Study in Europe › Netherlands › VU Amsterdam

BA History and International Studies

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (School of Humanities) · Amsterdam, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishApply via Studielink, not the CAOOpen entryPossible History testMaths C levelStudy Choice Check
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2026/27€2,694 / yr

About the course

An interdisciplinary, English-taught degree combining history, social sciences and international relations, tracing the historical origins of today’s global society with a global rather than Europe-centred view.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Leaving Certificate (Established programme) with at least 6 exam subjects, including 2 at H5 or higher and 4 at O6 or H7 or higher, plus a minimum of 350 CAO points. The LCVP (at least 6 subjects plus the Link Modules) is accepted on the same grade rules.
  • History and Maths: VU requires a level equivalent to Dutch VWO Mathematics C (Maths A or B also accepted). If your subjects do not meet this, you can pass the OMPT-E online maths exam with 60% (maximum 2 attempts). Applicants who do not directly meet the criteria may also need to pass the VU History test. VU checks your subjects individually.
  • Proof of English proficiency is required.

How to apply

  1. Apply on StudielinkChoose History and International Studies by 1 May 2027.
  2. Complete the VU dashboardUpload your documents and pay the €100 application fee for non-Dutch diplomas. VU tells you if you need the History test or a maths exam.
  3. Study Choice CheckComplete the mandatory digital questionnaire; the extra activity (online or on campus) is optional.
  4. DecisionAdmission is conditional on your final Leaving Cert results. Check VU’s application pages for decision and payment dates.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: 1 May 2027 (final deadline for EU/EEA applicants).

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).
Open-entry course: if you meet the requirements, you get a place. You must earn at least 42 of 60 credits in first year to continue (binding study advice).

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNo cap
EntryOpen entry
History and International Studies admissions ↗How to apply ↗Diploma requirements by country ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official VU Amsterdam website: September 2026 (2027 entry). The Irish diploma rule comes from VU’s 2026-27 diploma list; confirm it is unchanged for 2027-28. Always confirm details with the university before applying.