Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Role: European university

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU – Netherlands) is a comprehensive research university, founded in 1880 and aims to contribute to a better world. A world in which justice, humanity, and responsibility for each other and for the world, are central. VU Amsterdam is ambitious in scientific research and education and encourages free and open communication of ideas. The university values academic freedom and independence. This independence is reflected in its name Vrije Universiteit; free from church, state and commercial interests. VU Amsterdam is committed to delivering academic value by developing academic character, embracing diversity and the orientation towards society.

Located at the VU Amsterdam campus in the heart of the Amsterdam business district, VU Amsterdam houses 10 faculties, has approximately 30,000 students of which 3,000 international students, 4,500 staff and offers around 70 international programmes. VU Amsterdam’s education and research are clustered around four interdisciplinary research themes: Governance for Society, Human Health and Life Sciences, Connected World and Science for Sustainability.