Amsterdam at a Glance

Amsterdam: Health and Higher Education

Dutch bikes represent the dynamic, yet relaxed, Dutch life style.

Most residents living in Amsterdam love this city for its multicultural charm, easy-going attitude, and picturesque flair. As an expat new to life in Amsterdam, you will quickly find your way around your new home, thanks to the InterNations expat guide to living in Amsterdam.

Universiteit van Amsterdam

The UvA offers 250 BA and MA programs to foreigners and Dutch nationals alike. Many courses are taught in English, usually at graduate level. The Universiteit van Amsterdam has 7 faculties:

Humanities
Social Sciences
Economics and Business
Law
Science
Medicine
Dentistry

To apply to one of the two English BA programs, you require a high school diploma or an equivalent to the Dutch VWO. For BA programs taught in Dutch, you will need to pass a Dutch proficiency examination (Dutch as a second language (NT2), program II). Other examinations may be recognized if they prove your proficiency in Dutch.

MA programs are often taught in English. The minimum requirements are a BA degree in a related subject or field as well as a sufficient command of the English language. To learn more about administration requirements and individual programs, contact the UvA.

Frije Universiteit

The VU offers two English BA programs, for which prospective students can apply online. To do so, they require a copy of their school diploma, a letter of motivation, a copy of their passport or ID, a CV, two letters of recommendation and the results of their English language test. To enter the Dutch BA program, applicants must provide a VWO diploma or an equivalent thereof.

The university has implemented a selection system for very popular majors. If there are too many applicants for a certain program, students are chosen via a lottery system. The exact procedure and requirements for admission vary depending on the faculty and course.

Amsterdam University College

VU and UvA both collaborate with Amsterdam University College. Students who want to apply for any BA program at one of the two universities can use the AUC online form. Here you have to submit the digital version of your application documents. The minimum requirements are:

A secondary school diploma
Very good English skills
Good mathematical skills

If your application is considered promising, you will be invited to an interview, which can be conducted in person or via Skype.

Hospitals and Emergencies

There are two university hospitals in Amsterdam, Het AMC and VU medisch centrum, and two teaching hospitals, Onze Liewe Vrouwe Gasthuis and Sint Lucas Andrea Ziekenhuis. On top of that, there are several clinics to provide emergency care.

Should you ever be in need of emergency care, you can call 112. This number is only to be used in very serious medical or life-threatening situations. Otherwise, simply phone 088-00-30-600 to get in touch with a general practitioner on duty.

Doctors

General physicians (huisarts) have their practices in residential areas all over the city. You are free to choose your own doctor. Most patients prefer one who is close to their home, in case of emergency. Your health insurance should cover all basic treatments. If you are not sure, check with your insurance provider beforehand.

To find a doctor in your neighborhood, visit zorgkaartnederland.nl. Both websites are in Dutch, but easy to use. Enter your postal code in the second text box and click zoek (search). You will then get a list of doctors in your area. Your expat friends may also be able to recommend a general practitioner to you.

If you are looking for a dentist, it is best to contact the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD) for a list. Dental treatments are not covered under the Dutch basic insurance package. A supplementary insurance policy can, however, cover up to 75% of the costs.