The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has a long history. It evolved from the Athenaeum Illustre (1632) and now, with around 25,000 students, 5,000 staff and a budget of over 487million euros, it ranks among the largest comprehensive universities of Europe. It belongs to the League of European Research Universities and maintains intensive contact with universities all over the world.

At the University of Amsterdam, education and research are conducted in the seven faculties of the humanities, the social and behavioural sciences, economics and business, law, the natural sciences, medicine and dentistry.

The University of Amsterdam has a broad academic curriculum. UvA staff publish around 7,500 academic articles each year. The university's academic research is at the top of the international league in many respects, and the applied research programmes are often of an interdisciplinary nature and are frequently concerned with social issues.

The UvA aims to offer an inspiring, broadly-oriented international academic environment where both staff and students can develop their capacities to an optimal level. The UvA is characterised by a critical, creative and international atmosphere, open-minded and strongly engaged with society. Because the UvA is located in both historic and modern buildings spread throughout the city, the university forms an integral part of Amsterdam.