Earth System Science (Earth Sciences)
University of Amsterdam offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences in Amsterdam, ranked #62 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
- English tests
- TOEFL iBT 92
- Deadline
- 30 Jun 2026
What it costs
Plan for roughly €54k–€57k 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.
Are you interested in the functioning of the Earth System across diverse spatial and temporal scales, from global to local and from millions of years to the present? In the Earth System Science track you will investigate the interplay between earth surface processes, such as erosion, river dynamics, and ecosystems. You also will have the opportunity to explore the impact of human activities, including mining, deforestation, and the effects of nature-based solutions. Earth System Science will suit you if you want to…. deepen your understanding on the processes that determine the functioning of the Earth System and the role and impact of humans and climate change on this system. study the landscape and climate dynamics at spatial scales, ranging from molecules to the Earth System as a whole, based on fieldwork, laboratory work and modelling studies. use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to analyse elements, microbic organism, contaminants and microfossils in sediments, soil, and water to gain insights into how environments change over time. do a Master’s with a good balance of computation skills, laboratory skills and field survey skills. gain a systemic view on earth processes and assess the impact of global change on the Earth’s functioning.
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#62
- QS World 2025#55
- Times Higher Education 2025#58
- THE — Physical Sciences 2026#74
- THE — Life Sciences 2026#94
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 University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam serves 41,000 students across 147 master's programs, with particular depth in Arts & Humanities, Business & Law, and Social Sciences. Based in Amsterdam, it ranks 55th globally in the QS World Rankings 2025, with subject-level strengths in Medicine (QS #29) and Law (QS #36).
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Earth System Science (Earth Sciences) at University of Amsterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need TOEFL iBT 92 (minimum).
How much does Earth System Science (Earth Sciences) at University of Amsterdam cost?
International tuition is €26,000 per year. Over the full 24-month programme that's roughly €52,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of 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?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
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 30 Jun 2026. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is University of Amsterdam good for Natural Sciences?
University of Amsterdam ranks #74 in Physical Sciences (THE 2026).
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