Ecology and Evolution
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences in Amsterdam, ranked #176 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
- English tests
- IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 92
- Deadline
- 1 Jun 2027
- Apply via
- studielink
What it costs
Plan for roughly €53k–€56k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Amsterdam student life.
Living in Amsterdam →
What you'll study
120 ECTS over 24 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Ecology and Evolution. Master in Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL. Taught in English.
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#176
- Times Higher Education 2025#136
- QS World 2025#221
- THE — Life Sciences 2026#151
- THE — Physical Sciences 2026#201
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Ecology and Evolution at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 92 (minimum).
How much does Ecology and Evolution at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cost?
International tuition is €24,150 per year. Over the full 24-month programme that's roughly €48,300 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
Yes — GRE or GMAT scores are required. Check the programme page for the minimum scores.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 Jun 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam good for Natural Sciences?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ranks #151 in Life Sciences (THE 2026).
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