Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) holds a global rank of #221 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and #136 in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. While its global position has dipped slightly in recent years, the university excels in specialized fields: Psychology ranks #31 globally (THE 2025), and Communication & Media Studies remains a top-60 program (QS). Nationally, VU Amsterdam is #8 in the Netherlands, recognized for research strength and industry partnerships.

Despite declines in Medicine and Computer Science, its focus on sustainability, employability, and cutting-edge research in Physics and Life Sciences keeps it competitive. Ideal for students prioritizing niche excellence over broad rankings.

Also Check: Admissions at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Global University Rankings

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is consistently ranked among the top universities in the Netherlands and globally. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked at #207, while in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it secured the #125 positions. The university also holds a strong position in the CWTS Leiden Ranking, with a global ranking of #66.

Ranking Body 2023 2024 2025 Trend
QS World University #214 #207 #221 ↓ 14 positions (2024–2025)
THE World University #121 #125 #136 ↓ 15 positions (2023–2025)
US News Global Universities #82 #78 – ↑ 4 positions (2023–2024)
ARWU (Shanghai) #151 #151 – Stable
CWUR – – #146 (2019–2020) Historical data

Key Takeaways:

  • QS 2025 rank dropped to #221 from #207 in 2024.
  • THE 2025 rank fell to #136 from #121 in 2023.
  • US News improved to #78 in 2024 (up from #82 in 2023).

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: National Rankings

In national rankings within the Netherlands, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is consistently ranked among the top universities. Specifically, the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) lists VU Amsterdam as the 6th-ranked university in the Netherlands in its 2024 rankings. Additionally, the CWTS Leiden Ranking places VU Amsterdam as the 2nd best university in the Netherlands, with a focus on research and scientific impact.

Key National Rankings:

Ranking Body 2023 2024 2025
THE Netherlands Rank – – #8

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Subject-Specific Rankings

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) demonstrates strengths in several subject areas, according to various rankings. For example, in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, VU Amsterdam is ranked 136th overall. Specifically, it holds strong positions in Psychology (31st), Social Sciences (88th), and some other areas, as indicated by Times Higher Education. Here's a more detailed look at VU Amsterdam's subject-specific rankings:

QS World University Rankings by Subject

Subject 2023 2024 Global Standing
Communication & Media Studies #51 #51 Top 60 globally
Medicine #51 #98 ↓ 47 positions (2023–2024)
Pharmacy & Pharmacology #51 #101 ↓ 50 positions (2023–2024)
Physics & Astronomy #301 #251 ↑ 50 positions (2023–2024)
Law & Legal Studies #151 #151 Stable

Highlights:

  • Communication & Media Studies: Consistently ranked #51 (2023–2024).
  • Physics: Improved to #251 in 2024.

THE World University Rankings by Subject

Subject 2023 2024 2025 Global Standing
Psychology #41 #32 #31 ↑ 10 positions (2023–2025)
Clinical & Health #93 #88 #101 ↓ 13 positions (2023–2025)
Arts & Humanities #87 #100 #101 ↓ 14 positions (2023–2025)
Life Sciences #151 #151 #126 ↑ 25 positions (2024–2025)
PG Computer Science #101 #101 #151 ↓ 50 positions (2024–2025)

Key Insights:

  • Psychology: Ranked #31 globally in 2025 (Top 0.5%).
  • Life Sciences: Improved to #126 in 2025.

ARWU (Shanghai) Subject Rankings (2022–2024)

Subject 2022 2023 2024 Global Standing
Physics #101 #151 #101 Recovered to 2022 rank
Nursing #51 #26 #76 ↓ 25 positions (2023–2024)
Political Sciences #76 #76 #76 Stable

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Yearly Ranking Trends

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) has shown a generally fluctuating but overall positive trend in its global university rankings. In 2025, it is ranked 221 by QS World University Rankings, a slight decrease from its 2024 position of 207. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, VU Amsterdam is ranked 136 in 2025, a decrease from 125 in 2024. Here's a more detailed look at the ranking trends:

QS World University Rankings:

  • 2025: 221
  • 2024: 207
  • 2023: 207

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings:

  • 2025: 136
  • 2024: 125
  • 2023: 121
  • 2022: 115
  • 2021: 116
  • 2020: 138

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Strengths & Weaknesses

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a strong research-intensive university known for its diverse student body, strong faculty, and commitment to social impact. However, it faces challenges in maintaining staff diversity and improving career guidance for students.

Strengths

  1. Psychology: Ranked #31 globally (THE 2025).
  2. Communication & Media Studies: Stable at #51 (QS 2023–2024).
  3. Physics: Improved to #251 (QS 2024) and #101 (ARWU 2024).

Weaknesses

  1. Medicine: Dropped to #98 (QS 2024) from #51 in 2023.
  2. Arts & Humanities: Fell to #101 (THE 2025) from #87 in 2023.
  3. PG Computer Science: Declined to #151 (THE 2025).

Also Read: Cost of Living in Netherlands for Indian Students

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Program-Specific Insights

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and nationally, with program-specific rankings highlighting strengths in areas like Psychology, Social Sciences, and Communication & Media Studies. Here's a more detailed breakdown of their rankings:

1. Psychology (THE #31)

  • Why It’s Strong: Cutting-edge research in behavioral sciences and neuroscience.
  • Facilities: Collaborations with Amsterdam UMC and mental health institutes.

2. Communication & Media Studies (QS #51)

  • Key Features: Focus on digital media, AI in communication, and global networks.

3. Physics (ARWU #101)

  • Research Areas: Quantum computing, astrophysics, and renewable energy.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Sustainability & Employability

  • QS Sustainability Rank 2025: #340.
  • THE Impact Rankings:
    • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities): Top 100.
    • SDG 3 (Health & Wellbeing): Top 150.
  • Employability: Strong industry ties in tech, healthcare, and media.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam remains a globally respected institution, particularly in Psychology, Communication & Media Studies, and Physics. Despite declines in QS and THE global rankings, its specialized programs and research output continue to shine. Prospective students should prioritize its top-ranked subjects while monitoring trends in humanities and computer science.