Services and data found on this page cannot be guaranteed.
You should always contact the institution directly to ensure that you have the right information.
The information about this institution was updated on 06/November/2023.
Institution details
Location
Address
DE BOELELAAN 1105
1081 HV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
52.3342487, 4.8669317
Campuses
Offices
Disability / Inclusion Office
Contact for Disability Office
Additional information about contacting the Disability/Inclusion Office
International Relations Office
Contact for International Relations Office
Additional information about contacting the International Relations Office
Procedures for students
Procedure to be recognised as a student with fewer opportunities
Procedure to be recognised as a student with a disability
What is the procedure to be recognised as a student with a disability?
Exchange students must first be selected and nominated by their home university. Nominated exchange students will receive an e-mail with information regarding our online application procedure. This includes information about how to apply for academic accommodations in case of a disability.
Necessary documents to provide
Exchange students are asked to submit proof of their disability. This can be a medical declaration and/or an official letter from the home university stating the nature of the disability and the academic accommodations provided at home.
What can students expect?
The International Office can offer exchange students certain academic accommodations such as extra time during exams. For an overview, see below. Please note that the services that we offer may differ from other educational institutions.
Adjustments for students with disabilities
Adjustments can be made available for students under certain conditions, based on a needs assessment upon arrival at the University.
What adjustments for studies can be made for students?
- May bring a note taker to educational activities
- May bring a personal assistant to educational activities
- May bring a Sign Language interpreter to the educational activities
- May request adjusted courses materials: size, font and font size, braille, etc.
- May request the course material in digital format
- May request to record lectures
- May use a laptop, tablet or iPad during lectures
- May use elevators and other access facilities on campus
What adjustments for exams can be made for students?
- May bring a note taker to oral and written exams
- May bring a personal assistant to the exam for practical help at the beginning and end of the exam
- May bring a Sign Language interpreter to oral exams
- May take more time for the written exam
- May use a laptop, tablet or iPad with assistive software during exams
Other adjustments and services for students with disabilities offered at the institution
- Wheelchair facilities in lecture halls.
- Quiet zones – special quiet zones have been designed at various locations on VU campus.
- Lockers – personal lockers are available to store small items and textbooks.
- Storage space – for storing larger aids, appliances or medical devices.
- Access to lifts and buildings – a special pass will allow students access through all disabled entrances and enables students to use all lifts.
- Adjustable table/chair – all of the larger lecture halls on the VU campus are equipped with an adjustable table and chair. If not, these can be requested.
Adjustments for exam
- Extra time during exams (standard amount of 30 minutes)
- Laptop – in certain cases it is possible to use a laptop or customized laptop during exams
Services and Support
Financial support
Medical and Psychological support
Where to seek medical services?
Information about medical services and psychological support will be provided to exchange students who have been accepted at our university.
We have student psychologists who can offer support with mental health.
We also have a Student Wellbeing point which is a low-threshold offer for support. At the Student Wellbeing point, trained VU students offer their fellow students a listening ear, a pleasant conversation or advice in the field of student welfare. These so-called point peers are also in close contact with existing VU services such as the student psychologists to whom they can easily refer if necessary. All this takes place in an informal, homely atmosphere in the Student Wellbeing Point which has been set up centrally on the campus.
Contact for medical support
Contact for psychological support/counselling
Housing support
Are there any accessible services at the residences?
Unfortunately, we have limited housing available to students with disabilities. Information will be provided once the student has applied for housing.
Contact for housing support
Additional services
Activities
Preparatory visits
What is the procedure to request a preparatory visit?
Students who have been nominated to go on exchange at VU Amsterdam can contact us by email to request a preparatory visit. Please first discuss this idea with you home university. When making the request, please mention your disability and what your aim is for the preparatory visit. We will determine requests for preparatory visits on a case-by-case basis.
What can be expected from the preparatory visit?
Welcoming activities
What specific information is provided for students with disabilities during the orientation days?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam organizes an extensive introduction programme for exchange students. Details about the programme will be shared with students once they have been accepted at the university. Accessibility is taken into account when organising our introduction activities, although we cannot always guarantee this, for instance when visiting historical buildings.