Program Overview

Introduction to Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences program at VU Amsterdam is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding the human body and its processes. This program delves into the intricacies of human biology, exploring what goes wrong when someone becomes ill and how new medicines are developed.

Program Overview

• The program is tailored for those interested in the workings of the human body, the development of new medicines, and the underlying processes of human biology.
• It is essential to check the admission requirements and application procedure before applying.

Admission Requirements

With a Dutch Prior Education

• Vwo-diploma: The VU accepts the following vwo profiles for Biomedical Sciences:
  • Natuur en Gezondheid, supplemented with physics
  • Natuur en Techniek, supplemented with biology
  • Economie en Maatschappij, supplemented with physics, chemistry, and biology
  • Cultuur en Maatschappij, supplemented with mathematics A or B, physics, chemistry, and biology
• Hbo propedeuse: Additional certificates are required:
  • Mathematics A or B at 6 vwo level
  • Chemistry at 6 vwo level
  • Physics at 6 vwo level
  • Biology at 6 vwo level
  • English at 6 vwo level
  • Dutch: minimum NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)
• Hbo bachelor: Additional certificates are required:
  • Mathematics A or B at 6 vwo level
  • Chemistry at 6 vwo level
  • Physics at 6 vwo level
  • Biology at 6 vwo level
  • English at 6 vwo level
  • Dutch: minimum NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)

With a Foreign Prior Education

• A foreign diploma does not always grant direct admission. It is necessary to apply for the study in Studielink as soon as possible.
• Additional admission requirements may apply:
  • Certificate of Dutch: minimum NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)
  • Certificate of English at 6 vwo level
  • Certificate of mathematics A or B at 6 vwo level
  • Certificate of chemistry at 6 vwo level
  • Certificate of physics at 6 vwo level
  • Certificate of biology at 6 vwo level

21+ Admission Test

• For those without a diploma that grants admission to a university bachelor's program but are 21 years or older, there is the possibility of being admitted based on the admission test.
• Required certificates:
  • Mathematics A or B at 6 vwo level
  • Physics at 6 vwo level
  • Chemistry at 6 vwo level
  • Biology at 6 vwo level
  • English at 6 vwo level
  • Dutch: minimum NT2 II / CNaVT (STRT or EDUP)

VU Study Choice Check

• The VU Study Choice Check is a mandatory part of the application procedure for all bachelor's programs at VU.
• It consists of two compulsory parts: a digital questionnaire and participation in the Study Choice Check activity of the program.
• The Study Choice Check activity is organized online and is available until the end of June 2026.

Binding Study Advice (BSA)

• To receive a positive study advice, a student must have earned at least 42 EC by the end of the first year of enrollment in the program.
• Each student has access to their exam results and an overview of their achieved results after registration.

Additional Information

• For more details about the program, including the application procedure and specific requirements, it is recommended to consult the official VU Amsterdam website or contact the relevant department directly.