Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a broad, research-intensive university in Amsterdam that combines education, research and societal impact. It presents itself as a university for “free thinkers” who contribute to solutions for complex social challenges, with a strong emphasis on responsibility toward people, society and the planet. The university serves bachelor’s, master’s, professional and doctoral audiences, and it positions its teaching as high-quality, meaningful and challenging academic education informed by scientific research. Across its faculties and services, the VU highlights an interdisciplinary environment where students, researchers and external partners work together on themes such as health and wellbeing, climate and environment, and justice and resilience. Core Values Open : The VU values diversity in disciplines, cultures, perspectives and beliefs, and sees the university as a place of encounter and dialogue. Personal : It emphasizes attention and respect for each individual, with personal support for students, staff and researchers. Responsible : The university stresses accountability to society and aligns education, research and valorisation with social themes and public benefit. Broader Mind : VU Amsterdam aims to broaden students’ outlook so they can contribute thoughtfully to a healthier, more sustainable and fairer world. Unique Aspects Values-driven university identity : The VU explicitly frames itself as a university of “free thinkers for people, society and planet,” linking academic work to ethical and social responsibility. Broad campus with medical connection : It is a comprehensive university with faculties in the humanities, sciences, social sciences and medicine, and its campus includes Amsterdam UMC, strengthening its health and innovation profile. Strong focus on societal impact : The university has a dedicated valorisation agenda and support structures for turning knowledge into practice, including IXA-GO, the Demonstrator Lab and VU StartHub. External collaboration ecosystem : The VU actively works with companies, public bodies, NGOs, schools and knowledge institutions, offering access to research expertise, facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration. Named partnership in entrepreneurship support : Known news indicates that VU Amsterdam works with Graduate Ventures, which has invested in more than 80 start-ups and scale-ups since 2021 and provides access to a network of more than 200 alumni entrepreneurs.