Study in Europe › Netherlands › VU Amsterdam

BA Philosophy (English track)

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

100% taught in EnglishApply via Studielink, not the CAOOpen entryStudy Choice CheckNo fixed subject rule
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2026/27€2,694 / yr

About the course

Covers historical, practical and theoretical philosophy, from ancient Greek thinkers to contemporary debates, applied to questions about knowledge, reality, justice, science, religion and society. On the English track all courses are taught in English.

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.
  • No specific Leaving Cert subject is listed for the English track, but VU says some international applicants may need to show a Maths level (Dutch VWO Maths A, B or C); VU checks this individually. You must also show proof of English proficiency.

How to apply

  1. Apply on StudielinkChoose Philosophy (English track) by 1 May 2027.
  2. Complete the VU dashboardUpload your documents and pay the €100 application fee for non-Dutch diplomas.
  3. Study Choice CheckComplete the mandatory online questionnaire; the extra activity is optional for 2027-28.
  4. DecisionVU assesses your diploma; admission 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; non-EU applicants have until 1 April).

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
Philosophy 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.