A joint initiative of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University College (AUC) offers a three-year Bachelor's programme in the Liberal Arts and Sciences at the honours level. The programme is taught entirely in English and is selective, with just 300 students being admitted each year. All students live in designated student residences in Amsterdam Science Park and major in either the Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities. Within these subjects, students specialise further to become experts in their field while also mastering foundational skills to read critically, write effectively and think analytically.  

Majors, themes and concentrations

Students at AUC choose to major in the Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities. There are a variety of tracks (combinations of courses) within each of these majors through which students gain expertise in more specific areas of knowledge known as concentrations. These concentrations make the programme cohesive and ensure that students attain a certain level of knowledge in a specific field to proceed to Master’s degree programmes or more advanced studies in an exact field.

Upon graduating, students receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Sciences degree in the Liberal Arts and Sciences issued jointly by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).  

Nearly 50% of the AUC student community comes from abroad. The lingua franca on campus is English and students are immersed in the multicultural ‘global village’ of Amsterdam. Between staff and students, there are over 60 different nationalities represented, creating a community that embraces diversity and cultural exchange both in- and outside of the classroom. This international outlook is enhanced by the robust study abroad programme where one-third of AUC students spend a semester studying in another country as part of their curriculum.

From week one, students work closely with their tutor to determine a tailor-made study plan that suits individual interests and meets their academic goals for the future. Flexibility in the curriculum allows students to pursue interdisciplinary areas of study and combine fields of knowledge in new ways to prepare them for highly specialised Master's and PhD programmes. With classes consisting of a maximum of 25 students, a high degree of student-faculty interaction is ensured. 

Students are actively encouraged to think beyond traditional disciplines to address contemporary problems and topics. Classes are focused on answering "big questions" by delving into the issues from a holistic perspective that includes fields of studies from the three majors: Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences. Within these majors, students specialise via concentrations but are encouraged to explore topics outside of their major through electives, studying abroad and the real-world experiences of community projects and internships.

All students are guaranteed housing in the DUWO-managed student residences located at Amsterdam Science Park. Situated between the cutting-edge research institutes of Science Park and the bustling multicultural Indische Buurt of Amsterdam East, the residences retain a close-knit community atmosphere while having the amenities of a world-class city at their doorstep. The majority of rooms are single, studio-style apartments and once students move into a room they like, they can stay for all three years (even during the summers!).    

Through a selective admissions procedure, a maximum of 300 students are admitted annually.  In principle, all those who have completed a secondary school diploma that is considered equivalent to a Dutch VWO diploma can be considered for admission. Admissions are competitive and the following criteria play an important role:

• Academic excellence, both in terms of grades and motivation
• High levels of proficiency in English and mathematics
• Ambition to study an intensive and broad liberal arts and sciences programme
• Commitment to contribute to AUC’s international student body and campus life

As an honours programme, the study is designed to be rigorous and prepare students for prestigious graduate schools and careers at internationally renowned companies. 

Between the tutoring team, peer support, resident assistants, well-being team, student life officer and accessible teaching staff, the tight-knit atmosphere at AUC offers a strong support network for students to thrive.  

The AUC community encourages students to explore their interests outside of academics and to develop themselves as a person. At the heart of campus social life is the AUC Student Association (AUCSA). No matter their interest, students will find a supportive network that fosters creativity and provides a platform to explore their passions. By forming committees, students can create (and receive some funding for) special interest groups that include: gastronomic experimentation of Cuisine, avant-garde visual arts projects of Art, student journalism in Scriptus, meditating with Zen, organising science events with Curiosity and participating in a wide range of sports clubs with Catch. With more than 25 committees and new initiatives added each year, there's never a dull moment at AUC. 

AUC has its very own scholarship fund through which we work with our industry and civic partners to increase diversity and excellence in the student body. The Amsterdam University College Scholarship Fund (ASF) bestows ASF Scholarships, which are awarded annually on the basis of merit and need. Around 10-15% of AUC students receive full or partial scholarships from the AUC Scholarship Fund.

AUC graduates are especially well-prepared to continue their studies at the Master's or PhD level at universities in the Netherlands and abroad or to pursue a career at renowned corporate or public organisations. AUC alumni have gone on to study at prestigious institutions and programmes all around the world, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and our parent institutions the UvA and VU. Our graduates are highly sought after because they combine the highest levels of disciplinary attainment with the ability to solve problems, contribute to debates and demonstrate a far-reaching awareness of the social, cultural and personal perspectives that equip them for success, leadership and global citizenship.