Mathematics deficiency courses and exams
In some cases, your international diploma does not meet the requirements of a university degree programme in The Netherlands. Many tracks require you to have mastered mathematics at Dutch vwo (pre-university) level or equivalent. The Mathematics Institute of the University of Amsterdam organises mathematics deficiency courses in Mathematics A and in Mathematics B. The aim is to bring you to the Dutch vwo level.
We have been organising math deficiency courses in Dutch for years, so we have a lot of experience preparing prospective students for university.
For whom?
The courses are especially suited for you if you:
- want to start a university degree programme in The Netherlands in September, and:
- do not meet the mathematics entry requirement for this programme.
For many degree programmes you can still meet the entry requirement by successfully passing an entrance exam. The courses we offer prepare you optimally for that exam.
Everyone who just wants to brush up on their math knowledge is welcome as well.
You can study anywhere, anytime
We offer online math deficiency courses in English that will prepare you for your studies in the Netherlands. Since you will work in an online interactive learning environment you can brush up on your mathematics anywhere in the world with an internet connection, in your own time.
“I believe that anyone can do math. For some it just takes a little more time than for others. Maybe it just hasn't been explained in the right way (for you). I think it's important to regain some confidence in mathematics, and the courses are very suitable for that.” - Marthe Schut, lecturer
This vision and commitment of our lecturers is also appreciated by our students ...
"Also my compliments to Marthe, she really made me understand mathematics like I never did before. Thank you for that." - student
The math courses team
The following courses are available
September-November: Online courses Mathematics A and Mathematics B
During September to November, you can take the Autumn e-courses Mathematics A or B.
Details:
- You work independently within an online interactive learning, practice and assessment environment to master the mathematics in the instructional materials;
- The course starts on 15 September 2025 and you will work with the learning materials following a fixed weekly schedule;
- You can ask questions in an online forum that is answered daily by our lecturers, and you can request a live chat with a lecturer twice a week;
- Halfway through the course there is a midterm Q&A;
- 1 week before the exam there is an online preparation meeting;
- The Autumn e-courses prepare for an exam in December;
- The course fee is € 440 (including course reader (in pdf) and exam).
Read more about the Autumn e-course Mathematics A
Read more about the Autumn e-course Mathematics B
January-March: Online courses Mathematics A and Mathematics B
During January to March, you can take the Winter e-courses Mathematics A or B.
Details:
- You work independently within an online interactive learning, practice and assessment environment to master the mathematics in the instructional materials;
- The course starts on 12 January 2026 and you will work with the learning materials following a fixed weekly schedule;
- You can ask questions in an online forum that is answered daily by our lecturers, and you can request a live chat with a lecturer twice a week;
- Halfway through the course there is a midterm Q&A;
- 1 week before the exam there is an online preparation meeting;
- The Winter e-courses prepare for an exam in March;
- The course fee is € 440 (including course reader (in pdf) and exam).
Read more about the Winter e-course Mathematics A
Read more about the Winter e-course Mathematics B
Exams Mathematics A and Mathematics B
It is also possible to prepare for the exams in November and March by self-study.
Details:
- You will receive a course reader (in pdf) which only contains final answers to the exercises, you will not receive any further guidance or elaborations of the exercises;
- The exam fee is € 220, including course reader.
Dates
- Autumn e-courses: 15 September 2025 to 14 November 2025
- Exam Autumn e-course: 14 November 2025
- Winter e-courses: 12 January 2026 to 16 March 2026
- Exam Winter e-course: 16 March 2026.
Location of the math courses and exams
Both the courses and the exams will be online.
Main language
English.
Certificate
The exam will be graded on a scale from 1 to 10 and the minimum pass grade is 6. If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate stating that you master mathematics at the Dutch vwo (pre-university) level.
Registration
Registration for the mathematics courses closes 14 days before the start of the course.
Contact
If you have any questions, please call us at +31 (0)20-525 5091, send us an email or read the frequently asked questions.