Astronomy and Astrophysics (Physics and Astronomy)
University of Amsterdam offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences in Amsterdam, ranked #62 by Times Higher Education. Applicants must hold an academic Bachelor's degree in Astronomy and/or Physics.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by GPA floor 3.0 (American system); 2.1 (British system); C (ECTS-system) and specific prior degree.
- GPA / grades
- 3.0 (American system); 2.1 (British system); C (ECTS-system)(American 4-point scale; British classification; ECTS scale)
- English tests
- TOEFL iBT 92
- Prior degree
- Applicants must hold an academic Bachelor's degree in Astronomy and/or Physics.
- Accepted degrees
- AstronomyPhysics
- Documents required
- A motivation letter in English (max. 500 words)
- Your Curriculum Vitae in English
- A copy of your high school grade list and diploma
- A copy of your Bachelor's transcript in Dutch, English, German or French and in the original language, including an explanation of your university's grading system
- A copy of your Bachelor's diploma/certificate in Dutch, English, German or French and in the original language
- If you have not finished your current academic programme yet, a list of courses of your final year
- A description of your Bachelor thesis/project in English (if applicable)
- Two email addresses of referees
- Proof of English proficiency
- 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.
Core courses
Planet and star formation and evolution · Supermassive black holes, X-ray binaries and neutron stars · Gamma ray bursts, supernovae explosions and gravitational wave mergers · Advanced instrumentation · Data science techniques
In the two-year MSc Physics and Astronomy track Astronomy and Astrophysics you master the observational, theoretical and computational aspects of modern astronomy and astrophysics. With data from new generations of world-class observatories, on the earth's surface and in space, with supercomputer simulations, and with advanced data science techniques, we study the origin, structure and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe in a more profound way than ever before. This is a joint degree with VU Amsterdam. Astronomy and Astrophysics will suit you, if you. Are eager to explore how the theoretical laws of physics shape the universe on all scales. Have a strong interest in the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems. Are driven to unravel the origin and extreme physics of black holes and neutron stars. Want to gain hands-on experience using world-class telescopes to collect and analyze astronomical data. Are excited to apply high-performance computing and data science to solve complex astrophysical problems.
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 — 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
What GPA do I need for Astronomy and Astrophysics (Physics and Astronomy) at University of Amsterdam?
Admission requires a GPA of 3.0 (American system); 2.1 (British system); C (ECTS-system) on the American 4-point scale; British classification; ECTS scale scale.
Is Astronomy and Astrophysics (Physics and Astronomy) 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 Astronomy and Astrophysics (Physics and Astronomy) 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. Based on the published requirements (GPA floor 3.0 (American system); 2.1 (British system); C (ECTS-system), 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 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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