Amsterdam Data Academy compared with other AI training providers
29 October 2026
You are considering Amsterdam Data Academy, but want to know how we compare with other providers. Below we compare ourselves honestly with the main alternatives. Where someone else fits you better, we say so.
Who we are, in short
- A private AI and data education institute at Science Park, Amsterdam.
- More than 2,500 people trained.
- CRKBO-registered with the NRTO quality mark, so no VAT.
- Three-week courses (from €995), part-time bootcamps of 18 or 27 weeks (from €4,495) and the Applied AI & Data Science Diploma.
- The first private AI diploma programme classified at NLQF Level 6, comparable to bachelor level.
- Online learning with a live session every week, also at Science Park. In English or Dutch.
Compared with types of providers
| Amsterdam Data Academy | University | Training institute | Online platform | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Course 3 weeks, bootcamp 18 or 27 weeks | 1 to 2 years (master's) | Usually 1 day | Self-paced |
| Alongside your job | Yes, about 8 hours a week | Sometimes, part-time tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Teacher reviews your work | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Practice | Final assignment on your own work or for a real company | Research and thesis | Exercises during the training | Quizzes and assignments |
| Recognition | CRKBO, NRTO, diploma at NLQF Level 6 | Accredited master's | Institute certificate | Platform certificate |
| VAT | VAT-free | Statutory or institutional tuition fee | Often excluding VAT | Included |
Compared with bootcamps
| Amsterdam Data Academy | Le Wagon | Ironhack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | Part-time: 18 or 27 weeks, about 8 hours a week | Full-time 2 months or part-time 6 months | Full-time 9 weeks or part-time 24 weeks |
| Format | Online with a weekly live session, also at Science Park | Campus in Amsterdam or online | Online |
| Language | English or Dutch | English | English |
| Price | From €4,495, VAT-free | On request | €8,000 (some full-time cohorts €5,900) |
| Recognition | CRKBO, NRTO, counts towards a diploma at NLQF Level 6 | Own certificate | Own certificate and a certification |
| Afterwards | Final project for a company, optional internship and career guidance | Coaching and a network of hiring partners | 12 months of career services |
When to choose us
- You want to learn alongside your job, with a fixed weekly live session and a teacher.
- You want to really apply AI in your field, with an assignment and feedback.
- You want to grow towards a recognised diploma at NLQF Level 6.
- You want to learn VAT-free, or through your employer, UWV or SLIM.
When to choose someone else
- You want a one-day introduction: choose a short training institute.
- You want to retrain full-time as fast as possible: choose a full-time bootcamp.
- You want an academic master's or to do research: choose a university.
- You want the cheapest self-study in English: choose an online platform.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amsterdam Data Academy a university? No. We are a private education provider. Our Applied AI & Data Science Diploma is classified at NLQF Level 6, comparable to bachelor level. It is not an accredited bachelor's degree from a university.
What does NLQF Level 6 mean? The NLQF is the Dutch qualifications framework. It shows the level of a programme, including programmes outside regular higher education. Level 6 is comparable to bachelor level.
Why are you VAT-free? Because of our CRKBO registration, you pay no VAT on our programmes.
Still in doubt? Book a free study advice call.
Information about other providers comes from their own websites, checked on 28 October 2026. Prices and programmes may change.
