University
University
THE NETHERLANDS
2023-2024
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
INDEX
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE? 7
THE PERFECT STUDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 7
APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 7
OVERVIEW 26
Disclaimer: Please note that up-to-date information can be found on each UC's website.
AN INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING IN THE NETHERLANDS
First of all, there are a lot of different subjects which you can study entirely in English, as over 2100 programs
are English taught. This is not a recent development: the Netherlands was the first non-English speaking
country to start teaching in English.
English is widely spoken outside university classes too, so you will not have any trouble communicating. 1
in 8 students you will encounter does not come from the Netherlands. Actually, the Netherlands as a whole
is a rather international community, so you will fit right in.
Education in the Netherlands tends to be interactive and non-hierarchical. As a student, you are invited to
participate actively in discussions, workshops, presentations, in-class simulations, and individual research. In
addition, you will have the opportunity to do (academic) internships, go on exchange to other universities
around the world, take part in honours/excellence programmes, participate in the community and more.
It is all about getting involved.
Dutch Universities are well-represented in international higher education rankings, such as the Times
Higher Education World University Rankings, the QS World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking
of World Universities. This is important for your future academic career and your world-wide network. With
relatively low tuition rates, education in the Netherlands is a great value!
The Netherlands is right in the middle of Europe, so you can explore different cultures easily. International
students have many services on campus to help them feel welcome, such as orientation weeks/days,
international advisors/coordinators, counselors, social groups, committees – the list is long! Dutch higher
education institutions are well-equipped to give you the best student experience possible.
In a nutshell, studying in the Netherlands is a smart move. You'll get a great education, make friends from
everywhere, and have a blast in Europe. It's a win-win!
At a Research University, learning sits on a foundation of academic research. Students will understand how
scienctific research is conducted and practice conducting their own research as well. In addition, they
learn to apply their knowledge in the real world. Research Universities offer 3-year Bachelor's programmes
leading to 1-2 year Master's programmes, also at Research University.
INTRODUCTION 3
AN INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING IN THE NETHERLANDS
At a University of Applied Sciences students can choose a more professionally oriented program to prepare
them for a specific career. These are 4 year bachelor’s programmes, often including internships or work
experience.
Because all universities in the Netherlands are publicly funded, they are obliged by law to be accredited
by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO). Some universities also hold international
accreditations.
The degree conferred upon graduating students is that of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
or Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Most students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree go directly into master’s
programs. Many graduates from Dutch university programs pursue a master’s and/or Ph.D. at universities
around globe, including Sciences Po, Bocconi, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, and other top-notch
international universities or other Dutch research universities.
ADMISSIONS
There is no one general admission requirement/procedure package that applies to all Dutch universities.
What follows here is an overview of some general principles. Please make sure to check specific admission
requirements with the individual institutions.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Diploma requirements may differ, but some of the most commonly accepted diplomas are: IB/EB
diploma, American Diploma with 3-4 AP’s, 3 Academic A-levels, or one of the many other national
university preparatory diplomas from countries across the globe.
• It is less common for Dutch universities to require a specific GPA, however for some diplomas a minimum
GPA is required to make a student eligible.
• It is less common for Dutch universities to select their students.
• Certain programs may require specific subjects (e.g. mathematics or physics).
• Sometimes there are additional requirements (e.g. a mathematics proficiency, letters of recommendation,
standardized exams).
• Specific performance requirements often apply in the first year, and this is called Binding Study Advice.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
• All students who want to study in the Netherlands must register in ‘StudieLink’, which is the Dutch
government student registration system.
• In addition, in many cases, students must apply directly to the university and programme of their choice.
The specific guidelines for application are always explained on the university website.
• Application deadlines fall between December and June.
• Some programmes have rolling admissions.
• All programmes have a September intake. Only a few programmes have a February intake.
4
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
FINANCES
In the Netherlands, tuition fees are set by the government and are thus the same for all universities. For the
Academic Year 2023-2024 the fees are as follows:
EU/EEA Students: € 2,314 per year
Non-EU/EEA* Students: from € 6,000 to € 20,000 per year
Some institutions (such as the University Colleges) are allowed to request a higher tuition fee. These
additional fees differ per institution.
