Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

With over 46,000 students in attendance, the Amsterdam University of Applied Science (AUAS) is among the largest higher education establishments in the Netherlands.

The university is geared towards vocational training, offering over 80 master's and bachelor’s programmes across design, business, health, computing, media, sports, technology and engineering. The Amsterdam Fashion Institute is also based within AUAS.

Bachelor’s programmes at the university usually have a duration of four years and are geared towards a specific career goal. Students often complete work placements as part of their studies. Although courses are primarily taught in Dutch, AUAS offers a number of programmes in English also.

The university works in cooperation with the more research-focused University of Amsterdam. Students struggling with the course they have selected may be able to transfer between the institutions. They also jointly operate student support services.

Research at AUAS is geared towards solving practical problems. Projects by students, staff and alumni have included 3D scans to assist in picking the right shoe size, the creation of an indestructible bike tyre and adding steel fibres to concrete to prop up the numerous old buildings that are sinking in Amsterdam. AUAS has allocated four priority areas for future research: Amsterdam’s creative industries, urban management, urban technology and urban vitality.

Amsterdam is a vibrant place in which to study, with its picturesque canals, safe and easy cycling routes and an internationally regarded culture scene. The Dutch capital was ranked 12th in Mercer’s quality of life ranking of cities for expats.