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University of Amsterdam Exchange

A rainbow is visible behind a street of tall, narrow, brick houses.

Due to limited capacity, this program is currently open for semester-long exchange only.

Netherlands, Amsterdam

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

Study as an exchange student at the University of Amsterdam (Universiteit van Amsterdam)! The UvA's open, tolerant and international academic tradition dates back to 1632, when its predecessor the Athenaeum Illustre was founded. With almost 30,000 students, it is now one of the largest comprehensive research universities in Europe. The University of Amsterdam has several campuses throughout the city, organized by Faculty (which is similar to a College/Department at UW Madison). The UvA Exchange requires students to apply to one of the six Faculties: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Science, Business & Economics, Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics (PPLE), or Amsterdam University College (AUC).

As a key cultural and intellectual center in western Europe, Amsterdam provides an ideal environment for academic study. Amsterdam attracts students from all over the Netherlands and beyond.

 

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Sociology
    -Anthropology 
    -Geography 
    -Linguistics
    -Psychology
  • Observe Dutch perspectives on academic disciplines

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.

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Eligibility

  • Each area of study ("Faculty") has their own admission requirements, see below for details. Humanities and Social Sciences require that applicants complete 7 courses in their area of study before the program start date. Business/Economics requires 7 courses, including Micro- and Macro-Economics. Other faculties have additional pre-requisites. Contact the Enrollment Manager with questions about eligibility. 

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • 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

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

social sciences, humanities, biological & physical science, business

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early September - Late June

Fall (First Semester): Early September - Late January*

Spring (Second Semester): Early February - Late June

*Special arrangements can be made for students who need to return home by late December.

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/21/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

UvA's Global Exchange Programme offers over 100 international study programmes with English-taught courses in humanities, social sciences, economics and business, psychology, child development and education, law, science, and liberal arts and sciences.

Generally, exchange students must choose courses all offered within a single Faculty/Department. In some cases, it's possible to take a course outside your home faculty. Faculties/Departments of study offered at UvA for exchange students include:

-Humanities
-Social Sciences
    -Psychology (sub-speciality within Social Sciences)
    -Child Development and Education (sub-specialty within Social Sciences)
-Economics and Business
-Science
-Amsterdam University College (selective, honours-level exchange with a variety of courses in sciences, social sciences, and humanities)

At the time of application, you will need to indicate which one of the above areas you intend to take all of your courses in. Learn more about the programs of study offered within each area at the UvA Courses page in order to make the appropriate choice. Most Faculties/Departments require you to have taken at least 8 courses already in their area, though the requirement varies by Faculty. This is important to consider as you choose a faculty, because UvA will not accept students without an adequate course background in their chosen faculty.

Dutch language courses are currently only offered to students on exchange through Amsterdam University College.

UvA uses a block system with two 8-week blocks and an “intensive” block of 4 weeks in one semester. Students in the fall semester leave after block 2 in order to return for the start of the UW semester in January. Students in the spring semester can stay through June to complete block 3.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University of Amsterdam website

Program Web Pages

UvA Global Exchange Program

Foreign Courses

UvA Course Page

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