Posted by If you want to know about the best universities in Netherlands, continue reading. The Netherlands’ flat landscape and effective transportation system make it a well-liked study-abroad option.
Students can get a 40% discount on all modes of transportation, and it promotes living sustainably. It also houses The Hague and the Anne Frank House, which can teach students about the world. In this article, we will highlight the 15 best universities in the Netherlands.
Table of Contents
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a unique non-Anglophone country where 95% of locals speak English, making it a convenient, comfortable, and pleasant environment for international students.
It is also affordable, with tuition fees starting at €1,900 for EU students and €6,000 for non-EU students, and grants and scholarships that can reduce or fully cover tuition fees.
The Dutch educational system is of high quality and the teaching style focuses on teamwork, making it easy for international students to meet Dutch people and other international students.
Dutch universities place a strong emphasis on good personal relations between professors and students, with most tutorials and seminars taking place in small groups of around 15-30 students. There are also universities of applied sciences, which provide more specialized studies.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively low, and students can combine part-time jobs and study finance to fund this. Students can also get discounts in many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas, and can get around town easily on a bicycle.
Criteria for Ranking the 15 Best Universities in Netherlands
A number of factors were taken into account when creating the list of the best universities in Netherlands to ensure a thorough selection.
The following elements were considered throughout the rating process:
1. Academic Excellence
Priority was given to universities with a solid academic standing, eminent faculty, and a dedication to research and innovation. A university’s ranking on the list was largely influenced by the caliber of its academic programs and international recognition.
2. Employability of Graduates
One important indicator of a university’s performance is how employable its alumni/graduates are. Higher rankings were given to universities with a history of successful graduate employment, internship programs, and strong industry contacts.
3. Research Output and Impact
Institutions that had made significant contributions to their fields through research were given preference.
4. Rankings and Accreditation
Rankings and accreditation from reputable organizations such as QS World University Ranking, and Best Global Universities Ranking were considered indicators of quality, providing valuable insights into a university’s reputation.
75 Best Universities in the Netherlands
Below is a table showing the 75 best Universities in the Netherlands:
| S/N | Name of University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
| 2 | Utrecht University | Utrecht |
| 3 | University of Groningen | Groningen |
| 4 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | Rotterdam |
| 5 | Leiden University | Leiden |
| 6 | Maastricht University | Maastricht, Netherlands |
| 7 | Radboud University | Nijmegen, Netherlands |
| 8 | Wageningen University & Research | Wageningen, Netherlands |
| 9 | Eindhoven University of Technology | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| 10 | Vrije University | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 11 | University of Twente | Enschede, Netherlands |
| 12 | Tilburg University | Tilburg |
| 13 | HAN University of Applied Sciences | Arnhem and Nijmegen |
| 14 | Delft University of Technology | Delft, Netherlands |
| 15 | Nyenrode Business University | Breukelen, Netherlands |
| 16 | Hanze University of Applied Sciences | Groningen |
| 17 | Fontys University of Applied Sciences | Eindhoven |
| 18 | Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences | Rotterdam |
| 19 | Avans University of Applied Sciences | Breda |
| 20 | Saxion University of Applied Sciences | Enschede |
| 21 | HAN University of Applied Sciences | Arnhem |
| 22 | Inholland University of Applied Sciences | Amsterdam |
| 23 | Windesheim University of Applied Sciences | Zwolle |
| 24 | NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences | Leeuwarden |
| 25 | HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht | Utrecht |
| 26 | Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | Amsterdam |
| 27 | The Hague University of Applied Sciences | The Hague, Netherlands |
| 28 | Zuyd University of Applied Sciences | Maastricht |
| 29 | Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences | Leeuwarden and Velp |
| 30 | ArtEZ University of the Arts | Arnhem, Enschede, and Zwolle |
| 31 | Codarts Rotterdam - University of the Arts | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| 32 | Design Academy Eindhoven | Eindhoven |
| 33 | Gerrit Rietveld Academie | Amsterdam |
