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UvA Summer School UvA Summer School
The Circular City: Towards a Sustainable Urban Ecosystem

Application Procedure

  • Quick check – is your English sufficient?

    All of the summer programmes are taught in English. It is not required to provide proof of an English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), but to get the most out of the courses, you do need to be able to read and write at an academic level. 

    If you're unsure about your English proficiency, we schedule a short online interview to assess your skills. This helps ensure you meet the necessary language requirements for the program. If you have any doubts or questions about this, please contact us via email at summer-info.

    Please note that the use of translation software during classes is not permitted, as it can disrupt both fellow students and instructors.

    If you are accepted into the programme but demonstrate inadequate English communication skills (verbal or written) during the course, your participation may be terminated without refund. 

Please have the following supporting documents ready to upload (in PDF) to the online application form, and select the appropriate programme from the dropdown menu:

  • A scan of your passport
  • A copy of your transcripts/list of courses taken and grades achieved
  • An up-to-date copy of your CV/Resume
  • A letter of motivation of approximately 400-500 words stating your interest in the sustainable transition of cities to circular economies. In your letter, describe a city or neighborhood that you are familiar with (from your home context) and strategize a potential circular/sustainable intervention. This could include urban ecology, architecture, resilience, material and/or energy flows. Further, explain why you wish to participate, what you hope to learn, and your relevant educational and/or professional experience in the field of study. Note: this is the most important part of your application.
  • Pay the non-refundable €25 application fee by credit card. 

Early admission deadline

Students who require a Schengen Visa to study in the Netherlands are strongly advised to apply before the early deadline to ensure there is enough time to secure a visa appointment before the programme begins.

  • Deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026
  • Admissions decision: we aim to have a decision back to you as soon as possible, but by 28 February 2026 at the latest.
  • Payment deadline (tuition and housing) must be submitted within 2 weeks after being accepted in the programme.

Regular admission deadline

  • Deadline: 15 March 2026
  • Admissions decision: we aim to have a decision back to you as soon as possible. 
  • Payment deadline (tuition and housing) must be submitted within 1 week after being accepted in the programme, latest 12 April 2026.
Apply

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at summer-info-gsss@uva.nl. In all communications, be sure to include your full name and state the programme you're applying for.