Archaeology
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 for Dual Master's programmes and specific prior degree.
- GPA / grades
- 7.0 for Dual Master's programmes(Dutch system (10-point scale))
- 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: Archaeology; Geo-archaeology, Ancient Studies, Anthropology, History, with a minimum of 30 ECTS taken in the field of Archaeology
- Accepted degrees
- ArchaeologyGeo-archaeologyAncient StudiesAnthropologyHistory
- Documents required
- curriculum vitae
- proof of language proficiency (if required)
- transcript of records
- diploma or list of courses yet to complete
- translation of diploma and transcript of records (if not in English, Dutch, German or French)
- relevant course descriptions
- Deadline
- 1 Mar 2026
- Apply via
- studielink
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.
Core courses
Digitization of the Past and Present · Research Skills 1: Design and Data · Digitisation of the Past and Present · Research Skills 1: Project Design
Tracks
Assumed knowledge
The Master’s degree programme in Archaeology will provide you with ample opportunities to explore new methods, current themes and up-to-date knowledge in the archaeology of Europe and the Mediterranean from the Bronze Age until the early Modern Period. The programme offers two specialisations: European and Mediterranean Archaeology, and Digital Archaeology and Heritage.
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 Archaeology at University of Amsterdam?
Admission requires a GPA of 7.0 for Dual Master's programmes on the Dutch system (10-point scale) scale.
Is Archaeology 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 Archaeology 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 for Dual Master's programmes, specific prior degree, prerequisite coursework), 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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