The study climate is good and the teaching staff are easily accessible. Classes are comparatively small and counselling is of course on a onetoone basis. Many departments at the Vrije Universiteit also participate in international student exchange programmes. Noblesse oblige The VU's education policy, encapsulated in a policy document entitled 'Noblesse Oblige', aims at offering an outstanding selection of courses based on a solid and effective course organization. This means that students follow programmes that are both of high quality and practically feasible, thereby ensuring that they also have time to follow other courses or develop extracurricular interests.
Courses give particular attention to their own social relevance and career opportunities.
The Vrije Universiteit stays in touch with its graduates, enabling it to modify courses and curricula according to the wishes and requirements of the labour market. A wide range of options Those who have already completed a course in higher vocational training can, in many cases, obtain a university degree by following a two or threeyear 'abridged programme'. Parttime study is also possible, including during evening hours. There are also postgraduate vocational diplomas in areas such as accountancy, auditing, EDP auditing and organization consultancy. The Vrije Universiteit also runs courses commissioned and paid for by others, such as companies and institutes.