Overview

During the History and International Studies BA programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam you develop a broad foundation of historical knowledge from Antiquity to the present era from a global perspective. You look at themes of contemporary relevance such as slavery or the rise of China and study them to understand today’s international relations.

By combining insights from the study of History with those from the social sciences and International Relations, you develop a deeper understanding of today’s societal challenges.

Future Opportunities

After the Bachelor’s you can specialise further by following a Master’s programme. A Bachelor's degree in History and International Studies allows you to start our Master's degree programme in Global History and International Studies.

Start your career

Your bachelor offers a good starting position in education, research, at NGO’s and international organisations, museums, heritage foundations and media.

Upcoming events

Bachelor’s day

Come to the Bachelor's Days on 3 and 4 November to get to know our Bachelor's programmes, join information sessions, take a guided tour and interact with fellow students, lecturers and staff!

International Bachelor's webinar

Do you want to learn more about your programme of interest, the admission and application procedure and student life at VU Amsterdam? Watch the recording of the International Bachelor's webinar that took place on 19 October.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ancient History

European History

Academic skills for historians

World History

Key Texts in History and International Studies

European History

Academic English

Current Debates in Global History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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Credits

180 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

History International Relations View 20 other Bachelors in International Relations in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO-diploma.

Transcript of records; a transcript in English of the grades obtained over the final two years of your high school and any further education up to the moment of your application. IB and A-level applicants are asked to upload their predicted grades.

A scan of your diploma (if you have already graduated).

Curriculum Vitae; the curriculum vitae should include your personal details and list your previous education and relevant work experience (± 1-2 pages).

English language test results (if already obtained).

Copy of valid passport or ID (ID for EEA students only).

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

13920 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13920 EUR per year during 36 months.
EU/EEA

2601 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Amsterdam

1000 - 1500 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for History and International Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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