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Where to study

The universities
that await you.

Everything you need to know about the leading universities in the Netherlands —research universities and universities of applied sciences— so you can choose with confidence.

Canals in central Amsterdam Research
Amsterdam

University of Amsterdam

UvA

One of the most prestigious universities in Europe. Over 3,000 English-taught programmes across bachelor's, master's and free courses. Campus spread across Amsterdam's historic centre.

Humanities Social Sciences Law Economics Science
Non-stop social life all year round: the city never slows down, with events, festivals and a huge international community. Perfect if you want to be right in the middle of it all.
Get advice on UvA
Canal houses in Amsterdam Research
Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

VU

A strongly international university with a modern campus south of Amsterdam. Known for business, psychology and health sciences. Excellent quality-of-life for students.

Business Psychology Medicine Philosophy
Its own campus next to the Zuidas business district, just a 15-minute bike ride from the canals and terraces of the centre. A calmer vibe than UvA, just as international.
Get advice on VU
TU Delft campus Research · Technical
Delft

TU Delft

TUD

Europe's top engineering school. An impressive campus, world-class facilities and an unmatched global reputation in technology, design and architecture.

Engineering Architecture Industrial Design Aerospace Computer Science
A small, quiet city with more bikes than people. Social life revolves around campus: very active student associations and a relaxed atmosphere just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Get advice on TU Delft
Rotterdam skyline Research
Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam

EUR

Top 5 in Europe for business and economics. Its Erasmus School of Economics is globally renowned. A modern, multicultural city with a very dynamic atmosphere.

Economics Management Law Medicine
A skyline of skyscrapers, bold architecture and a bar and club scene that rivals Amsterdam's — with more affordable rent.
Get advice on Erasmus
Pieterskerk in Leiden's historic centre Research
Leiden

Leiden University

LEI

The oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. Globally recognised in Law, Humanities and Natural Sciences. A historic city of great beauty.

Law Humanities Archaeology Science
A true campus city: canals, 17th-century houses and faculty buildings scattered across the centre. A classic student atmosphere — quiet on weekdays and very lively through student societies.
Get advice on Leiden
Canal and Dom Tower in Utrecht Research
Utrecht

Utrecht University

UU

Consistently the highest-rated by its own students. Campus right in the historic centre, strong in research and one of the best student experiences in the country.

Medicine Veterinary Science Natural Sciences Geosciences
One of the cities with the highest share of students in the country. Two-level canals lined with terraces, a central location and a young atmosphere around the clock.
Get advice on Utrecht
Martinitoren, Groningen's landmark tower Research
Groningen

University of Groningen

RUG

One of the most international universities in the country. A 100% student city in the north, with a lower cost of living and a very active social scene. Hundreds of English-taught programmes.

Economics Pharmacy Theology Psychology
The quintessential student city: 1 in 4 residents is a student. Guaranteed nightlife, cheaper rent than the Randstad, and a very close-knit international community.
Get advice on Groningen
Sint-Servaasbrug bridge in Maastricht Research · PBL
Maastricht

Maastricht University

UM

The most international university in the Netherlands: over 50% of its students come from abroad. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology, fully taught in English.

European Law Business Medicine Arts & Culture
An almost southern-European feel: medieval streets, terraces, and right next to Belgium and Germany. A slower pace than the Randstad — ideal if you want something different from the "typical Dutch" experience.
Get advice on Maastricht
Buitenhof square in central The Hague Applied sciences
The Hague

The Hague University of Applied Sciences

THUAS

Highly practical training with work placements built into the curriculum. Makes the most of The Hague's international organisations for programmes in international relations, security and law.

International Relations Communication Business Cybersecurity
An institutional, elegant city with a beach in Scheveningen just a tram ride away. More formal than Amsterdam, but with plenty of international life thanks to the embassies and the UN.
Get advice on THUAS
Rotterdam along the Nieuwe Maas river Applied sciences
Rotterdam (multiple campuses)

Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Inholland

One of the largest universities of applied sciences in the country, with campuses in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Haarlem and other cities. Programmes strongly focused on employability in business, communication and health sciences.

Business Communication Nursing Marketing
Choosing a campus also means choosing a vibe: Rotterdam for something more urban and multicultural, Amsterdam or Haarlem if you prefer a more classic, compact feel.
Get advice on Inholland
High-rises by the water in Rotterdam Applied sciences
Rotterdam

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

RUAS

Rotterdam's largest university of applied sciences, strongly connected to the port and local businesses. Very focused on internships and real projects with industry from year one.

Engineering Port Logistics Business Design
A city-centre campus surrounded by the markets, street art and waterside terraces that have made Rotterdam one of the "coolest" cities in the country.
Get advice on Rotterdam UAS
Colourful canal houses in Amsterdam Applied sciences
Amsterdam

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

HvA

The largest university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with over 46,000 students. A broad range of programmes in business, education, health and technology, with close ties to Amsterdam companies.

Business Education Health Technology
All of Amsterdam's energy with a more practical, applied approach than UvA or VU. Campuses spread across the city, well connected by bike.
Get advice on HvA
Martinitoren in Groningen Applied sciences
Groningen

Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Hanze

The leading university of applied sciences in the north of the country, with a strong focus on renewable energy, international business and health. Very popular among international students for its cost of living.

Sustainable Energy International Business Health Communication
Shares Groningen's student essence: a small city, nightlife at full swing, and one of the most welcoming international communities in the country.
Get advice on Hanze
Utrecht canal at dusk Applied sciences
Utrecht

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

HU

One of the highest-rated universities of applied sciences in the country, with a strong focus on health, technology and communication. A modern campus next to the central station, superbly connected to the rest of the Netherlands.

Health Communication Technology Education
The same young, central city as Utrecht University, with the added benefit of being at the geographic heart of the country: every city is under an hour away by train.
Get advice on HU Utrecht

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Map

All of them at a glance.

Map of universities in the Netherlands
Research universities Applied sciences Specialised institutes