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Amsterdam - Psychology & Sciences Application Requirements

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Eligibility Requirements:
  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Junior or senior standing when program begins
  • Final admissions decision rests with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
  • Please note: the Psychology & Sciences program will not review applicants with cumulative GPAs below 2.9. Applicants whose GPAs are between 2.9 and 3.0 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis (additional application materials below are required).
Application Requirements:
  • Online Application
    Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

  • Home School Authorization
    Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form linked above. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
  • Official Transcript(s) for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application.
  • Passport scan (must be valid for six months past the end date of your IES Abroad program)
    Please provide a scanned copy of your passport. If you do not yet possess a passport or if it is not valid for six months past the end date of your IES Abroad program, we will accept a copy of your passport application; and we will also require that you provide the following information (as it will appear in your passport): first and last name, date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY), gender, and place of birth
  • Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS IF CUMULATIVE GPA IS BELOW 3.0:

  • Professor Recommendation Letter
    Although there is no length requirement the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
  • Personal Academic Essay
    Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Passport & Visa Requirements:


Pro Tip: Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure you 1. Have a passport, and 2. The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends. Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Lucky you! The Netherlands does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.

Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will need to apply for a Dutch Residence Permit. Learn more about what to expect.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.