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Netherlands

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen was founded in 1614 and is among the oldest higher education institutions in the country. It was home to the country's first female student, the first female professor, the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Central Bank. The University of Groningen ranks 4th in the country and 90th in the QS World University Rankings. It is one of the elite research universities in Europe, and its areas of specialization are energy, healthy aging and sustainable society. Teaching at the university takes place in small groups and encourages students to take an active part in discussions, generating ideas and building knowledge. The university offers a balance between theory and practice, helping everyone develop their individual talents. The University of Groningen offers 45 bachelor's and 146 master's programs. The university's Faculty of Law is one of the best in the country.

The ancient city of Groningen was founded 920 years ago, has a population of 200,000 and is located in the northern Netherlands. As the economic and cultural capital of the region, the city has a lively reputation, yet it retains its calm and safe character. Full of pubs, restaurants, galleries, theaters and museums, Groningen caters to the young population that dominates the city – about 50% of the city's residents are under 35. The city hosts a number of cultural events and festivals, and living there is relatively inexpensive.

Bachelor's programs in English (For a detailed list of programs taught in Dutch, ask one of our consultants)

  • American Studies
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Arts, Culture & Media
  • Astronomy
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Econometrics and Operations Research
  • Economics and Business Economics
  • English Language and Culture
  • Industrial Engineering and Management
  • International Business
  • International Relations and Organisation
  • International and European Law
  • Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Medicine, Global Health Profile
  • Medicine, Profile Molecular Medicine
  • Minorities & Multilingualism
  • Physics
  • Psychology

The university also offers numerous master's programs taught in English. For a detailed list, ask our consultants.

Key information

Program length:
3-4 years for bachelor's programs
1-2 years for master's programs

Academic year:
2 semesters - September and February

Start of the year:
September for bachelor's programs

September and February for master's programs

Application deadline:
For bachelor's programs, from March 1 to June 1, depending on the program. Programs with limited places, such as medicine, may have an earlier deadline, for example January 15.

For master's programs, from March 1 to August 1, depending on the program, for programs starting September 1. For programs with a February start option, the deadline may be February 1 at the latest, but the university advises applying as early as possible.

Admission requirements:
High school diploma, depending on the major.

IELTS
For bachelor's and master's programs, a minimum of 6.5, depending on the major.

TOEFL
For bachelor's and master's programs, 92, depending on the major.

For Dutch language qualifications, ask one of our consultants.

Cambridge English: Advanced/Proficiency
For bachelor's and master's programs, Advanced or Proficiency with a PASS, depending on the major.

Scholarships and loans
The tuition fee for bachelor's and master's programs is €1951. Some master's programs can reach €3750.

Accommodation:
The university does not have its own residence halls as in the UK, but it works with external companies that provide student housing. The university has 1,000 rooms for international students, and rent ranges between €268 and €467, depending on the residence. There is a €275 registration fee, and students must pay the first and last month's rent up front before moving in. Living in Groningen costs about €750-€1200 per month.