BA Ancient Studies

About the course

Studies the history, culture, literature and material remains of the ancient world, with specialisations in Ancient History, Archaeology or Ancient Near Eastern Studies. It is a joint UvA-VU Amsterdam degree taught on both campuses.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• UvA’s central diploma finder does not list Ireland. For 2026 entry, UvA’s PPLE College publishes this Irish rule: at least 6 subjects in the established Leaving Certificate, with at least H5 in 2 Higher Level subjects, at least O6 (Ordinary Level) or H7 (Higher Level) in the other 4, and at least 350 CAO points. Contact admissions to confirm this applies to Ancient Studies. No English test is needed if you completed your secondary education in Ireland.
• No specific subject requirements are listed for the English track (no Latin or Greek needed).

How to apply

1. StudielinkApply for the English-taught Ancient Studies in Studielink at least 1 week before 1 May 2027; 1 April 2027 is advised.
2. Application fileActivate your UvAnetID, pay the €100 application fee and upload the documents requested in the portal, such as your transcripts.
3. Admission decisionRolling admissions: the decision can take 1-2 weeks, or up to 8 weeks if your qualification is not in UvA’s diploma list; admission is conditional on your final results.
4. UvA MatchingMandatory online matching from 18 January to 15 June 2027; register via SIS (from 9 December 2026) before 3 June 2027. Send certified results by 31 August.

Costs

• Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
• EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).

At a glance