and largest city in the Netherlands, and one of the largest cities in Europe. The city is rich in history as one of the most prominent ports in the world, which has resulted in an extremely culturally diverse capital city. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the world's oldest stock exchange and the city is one of the cultural and financial capitals of Europe. Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals, which are a UNESCO world heritage site, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district and coffee shops. As one of the most bike friendly cities in the world with a thriving nightlife, music and sports scene, Amsterdam is ideal for students.
The University of Amsterdam and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization.
Learn more about Universitas 21 and its programs and mission on the U21 website: http://universitas21.com/
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
Academic departments or schools at UvA are generally referred to as "faculties." Faculties and specific departments open to international students are:
- Faculty of Humanities
- College of Social Science
- College of Communication
- Graduate School of Social Science (GSSS): Research Master Metropolitan Studies (all other GSSS programmes are not open for exchange students)
- Amsterdam Law School
- Faculty of Economics and Business
- Department of Psychology
- Faculty of Science (Natural Sciences)
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies: Future Planet Studies
- Department of Child Development & Educational Science
- Amsterdam University College (Liberal Arts & Sciences). Students interested in studying at Amsterdam University College should apply through the UMD Exchange: Amsterdam University College webpage.
Students are generally not allowed to pick courses from different faculties at the UvA. In certain cases it is possible to take one or two courses outside of the host faculty, but this can only be arranged on a case-by-case basis by your host faculty and is dependent on availability of courses. Course registration dates vary between faculties and will take place after acceptance. Some faculties may not enroll exchange students until the week before classes begin.
3rd and 2nd year students in Science can apply for courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy and Future Planet Studies. Courses in Evolutionary Psychobiology, Programming for beginners and Interdisciplinary courses are also accessible and open to students of all academic backgrounds.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at University of Amsterdam will be converted as follows:
| University of Amsterdam ECTS Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 ECTS credit | 0.5 UMD credit |
| 6 ECTS credits | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on April 24, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University of Amsterdam Grade | UMD Grade |
| 6 | C - |
Exchange Express
UvA Global Exchange Ambassadors have created a new edition of the bi-annual Exchange Express. They have collected great stories from inbound and outbound exchange students and assembled them in a colorful online magazine. Feel free to forward it to you (potential) future Global Exchange Students: http://www.uva.nl/en/education/other-programmes/exchange/global-exchange...
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Amsterdam offers a wide range of student associations from academics to sports.
International Welcome/Orientation
The university offers an introduction week that includes a Dutch crash course, tours and activities in Amsterdam, and opportunities to meet other international students. Introduction is part of the greater International Student Network which hosts many events and programs for international students.
Counseling & Health Services
The university has doctors on hand to assist with any medical needs for international students. They also have student counselors and psychologists on hand to help with any mental health needs.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Spring | 2024 | 10/01/2023 | 10/11/2023 |