Utrecht University is a top-level international research university and has been home to many leading names, academics and scientists who have made important contributions to the quality of life of society worldwide – including 12 Nobel laureates and 15 winners of the Spinoza Prize. The university was founded in 1636 and is one of the oldest in the country. The QS World University Rankings place it 3rd in the Netherlands, 15th in Europe and 80th in the world. Utrecht University follows an individual and interactive teaching model based on critical thinking and debate. Classes are small, so that each student can receive individual attention. The university's mission is to develop young people academically, to train a new generation of researchers, to educate academics by combining knowledge and professional skills, to conduct innovative research and to help solve the problems facing modern society today. Utrecht University's research focuses on 4 areas: youth dynamics, institutions, life sciences and sustainability. The core values embraced by both faculty and students are inspiration, ambition, independence and commitment.
Utrecht is a beautiful medieval city located in the central Netherlands. Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport are less than an hour away. BBC Travel ranks it among the top 5 happiest places to live. It is one of the safest cities in all of northern Europe. Utrecht is a leading educational and religious center of the Netherlands. The city offers the greatest variety of cultural events after Amsterdam and aims to become European Capital of Culture for 2018. With 10% of the city's population being students, it is considered one of the best student cities in the country. Emblematic of the city is the central canal, along which numerous restaurants and bars are located.
Bachelor's programs in English (For a detailed list of programs taught in Dutch, ask one of our consultants)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Economics and Business Economics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
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 and master's programs. A February start is also possible for Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Application deadline:
For bachelor's programs, deadlines range from February 1 to May 1, depending on the program. For the February intake, the deadline is September 15.
For master's programs, the university advises applying as early as possible. There is a €100 fee.
Admission requirements:
High school diploma, depending on the major.
IELTS
For bachelor's and master's programs, between 6.0 and 7, depending on the major.
TOEFL
For bachelor's and master's programs, between 83 and 100, 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 – between C-B or Proficiency with C, 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. 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 Utrecht costs about €800-€1000 per month.