A quick calculation shows that, on average, living as a student in the Netherlands costs around € 900-1,200
euros a month. Of course, this may vary per location.
There are several ways for students to get help in financing their studies in the Netherlands.
• For Dutch passport holders (and some EU nationals), there is a loan provided by the government.
• For Dutch passport holders (and some EU nationals), a free student travel card is available.
• The Dutch government provides tuition fee loans for EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students.
• In addition to government funding, some universities offer scholarships for both EU/EEA and non-EU/
EEA students.
• Students can work part-time alongside their studies. There are no restrictions for EU/EEA students in
obtaining a job; for non-EU/EEA students there are some restrictions related to permits and working
hours (a max of 16 hours per week). More information can be found on the NUFFIC website (see
important websites).
INTRODUCTION 5
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE?
Dutch research universities established their University Colleges in response to a growing demand for a
more holistic type of education. Students at University Colleges would not only study Liberal Arts and
Sciences, they would live them, quite literally, by studying, living and working together with students from
different cultural backgrounds and different disciplinary interests.
This unique melting pot creates a learning environment which helps students develop their talents and
discover themselves and the world through an exciting and challenging journey.
AFTER GRADUATION
As a result of the intensive program and broad approach, University Colleges prepare students for a wide
range of Master's programs and jobs.
• 89% of UC alumni continue with a postgraduate education;
• 30% of UC alumni enter a Master’s program at one of the top 100 universities in the world (Times Higher
Education ranking);
• 72% of UC alumni were accepted into their first-choice program;
• 11% of UC alumni entered the labour market after finalising their Bachelor’s degree, often as
entrepreneurs.
(Source: Liberal Arts and Sciences programmes alumni survey factsheet 2017 Research Centre for Education and the
Labour Market | ROA)
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
IMPORTANT WEBSITES
Nuffic
As an independent, non-profit organization based in The Hague, Nuffic supports internationalization in
higher education, research and professional education in the Netherlands and abroad, and helps improve
access to higher education worldwide. On their website you can find an overview of all study programs in
the Netherlands that are taught in English.
www.studyinnl.org
Studielink
All students have to register with the Dutch Ministry of Education. The place to do so is ‘Studielink’.
www.studielink.nl
Duo
Information about tuition fees, student grants and diploma assessment.
www.duo.nl
INTRODUCTION 7
Do you want to have a positive impact on the world? Whether your passion is climate change, public
health, culture, artificial intelligence or another global issue, at Amsterdam University College (AUC)
you can start making your vision a reality. Each year we welcome 300 highly motivated students to
our three-year Bachelor’s (Honours) programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Will you be one of them?
You’ll major in the Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities. You’ll start by studying a core curriculum
to sharpen your thinking, writing and argumentation skills. Learn a language, explore being a global
citizen and investigate the ‘big questions’. You’ll then create your personal interdisciplinary study path,
choosing courses that fit your interests under the guidance of your tutor.
Experiential learning and community are at the heart of AUC. You will participate in a living education
involving labs, internships, community outreach and international engagement, as well as a social life
full of committees and creative initiatives. In the student residences, you’ll live with fellow students
from the Netherlands and more than 60 other countries for three years of study.
Humanities:
• Art
• Culture
• Film
• History
• Literature
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
Amsterdam University College
Laura van Leijen
www.auc.nl
[email protected]
+31 (0) 20 52 58 780
Facebook: /amsterdamuniversitycollege
Instagram: @amsterdamuniversitycollege
YouTube: /AmsterdamUniversityCollege
AMSTERDAM 9
Erasmus University College is the international three-year Bachelor programme (BSc) in Liberal Arts and
Sciences, offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam. Liberal because you build your own programme
and Arts and Sciences because you can specialise in many disciplines such as Business, Psychology or
Medicine.
At EUC, you have the freedom to tailor your education to your interests and ambitions. The four
departments—Economics & Business, Humanities, Life Sciences, and Social & Behavioural Sciences—
provide you with a range of options for your major, minor, and elective courses.
Additionally, we offer a dual degree through the Rotterdam Arts & Sciences Lab (RASL), a collaboration
with the music conservatory Codarts, and the art school Willem de Kooning Academy. Our teaching
staff is connected to the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus Medical Center and a variety of
Societal Impact Projects within Rotterdam.
