University of Wisconsin–Madison
Study Abroad
Back to Top

IES Amsterdam

People pass by on bikes in front of a river with two houseboats, and there are several tall narrow buildings in the background.
A windmill with two orange blades and two white blades on a cloudy day.

IES Financial Aid Opportunity
Semester students: Receive up to $7000 in scholarships/aid, including an automatic $1000 grant! More details
Summer students: Receive up to $3000 in scholarships/aid! More details

You can apply for aid from IES Abroad before you’ve completed your IES program application.
IES Abroad aid amounts are confirmed within five days of submitting your aid application.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Netherlands, Amsterdam

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

IES Abroad Amsterdam is an approved UW affiliate program offering courses from a variety of different academic fields. Known for its liberal views and open-minded attitude, the residents of this cozy city welcome you to study abroad in Amsterdam. You can ride through the scenic canals, visit the Anne Frank House, take a walking tour of the city’s different neighborhoods, and meet professionals working at local and global organizations while studying abroad in Amsterdam, where every day it brings something new to explore.

You'll enroll in courses at one of several local universities along with the option of taking IES-taught courses. You will be working closely with both IAP and IES on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the IES website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • In order to enroll in Psychology courses, students must have taken five (5) Psychology courses at the University level.
  • Each semester-long academic track provides a list of majors given preference for entry. Visit the IES website for each track of study for more information, found below.
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA for summer programs
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA for semester & academic year programs
  • Students must have completed at least four college semesters (about 60 credits, without AP credit) by the start of the program
  • Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

biological & physical science, business, environmental studies, humanities, journalism, library and information studies, social science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-August to Late December

Spring: Late January to Late May (Music: early January to Late May)

Summer: Early June - Mid-July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Society, Culture, and Gender] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Law & Criminology] 8/21/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Music] 8/21/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Psychology & Sciences OR Business & Economics OR Social Sciences & Humanities] 8/21/2026 Cost Details
Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis. Rolling admission will begin in July. Students are encouraged to apply early for this program.
Fall 2027-28 - [Psychology & Sciences OR Business & Economics OR Social Sciences & Humanities] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 - [Music] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 - [Law & Criminology] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Society, Culture, and Gender] 3/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

IES Amsterdam combines IES-taught courses with course options at a local university. Each academic track is affiliated with one of several universities that allow for a wide range of academic possibilities.

Select an IES Amsterdam academic track to focus your semester studies. For specific details on courses, syllabi, and academic structure of the program, visit the IES pages:

Business & Economics (enrollment is at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - VU)
Psychology & Sciences (enrollment is at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - VU)
Social Science & Humanities (enrollment is at Universiteit van Amsterdam - UvA)
Music Direct Enrollment (enrollment is at Conservatorium van Amsterdam - CvA)

Law & Criminology (enrollment is at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - VU. Last two weeks of program take place in London. Please review details of IES program page carefully.)

Each academic track has a list of majors (as identified by IES) that will receive priority during the application review process. You can check the list of priority majors at the IES Abroad track pages listed above.

IES Amsterdam also offers a summer program: Society, Culture, and Gender. On this summer program, students pick two IES courses from a short list of options. The summer program offers IES-taught courses; no local university enrollment is possible during the summer term.

Society, Culture, and Gender in Amsterdam

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

RETURN TO TOP

IES Scholarships

Description

Students participating on IES programs are eligible to apply for scholarships through IES.  Scholarship eligiblity criteria varies, but has included: need, identity-based, and more.  IES is guaranteeing scholarships for UW-Madison students and you can find out about the amount of your scholarship in five business days.

Award Amount
Varies ($1000-$7000)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for any IES Abroad aid, you must apply to and attend an IES Abroad program.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the IES website.

Study Abroad Scholars

Description

This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar.  Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.

CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:

Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)

Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student

Academic merit and financial need will be considered

Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline

 

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

UW Global Gateway Fellowships

Description

UW Global Gateway Fellowships for Semester and Year-long Study Abroad are designed to provide undergraduate students the access to the UW-Madison approved semester or year-long study abroad program of their choice, including the semester-long domestic study away program, UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, which best meets their academic and professional goals. 

The Global Gateway Initiative is based on the following values:

This prestigious scholarship was established by International Academic Programs, in partnership with the Office of Student Financial Aid, to introduce students to the issues of globalization and prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Award Amount
up to $10,000

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

IAP Gilman Incentive

Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000

How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.

IAP WISc Scholarship

Description

This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program.  Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows: 

1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and

2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.

These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program. 

Award Amount
$2500-$6000

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.

How to Apply

Students apply through the WISc Scholar Travel Grant application.

L&S Honors Study Abroad Grant

Description
Each year, the L&S Honors Program supports Honors students intending to study abroad at a UW-Madison-approved academic study abroad program through the L&S Honors Study Abroad grants. Award Amount
$1250

Eligibility Criteria
L&S Honors student studying on an approved UW-Madison Study Abroad Program How to Apply
Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).