| 34 | Royal Academy of Art, The Hague | The Hague |
| 35 | Royal Conservatoire | The Hague |
| 36 | Royal Military Academy | Breda |
| 37 | Amsterdam University College | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 38 | University College Groningen | Groningen |
| 39 | University College Roosevelt | Middelburg |
| 40 | Leiden University College The Hague | The Hague |
| 41 | University College Utrecht | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| 42 | University College Tilburg | Tilburg |
| 43 | Maastricht Science Programme | Maastricht |
| 44 | University College Venlo | Venlo |
| 45 | University College Twente | Enschede |
| 46 | Amsterdam Fashion Academy | Amsterdam |
| 47 | Business School Netherlands | Buren, Netherlands |
| 48 | Tio University of Applied Sciences | Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Hengelo, and Utrecht |
| 49 | Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
| 50 | Webster University | Leiden |
| 51 | Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | Apeldoorn |
| 52 | THIM Academy | Nieuwegein |
| 53 | ISBW Business School | Nieuwegein, Netherlands |
| 54 | NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences | Breda |
| 55 | Tias School for Business and Society | Tilburg |
| 56 | Hotel Management School Maastricht | Maastricht, Netherlands |
| 57 | Hotelschool The Hague | The Hague and Amsterdam |
| 58 | Royal Academy of Art, The Hague | The Hague |
| 59 | Theologische Universiteit Apeldoorn | Apeldoorn, Netherlands |
| 60 | Protestantse Theologische Universiteit | Amsterdam and Groningen |
| 61 | Tyndale Theological Seminary | Badhoevedorp |
| 62 | University of Humanistic Studies | Utrecht |
| 63 | Christian University of Applied Sciences Ede | Ede |
| 64 | University of the Arts Utrecht | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| 65 | Stenden University of Applied Sciences | Leeuwarden, Netherlands |
| 66 | Amsterdam University of the Arts | Amsterdam |
| 67 | HAS University of Applied Sciences | Den Bosch and Venlo |
| 68 | VHL University of Applied Sciences | Velp and Leeuwarden |
| 69 | The New School | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 70 | Business School Netherlands | Buren |
| 71 | Helicon University of Applied Sciences | Den Bosch and Nijmegen |
| 72 | Academie Artemis | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 73 | School of Fine Arts Maastricht | Maastricht |
| 74 | Amsterdam School of International Business | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 75 | Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
List of 15 Best Universities in the Netherlands
Below is a list of the best universities in the Netherlands:
- University of Amsterdam
- Utrecht University
- University of Groningen
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Leiden University
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- Wageningen University & Research
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Vrije University
- University of Twente
- Tilburg University
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Delft University of Technology
- Nyenrode Business University.
Best Universities in Netherlands
1. University of Amsterdam
- Founded: 1632
- Tuition fee: € 13,600 per year
- Ranking: 55th in the world by the QS world university rankings, 14th in Europe, and 1st in the Netherlands.
The University of Amsterdam is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The University of Amsterdam is the third-oldest in the Netherlands and has 24,000 students, ranking highly in the World University Rankings. It offers 150 degrees taught in English and is one of Europe’s largest research universities, with a central library and five museums.
The University of Amsterdam also offers several scholarship programs to talented and motivated international students which will grant them the opportunity to pursue a degree at the UvA.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Charles Michel (Politician, Lawyer)
- Guido van Rossum (Computer Scientist)
- Daniele Ganser.
2. Utrecht University
- Founded: 1636
- Tuition fee: € 2,314 per academic year
- Ranking: 13th in Europe and 49th in the world
Utrecht University is a public research university in Utrecht, Netherlands. Utrecht University has over 90 postgraduate and 12 undergraduate programs taught in English.
It offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including natural sciences, law, governance, life sciences, humanities, social sciences, and earth sciences.
University College Utrecht offers need-based scholarships to both Dutch and international students who need financial support to cover the cost of their studies.
Most of their notable alumni:
- Jan Terlouw (Dutch Politician)
- Frans de Waal (Primatologist, Ethologist)
- Gerard ‘t Hooft (Theoretical Physicist)
3. University of Groningen
- Founded: 1614
- Tuition fee: Domestic tuition is 2,060 EUR, International tuition is 8,300 EUR
- Ranking: 3rd in the Netherlands, 25th in Europe, and 77th in the world.
