Step 1: Create an enrollment application in Studielink (the Dutch national education application system)
Please note: Only if you already live in the Netherlands, you will need a DigiD. DigiD applications take up to two weeks: apply for DigiD .
Check out our handy guide for the studielink procedure here
Log in to Studielink and create a new enrolment application for the study programme you wish to follow.
Important points when creating an enrollment application
- When using login details for creating an enrollment application in Studielink, please select Apply for username and password.
- Make sure that the e-mail address you fill in in Studielink (My details) is correct: you will receive important notices concerning your enrollment via this address.
- Please enter your prior education (on the basis of which your application will be judged) correctly.
- Select the study programme of choice with (Master) at the end from the list in Studielink.
- Enter your payment details so that the correct tuition fee can be calculated. This does not generate and automatic payment. The deadline for payment is 31 August 2017.
- Please be aware that your enrolment must be fully completed on 31 August 2017 in order to start your study programme on 1 September 2017. If your enrolment is not complete on this date, you will have to postpone your study programme until the following academic year.
Step 2: Pay the application fee
All students with an international degree are required to pay a non-refundable, €100 application fee.
After we have received the application fee, we will start processing your application immediately.
Once you have completed your enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail (sent to the address you supply in Studielink) with information on how you can pay the fee. Please do not delay paying the fee as this will delay your application.
- Application fee procedure
Step 3: Complete your application in VUnet
In order to upload the required documents and complete your application, you will need to log into VUnet, the university's student portal. We advise you to do this as soon as possible after applying in Studielink.
Please note: you do not need to send original documents when applying, but you will need to send these if you are admitted by which time you will be informed about the requirements in more detail.
After you complete your enrolment application in Studielink you will receive a VUnet-ID (username and password) in two separate e-mails sent to the address you entered in Studielink. This may take up to two working days.
Once you have received these login details, log in to VUnet, answer the questions asked and upload documents as requested.
If you can prove to be a top student then you may want to apply for a VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) scholarship and/or a Holland Scholarship Programme scholarship. You can select these scholarships during the application process in VUnet.
If you have not received your login details, please first check your spam. If you are still unable to locate them, then contact the UCIT service desk on ucit-servicedesk@vu.nl or +31 (0)20 598 0000.
Step 4: Wait for decision on application
Once your file is complete it will be handed over to the faculty. The faculty may contact you about any additional requirements. The Admission Board of the faculty will make a decision within six weeks.
For all questions about the evaluation of your application, please contact your International Student Advisor, whose contact details can be found on the contact page your chosen study programme.
If you are informed that your application has been successful, congratulations! A number of additional steps must now be taken.
- What happens after admission?
Steps |
Deadlines for EU/EEA or Dutch students who do not wish to apply for university housing |
Deadlines for non-EU/EEA students who do not need study visa and/or residence permit or university housing |
Deadlines for students who need study visa and/or residence permit (do I need a study visa?) (also advised deadline if you want to apply for university housing (strongly recommended) |
1. Create an enrolment application |
1 June 2017 |
1 June 2017 |
1 April 2017 |
2. Pay the application fee |
1 June 2017 |
As soon as possible after applying in Studielink (we can only process your application once we have received the fee) |
As soon as possible after applying in Studielink (we can only process your application once we have received the fee) |
3. Complete your application in VUnet |
1 June 2017 (please complete as soon as possible after applying in Studielink) |
1 June 2017 (please complete as soon as possible after applying in Studielink) |
1 April 2017 (please complete as soon as possible after applying in Studielink) |
4. Wait for admission by the Examination Board of the faculty |
Admission board will decide within 6 weeks |
Admission board will decide within 6 weeks |
Admission board will decide within 6 weeks |