EUC graduates, hold an internationally recognised Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from Erasmus
University Rotterdam. You will be eligible for Master programmes worldwide or you can choose a career
in the corporate world, public organisations, or even start your own venture.
Life Sciences
• Life Sciences – General
• Pre-Med
• Neuroscience
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
Erasmus University College
Shelley de Vos
Nieuwemarkt 1A
3011HP Rotterdam
The Netherlands
www.eur.nl/en/euc
[email protected]
+31 (0)10 408 90 00
Facebook: /ErasmusUniversityCollege
Instagram: @erasmusuniversitycollege
LinkedIn: erasmus-university-college
YouTube: /erasmusuniversitycollege
ADMISSIONS English).
EUC accepts 218 first-year students per year. As • Submit your grade list and motivation letter
a challenging bachelor, we carefully evaluate through our application portal.
candidates for our program, keeping in mind • Applications meeting our minimum entry
their grades and letter of motivation. However, requirements will be reviewed.
we look beyond the numbers and seek • Successful candidates will be invited for an
individuals who demonstrate passion, curiosity, online interview.
and a genuine desire to learn. For detailed information about the application
procedure and admission requirements, visit:
General admission requirements: www.eur.nl/en/euc/application-admissions
• Secondary school diploma that qualifies
for university enrolment. A few examples: APPLICATION DEADLINES
Dutch VWO, French Baccalauréat, German 15 January 2024 (regular)
Abitur, International Baccalaureate, and GCE 1 May 2024 (late)
A-Levels.
• A grade average of minimum 70%. TUITION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
• Solid foundation in mathematics. EU/EEA students: € 5,100
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. Non-EU/EEA students: € 14,500
ROTTERDAM 11
Leiden University College (LUC) is the international honours college of Leiden University, the oldest
university in the Netherlands (1575). LUC is located in the vibrant and international city of The Hague,
the international city of peace and justice: home to many international organizations, the 3rd largest
city in the country and a tram ride away from the beach.
LUC's programme focuses on today’s Global Challenges - major issues facing humanity and the planet:
Peace and Justice, Diversity, Prosperity and Sustainability. Six Majors are offered centered around these
Global Challenges.
LUC is home to 600 students from over 50 different nationalities: talented, open-minded and ambitious
students from all over the world. First- and second-year students live and learn on-campus in a
community focused on making an impact on society. Students live in individual studio apartments
in the centrally located modern building that stands 21 floors tall and is situated in the centre of The
Hague. This residential concept facilitates a close-knit community and a very active student body,
offering many activities, clubs and committees for students to participate in.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
Leiden University College
Anne Kuijs
www.lucthehague.nl
[email protected]
+31 (0) 70 800 95 012
Instagram: @lucthehague
LinkedIn: LUC the Hague
YouTube: @LUCtheHague
DEN HAAG 13
University College Groningen was established in 2014 as a selective and independent Liberal Arts
and Sciences Faculty within the University of Groningen. Students explore their passions through an
interdisciplinary, project-based and community-oriented educational experience.
We create a learning environment that addresses the complex, societal challenges of the 21st century
and serves as a laboratory for the cultivation of internationally-minded students who will become
innovators in our rapidly changing world. You will join Dutch students and students from more than
35 countries in one of the Netherlands’ top-rated bachelor programmes. In addition to this, we offer
guaranteed housing for every student in the centre of Groningen.
A high level of freedom is offered as students design their own programme by choosing out of a broad
range of courses in three major disciplines: Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. Students are
also offered an integrated approach to guidance, which means that students can expect individual
attention and a wide range of workshops that take them from introduction week through preparation
for internships, study abroad and career placement.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Groningen
Marieke Sipkes
Hoendiepskade 23-24
9701 BA Groningen
The Netherlands
www.rug.nl/ucg
[email protected]
+31 (0)50 363 35 12
Facebook: /UCGroningen
Instagram: @UCGroningen
Twitter: /UCGroningen
Tiktok: @ucgroningen
YouTube: /UCGroningen
GRONINGEN 15
Come study in Maastricht, a city in the heart of Europe, that offers you a vibrant student life as well as
the tranquillity to make your studies a success. Maastricht University, the home of University College
Maastricht (UCM), is renowned for its Problem Based Learning method. Here, you will study by working
on relevant problems in small groups of about 12 students. You will learn to collaborate, reason, and
study independently while integrating theory and practise. In a nutshell, skills that, together with
substantive knowledge, will be required throughout your career.
