Programs/Master/Mathematics, natural sciences and computer science
Master

Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)

★ StudyPath verdict
8.5/10
Ideal for students passionate about fundamental physics research and analytical problem-solving, with access to Amsterdam's leading institutes; the joint UvA-VU structure offers breadth but requires navigating two campuses.
Tuition · Intl
€26,000
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jul 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2020
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
842
DUO ↑115% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
22:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
8 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
4.2/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
96%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,226
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 23 Jun 2026
About this program
The Physics and Astronomy joint degree Master's program of the UvA and VU lets you explore profound questions about the physical world. It bridges the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications, emphasising a world-class academic and social environment. The curriculum includes testing and developing physical theories, evaluating experiments and astronomical observations, and problem-solving using advanced analytical, empirical and computational methods. It offers specialized knowledge in various physics areas, such as complex systems, cellular processes, material properties for energy challenges, and astroparticle physics. Here's why you want to study Physics and Astronomy in Amsterdam * Benefit from studying at Amsterdam’s research institutes * Internationally renowned * Analytical thinking and problem solving skills * Specialise in more theoretical or more experimental directions Physics and Astronomy will suit you, if you want to... * Analyse and solve the physical world’s most pressing scientific challenges and explain physical phenomena with the latest theories and experiments. * Engage in ground-breaking fundamental and applied research. * Find a specialism across the entire domain of Physics & Astronomy. * Be part of our community, feel the sense of belonging in our institutes, classrooms and research groups, and are stimulated to learn.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Exact en InformaticaCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
About University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA), founded in 1632, is one of Europe's largest research universities with over 35,000 students. Located in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, it's renowned for social sciences, humanities, and business programs. Ranked #53 worldwide and known for its progressive academic culture.
Living in Amsterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€700/mo
Monthly total
€1,000–€2,000
Cost of living
High
Population
873k

Bustling, international, and culturally rich. Amsterdam balances historic charm with modern innovation. The city is bike-friendly, walkable, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and networking.

View city guide →
Specializations
Year 3 tracks
?No data yet
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: materiaalkunde
Median starting salary (field)€3,226/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating96%
Months to a substantial job11
Working in their own field57%
Permanent contract33%
Satisfied with their job3.9/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Natuurkundigen en astronomen24%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs20%
Softwareontwikkelaars9%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree71%
Women among first-years34%
Say workload is “just right”55%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.2/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 95 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4
Atmosphere4.1
Involvement & contact4
Study guidance3.9
Testing & assessment3.8
Facilities4.2
Career preparation3.4
Teachers' English4.6
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-07-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-02-01
Upcoming open days
Open dayonline
2 Nov 2026
Open dayonline
26 Nov 2026
Open day
6 Mar 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • TOEFL internet based: 92
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
Scholarships
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) - Faculty of ScienceSee scholarship page; limited scholarships for excellent non-EU/EEA MSc students
Internships
?No data yet
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