The University of Groningen is a public research university in Groningen, Netherlands. It has 11 faculties, 9 graduate schools, 27 research centers and institutes, and more than 175 degree programs.
It has alumni who have won Nobel Prizes, Spinoza Prizes, Stevin Prizes, and more. It has over 34,000 students and 4,350 doctoral students.
The University of Groningen offers Holland Scholarships which is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Sahra Wagenknecht (German Politician)
- Pim Fortuyn (Dutch Politician, Sociologist)
4. Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Founded: 8 November 1913
- Tuition fee: Domestic tuition is 2,060 EUR, International tuition is 9,000 EUR
- Ranking: 69th in the world in 2017 by Times Higher Education
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a public research university in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The Erasmus Roterodamus University is one of the best universities in the Netherlands, with 7 faculties focused on four areas: Health, Wealth, Governance, and Culture. Erasmus University Rotterdam has several financial aid programs available to international students to help them with costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau (co-founder of the MRI Centre in Amsterdam)
- Neelie Kroes (Former European Commissioner for Competition)
- Jeroen van der Veer (Former CEO of Royal Dutch Shell)
5. Leiden University
- Founded: 8 February 1575
- Tuition fee: €19,600 per year
- Ranking: #131 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Leiden University is a public research university in Leiden, Netherlands. Leiden University is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in the Netherlands, known for its historical background and emphasis on social sciences.
It has over 29,542 students and 7000 staff and consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. Leiden University also offers scholarships and loans to help students cover their education costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (King of Netherlands)
- Beatrix of the Netherlands (Former Queen of Netherlands)
6. Maastricht University
- Founded: 9 January 1976
- Tuition fee: € 9,400
- Ranking: 88th place in the Times Higher Education World Ranking in 2016.
Maastricht University is a public research university in Maastricht, Netherlands with over 21,085 students, 55% foreign, and an average of 4,000 staff.
It is ranked among the top 300 universities in the world and was awarded the Distinctive Quality Feature for Internationalization in 2013. Maastricht University offers financial aid to students to help with costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Jean Pieters (Dutch biochemist)
- Roland van Vliet (Former Member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands)
- Victor Allis (Dutch computer scientist)
7. Radboud University
- Founded: 17th October 1923
- Tuition fee: International tuition is 17,000 EUR
- Ranking: 105th in 2020 by the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Radboud University is a public research university in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Radboud University is a 9th-century Dutch bishop known for its support and knowledge of the less privileged, with over 24,678 students and 2,735 administrative staff.
Radboud University offers financial support to students who are having financial problems.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Konstantin Novoselov (Russian-British physicist)
- Andreas A. M. van Agt (Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands)
- Rita Verdonk (Former Minister of Justice and Security of the Netherlands)
- Thom de Graaf (Vice-President of the Council of State of Netherlands)
8. Wageningen University & Research
- Founded: 1918
- Tuition fee: 2,500 EUR per year
- Ranking: #89 in Best Global Universities.
Wageningen University & Research is a public university in Wageningen, Netherlands that specializes in technical and engineering sciences, life sciences, and agricultural research.
It has 12,000 students from over 100 countries and is ranked among the top 150 universities in the world. Wageningen University offers programs like Animal Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Food Technology, Marine Sciences, and more.
Wageningen University offers merit-based scholarships to attract talented international students to its international classroom
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Marcel Dicke (Entomologist)
- Jeroen Dijsselbloem (Mayor of Eindhoven)
- Patrick A. Jansen (Researcher)
9. Eindhoven University of Technology
- Founded: 23 June 1956
- Tuition fee: 5800 EUR per year
- Ranking: 99th in the world by QS World University Ranking in 2019.
The Eindhoven University of Technology is a public technical school in the Netherlands with over 13000 students and 3900 staff, ranked in the top 200 universities from 2012 to 2019. Just like most universities Eindhoven University of Technology offers scholarships to help students with costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Camiel Eurlings (Former minister of transport, Netherlands)
- Wil van der Aalst (Computer Scientist)
10. Vrije University
- Founded: 1880
- Tuition fee: 3850 EUR per year
- Ranking: 171st in the QS World University Ranking.
