AUAS admissions soar to record 15,000 new students

4 Feb 2021 10:07 | Communication

During this academic year (2020-2021), over 15,000 students started studying at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), representing once again an annual increase. With a total student population numbering 48,718 students, the AUAS remains the largest university of applied sciences in the Netherlands.

Growth at all faculties

The AUAS saw enrolment increase across all of its faculties. The biggest increases were seen at the Faculties of Applied Social Sciences and Law (FMR, +19%), Sport and Nutrition (FBSV, +17.5%) and Technology (FT, +13%). These large increases are due to the popularity of degree programmes such as HBO-Law, Social Legal Services (SJD), Built Environment and Nursing.

Preparatory education

Concerning the total number of first-year students, one-third (31%) completed senior secondary vocational education (MBO). Just over half (54%) studied at the HAVO level (senior general secondary education (HAVO) prior to enrolling at AUAS. Some seven percent have a VWO (pre-university) background and almost five percent have completed their preparatory education abroad.

Different percentages

Calculated as a percentage, enrolment at the AUAS has increased by nine percent compared to the previous academic year. This is slightly lower than the percentage that the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH) published today (+11%). This is because the VH only calculates newcomers to higher professional education (HBO) and does not count students who have switched to another higher education institution during their first year.