At UCM, you will be studying in a close international community. Your fellow students are from the
Netherlands as well as over 50 other countries. Academic standards commitment, a strong sense of
belonging within the UCM community, and enthusiastic staff members make UCM a one-of-a-kind
place to discover your academic passions and to encourage and nurture your talents. Would you like
to be part of this inspiring community and discover where your future lies? Then apply to University
College Maastricht.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Maastricht
Monique Scheepens
Zwingelput 4
6211 KH Maastricht
The Netherlands
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ucm
[email protected]
+31 (0) 43 388 56 98
Facebook: /universitycollegemaastricht
Instagram: @universitycollegemaastricht
YouTube: /maastrichtuniversity
MAASTRICHT 17
At University College Roosevelt students design their own program by choosing from more than 200
subjects in four departments: Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Social Science and Science.
The ideal UCR student is eager to learn, social, curious and broadly interested. In the best tradition of
a Liberal Arts and Sciences education, students at UCR do not only grow academically, they also find
the opportunity to develop as individuals who take responsibility for their own social and learning
environment, as well as for civic and political challenges within the wider world.
Located in the south-west of The Netherlands, UCR boasts a unique historic inner-city campus by the
sea with guaranteed housing for the full duration of the program. The close-knit academic community
of no more than 600 students and 70 dedicated faculty members (65% of whom are non-Dutch, with
over 60 nationalities represented) is an important aspect of life at UCR. A choice for UCR is an out of the
box choice for a small town university where opportunities to make it your own are abundant!
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Roosevelt
Denise Nijhuis
Lange Noordstraat 1
4331 CB Middelburg
The Netherlands
www.ucr.nl
[email protected]
+31 (0) 118 655 500
Facebook: /UCRoosevelt
Instagram: @UniversityCollegeRoosevelt
TikTok: @ucroosevelt
YouTube: /UniversityCollegeRoosevelt
MIDDELBURG 19
University College Tilburg is located at the heart of the green campus of Tilburg University: a specialized
university ranked #48 in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2022 in Business &
Economics, Law, and Psychology.
In the interdisciplinary Bachelor’s program in Liberal Arts and Sciences, you approach societal
challenges from a multitude of perspectives. By combining insights from a range of disciplines such as
law, economics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, you gain an in-depth
understanding of complex global issues with different interests at stake and become inspired to look
for creative and innovative solutions.
University College Tilburg students are part of a warm and supportive international community, which
remains open to the wider community of Tilburg University, and to the thriving cultural life of Tilburg.
Tilburg is a friendly city as well as a place of pioneers and entrepreneurs.
20
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Tilburg
Dante Building
Warandelaan 2
5037 AB Tilburg
NL: www.tilburguniversity.edu/UC
EN: www.tilburguniversity.edu/UCT
[email protected]
Facebook: /universitycollegetilburg
Instagram: @university_college_tilburg
YouTube: @universitycollegetilburg2002
role in society. You will dive into topics like ACCEPTED DIPLOMAS
marketing, accounting, finance, management, • VWO diploma (all profiles)
economy of markets and countries. • Full International Baccalaureate Diploma
• GCSE plus 3 GCE A-levels
Cognitive Neuroscience - Brain and • US high school diploma plus 4 AP's
Cognition:
You will discover the fascinating world of the For specifications and an overview of other
human brain. The major covers topics such as accepted diplomas, please visit Tilburg
the basics of the human brain, experimental University’s admissions website.
psychology, clinical neuropsychology, cognitive
science, computer modeling, and programming. APPLICATION DEADLINES
A yearly intake is offered in September.
ADMISSIONS • International students (with a non-Dutch
University College Tilburg has a selective diploma: May 1 for non-EEA students, 15 June
admissions procedure. Your eligibility will for EEA students)
depend on your high school diploma, grades, • Dutch students (with a Dutch diploma): 1 July
English proficiency, motivation, and CV.