Vrije University is a publicly funded research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands founded in 1880 and ranked among the best in the Netherlands.
It has over 29,796 students and 3000 staff, offering 50 bachelor programs, 160 master’s, and Ph.D. courses in Dutch. Vrije University offers need-based scholarships to students to help with costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Wouter Bos (Former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands)
- Vera Bergkamp (Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands)
- Elco Brinkman (Former Minister of Welfare, Health, and Culture of Netherlands)
11. University of Twente
- Founded: 1961
- Tuition fee: € 15,064 per year
- Ranking: #400 in Best Global Universities.
The University of Twente is a public technical university in Enschede, Netherlands. The University of Twente is one of the best universities in the Netherlands and among the top 200 universities in the world.
It was founded in 1961 and has 5 faculties, 12,544 students, 3,150 administrative staff, and several campuses. The University of Twente offers a limited number of scholarships to excellent students.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Cees Links (Founder and CEO of GreenPeak Technologies)
- Jitse Groen (Chief Executive Officer of Just Eat)
- Ank Bijleveld (Former Minister of Defense of the Netherlands)
12. Tilburg University
- Founded: 1927
- Tuition fee: € 4,200 per academic year for EU/EEA students. € 10,887.50 per academic year for non-EU/EEA students.
- Ranking: #531 in Best Global Universities.
Tilburg University is a public research university in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Tilburg University specializes in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Economics, Law, Business Sciences, Theology, and Humanities.
It has 19,334 students, 18% of whom are international, and a good reputation in research and education. It has 5 faculties and different research centers.
Tilburg University doesn’t offer scholarships for bachelor’s programs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Ralph Hamers (CEO of Dutch bank ING Group)
- Henry Mora Jiménez (Former Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica)
- Theo Bemelmans (Dutch computer scientist)
13. HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Founded: 1 February 1996
- Tuition fee: € 2209 per academic year
- Ranking: #531 in Best Global Universities.
HAN University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest and best universities in the Netherlands, with over 36,000 students and 4,000 staff. It was established in 1996 and has 14 schools, including the School of Built Environment and Business and Communication.
It is known for its foundation and great alumni. HAN University of Applied Sciences offers several merit-based scholarships to international students to help with costs.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Christoffer Nelwan (Actor)
- Sid Lukkassen (Philosopher)
- Katrin Lohmann (Actress)
14. Delft University of Technology
- Founded: 1842
- Tuition fee: €2.314 for EU students, €15.950 for non-EU students
- Ranking: 15th by QS World University Ranking 2020
The Delft University of Technology is the oldest and largest Dutch public-technical university in the Netherlands, with 8 faculties and over 26,000 students, and 6,000 staff. It was established in 1842 and has produced several Nobel alumni.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Karien van Gennip (Minister of Social Affairs)
- Jeroen van der Veer (Former CEO of Royal Dutch Shell)
15. Nyenrode Business University
- Founded: 1946
- Tuition fee: The minimal tuition is 22478 USD.
- Ranking: #151+ in World University Rankings – master’s in Management 2023.
Nyenrode Business University is a Dutch Business University and one of the five private universities in the Netherlands. It has a variety of programs for both graduate and undergraduate students and is fully accredited by the Association of AMBAs.
Students can apply for several scholarships in Nyenrode Business University but can only be granted one.
Most of their notable alumni are:
- Wim Kok (Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands)
- Dinesh Gunawardena (Prime Minister of Sri Lanka)
- Antony Burgmans (Dutch businessman)
FAQs on Best Universities in the Netherlands
Are scholarships or financial aid available for international students?
Most of these Universities offer scholarships or financial aid to internal students.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
The tuition fee per academic year for international students is about 10000 - 15000 EUR.
Can I study and work part-time in the Netherlands as an international student?
It is entirely possible to work while studying in the Netherlands. You can work either with a student visa or a student work permit, usually part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
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Conclusion
The 15 best universities in the Netherlands have been chosen based on academic reputation, research output, student satisfaction, and employability of graduates.
By selecting one of these prestigious institutions, you are starting a learning journey that will not only expand your knowledge but also give you useful connections and skills.
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