American Studies (History)
University of Amsterdam offers this 12-month English-taught master's in Arts & Humanities in Amsterdam, ranked #62 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by GPA floor 7.0 and specific prior degree.
- GPA / grades
- 7.0(Dutch system)
- English tests
- TOEFL iBT 92
- Prior degree
- You are eligible to apply for admission if you hold an academic Bachelor's degree from an accredited research university in: History European Studies with a major in History Humanities, Social Sciences or Liberal Arts and Sciences with at least 30 ECTS taken in the field of History or 30 ECTS in American studies related coursework
- Accepted degrees
- HistoryEuropean StudiesHumanitiesSocial SciencesLiberal Arts and Sciences
- Documents required
- curriculum vitae
- proof of language proficiency
- transcript of records
- diploma
- translation of diploma and transcript of records
- Deadline
- 1 Mar 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
60 ECTS over 12 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Study the United States - from inside and out - historically and with an eye towards the present. Explore politics and foreign policy, but also the culture that has influenced and reflected the world.
Where graduates end up
What graduates of this programme tend to do — and where they end up working.
Common career paths
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#62
- QS World 2025#55
- Times Higher Education 2025#58
- THE — Arts And Humanities 2026#28
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
What GPA do I need for American Studies (History) at University of Amsterdam?
Admission requires a GPA of 7.0 on the Dutch system scale.
Is American Studies (History) 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 American Studies (History) at University of Amsterdam cost?
International tuition is €25,900 per year. Over the full 12-month programme that's roughly €25,900 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. Based on the published requirements (GPA floor 7.0, specific prior degree), the entry bar here is moderate.
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 1 Mar 2026. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is University of Amsterdam good for Arts & Humanities?
University of Amsterdam ranks #28 in Arts And Humanities (THE 2026).
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