University of Amsterdam
Netherlands
This institutional profile has been created for use by University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate programs.
Other names: Universiteit van Amsterdam.
First degree/qualification: 2002 and beyond bachelor's (3 years), prior to 2002 and until 2009 doctorandus (4 years).
Minimum quality for UW-Madison Graduate School admission: 6.5/10.0
Minimum level for UW-Madison Graduate School admission: 3 year first degree.
Documents required: Official record of courses and marks earned: i.e., grade list (cifferlijst), evaluation list (beoordelingslijst), transcript; official certification of degree and date awarded. All documents in Dutch and English.
Description: Instituted in 1632 as an athenaeum for instruction in trade and philosophy. Continued as a small institution until 1877 when acquired current name. Now a comprehensive university. In 2002 began a 3 year bachelor program. The older four year degree, which will persist until 2009, is divided into two parts, (1) the propaedeuse and (2) doctoraalstudie. The first part usually takes one year; the propaedeutisch examen is required and may be repeated only once. The major portion (doctoraalstudie) completes the degree program. A final examination certificate with specified subjects from an Atheneum or Gymnasium (university preparatory (VWO) secondary schools - between 13-14 years of education) is the usual admission requirement.
Grading system:
Suggested equivalency:
8.5-10 | Outstanding | A+ |
7.5-8.4 | Very good | A |
6.5-7.4 | Good | B |
6.0-6.4 | Satisfactory | C |
5.5-5.9 | Marginal | D |
<5.5 | Fail | F |
Grading is severe in the Netherlands. Grades of 10 are not usually awarded and a grade of 9 is normally awarded only in special situations.
Language of instruction: Dutch.
Advanced degrees:
Master's: 1.5-2 years, may be a professional, research or advanced master's degree.
Doctorate: Awarded after doctorandus; by research and dissertation after 4 year minimum.
Last updated: Aug 04, 2005