Participating in an admission interview, in TUITION FEES
person or online, is a mandatory step in your EU/EEA students: €2,314
Non-EU students: €9,100
admissions process.
TILBURG 21
Do you want to contribute to solutions for society's complex challenges such health, sustainable cities
and communities, digital society? The problems we face today are often complex, cross-border and
continuously evolving. The world needs ambitious, creative and multidisciplinarity experts who can
oversee the bigger picture and think outside the box to address these. University College Twente (UCT),
The Honours programme of the University of Twente, offers an international Bachelor's in Technology,
Liberal Arts and Sciences, called ATLAS.
UCT is located at the beautiful park-like campus of Twente with modern architecture, state-of-the-art
laboratories, student housing, libraries, student associations, sports and cultural facilities and many
on-campus festivals.
As student, you study and live together with your fellow students. You get offered on-campus
accommodation for the first year and optional for the second year in a pleasant international
community. UCT-ATLAS has a very active student association "ATLANTIS" that offers many activities
and committees for students to be part of.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Twente
Peter Brouwer
Boerderijweg 1
7522 LV Enschede
The Netherlands
ut.onl/university-college-twente
[email protected]
+31 (0)53 489 5489
Facebook: /UniversityCollegeTwente
Instagram: @universtity _college_twente
YouTube: /c/UniversityCollegeTwente
ENSCHEDE 23
University College
Utrecht
Founded in 1998 as the first university college in the Netherlands, University College Utrecht is one of
the honours colleges of Utrecht University (#66 in Times Higher Education Ranking 2023). University
College Utrecht currently offers over 230 different classes in the humanities, sciences and social
science. Students have the opportunity to compose their own multi-disciplinary curriculum under the
guidance of a personal tutor.
Classes are small with a focus on interaction, with an average of 20 students per class. Our 750 students
study and live on our American-style campus close to the heart of the historic city of Utrecht. Housing
is guaranteed for the full three years of their studies.
While approximately half of our students come from the Netherlands, the remaining half represent
some 70 different nationalities. The admissions process is selective and based on assessing the
academic and extra-curricular potential of the applicants.
A unique spirit of community and participation at the college means that students learn, develop and
explore both inside and outside the classroom. University College Utrecht opens doors, to different
worlds and different ways of thinking.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
CONTACT DETAILS
University College Utrecht
Kim Zwitserloot
Campusplein 1
3584 ED Utrecht
The Netherlands
www.uu.nl/ucu
[email protected]
+31 (0)30 253 9900
Facebook: /UniversityCollegeUtrecht
Instagram: @universitycollegeutrecht
YouTube: /universitycollegeutrecht
UTRECHT 25
OVERVIEW
Leiden University College The Hague Sustainbility, Peace and Justice, Prosperity, 200
Diversity, Culture, History, Society,
Governance, Economics, Development,
Earth, Energy, Sustainability, Global Public
Health, World Politics, International Justice
University College Groningen Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities 150
Groningen
Disclaimer: Please note that up-to-date information can be found on each UC's website.
26
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN
THE NETHERLANDS
25 Yes, all three € 4,700/ € 12,850 September (Fall) 1 December (Early Bird)
years required 1 February (Regular)
12-15 Yes, the first € 5,100/ € 14,500 September (Fall) 15 January (Regular)
year (waivers 1 May (Late)
can be
requested)
22 Yes, the first 2 € 4,924/ € 18,010 September (Fall) 1 December (Early Bird)
years 15 March (Regular)
Dutch diploma:
1 July
16 Yes, the first € 4,628/ € 15,064 September (Fall) Non-EU: 1 May
year EU: 1 July
20 Yes, the first € 4,802 / € 14,665 September (Fall) 1 December (Early action &
two years financial aid)
students are 1 February (Final deadline)
expected to live
on campus. The
third year living
on campus is
optional.
OVERVIEW 27
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN THE NETHERLANDS
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
GRONINGEN
AMSTERDAM
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
LEIDEN COLLEGE TWENTE
UNIVERSITY UTRECHT
COLLEGE
ERASMUS
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
TILBURG
COLLEGE
ROOSEVELT
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
MAASTRICHT