Many universities offering Dutch study programmes in the Netherlands require that those wishing to enrol sit admission examination.
Mostly the knowledge of Dutch, mathematics and English is necessary. Besides that, international students need to pass State Examination II in Dutch language (NT2) to be admitted.
VU University Amsterdam is one of the research universities in Holland that offers a complete preparatory course, which considerably increases the applicants' chances of passing the exams and being enrolled.
'Voorbereidend jaar Anderstalige Studenten Vrije Universiteit' or VASVU - this is the name of the programme, is also called Foundation Year. The programme lasts one academic year which is split into four semesters consisting of nine to ten weeks each.
The Foundation Year at the VU University is primarily designed for students who have a pre-university diploma from outside the Netherlands and who wish to study in a Dutch bachelor or pre-master programme. The participants choose the subjects they want to focus on depending on the requirements of the faculty. Among the subjects offered in VASVU there is Dutch, English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, History, and others.
At the end of the programme the participants have the possibility to participate in the admission examination of the VU University. The successful ones will be enrolled. Besides devoting their time to improving academic skills, the students also obtain valuable information about studying in the Netherlands.
They get a chance to meet former participants of the preparation programme and to discuss their study plans and attitude with the lecturers and a student counsellor. Moreover, participants will be assisted with the application procedure for the university they want to study at.
Before starting each applicant has to pass entry tests in Dutch, English and mathematics. The tuition fees range from EURO 475,00 to EURO 2900,00, depending on whether you only take Dutch classes or join a full preparation class.
Several times a year the VU university organizes an information meeting. The next one will be held on August 13, 2012. The meeting starts at 3.30 p.m. in room 12A-11 (twelfth floor), in the main building of VU, De Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam.
More information on VU University information page.
Very often international students need extra support in order to enter and complete their Bachelor or Master’s degree programme in the university. This can be in the form of a preparatory course in English which if completed successfully improves a student’s chances of being selected during the admission process at a Dutch university. In this situation it is important to enrol at an educational institution that offers an English preparation programme.