Globe Our PhD community

VU Amsterdam is home to 3,000 PhD students with over 100 different nationalities, making us a truly international and diverse university. Our students come from all around the globe to study at our campus. Curious to find out how they feel about the Netherlands and the city of Amsterdam? On this page you can find several testimonials from candidates, who all took the leap and chose to pursue their PhD at VU Amsterdam.

Eric United States of America

“I have found that VU Amsterdam has a wonderfully supportive community that has helped me grow personally and professionally. Pursuing my PhD in Amsterdam allows me to be connected to an international community of diverse colleagues and I have come to feel incredibly at home here. Experiencing Dutch culture as well as the various cultures of my colleagues and students is an intriguing and encouraging part of my daily life."

Teresa Mexico

“At VU Amsterdam I found a supportive community to develop my diverse research interests. The PhD path is carefully planned with courses, workshops, teaching experience (amongst other engagements) and values that provide the necessary tools to develop advanced skills allowing you to connect with other scholars around the world. But that's not all! The open and international atmosphere at VU Amsterdam makes your professional and personal experience unique."

Di China

“I am originally from China, and after travelling in Europe for quite some time, I became attracted by its diversity and lifestyle. Deciding to move to the Netherlands for my PhD was adventurous because it is challenging and far away from my home country. However, I truly enjoy getting to know and work with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Now I feel pretty satisfied and lucky to be in diverse and friendly teams, where we work together and learn from each other. The PhD trajectory lasts four years, but it propels me to keep learning and grow in life."

Cynthiana Indonesia

“I did my Master's degree in Accounting and Control at VU Amsterdam for one year, and soon after I realised that I didn’t want to leave yet. So, I decided to continue studying accounting at VU Amsterdam for another four years! My supervising team is the best; they are supportive and flexible, but they never compromise on research quality. With the VU networks, I manage to connect with accounting scholars from all over the world as well."

Rael Kenya

“Amsterdam, and particularly VU Amsterdam, is the place to be if you want to study in Europe. I am currently doing a PhD in Entrepreneurial Economics and I have had amazing experiences in the Netherlands. Studying in this country has given me international experience, offered me quality and competent skills and enhanced my perspectives. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to extend my networks and make friendships from all over the world, as Amsterdam is a home to many people from diverse backgrounds. This has exposed me to many collaboration and partnership opportunities.”