Best Universities in The Netherlands for International Students | Ranking

Are you an international student who wants to study in the Netherlands? Then, you are definitely in the right place. Here, we have compiled the best universities and top colleges in the Netherlands for international students to study in 2024.

A good number of international students from all over the world come to study in the Netherlands. From Top Universities’ report, in the 2014/2015 academic session, international students came from a total of 157 different countries, mostly from Germany, China, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.

In addition, the Netherlands is also a unique non-Anglophone country, where approximately 95% of locals speak English. This factor makes living, studying, and also working in the Netherlands very convenient, comfortable and pleasant for international students. 

Therefore, if you chose the Netherlands as your study abroad destination, this article has been carefully written to ensure your study abroad dream comes through.

Here, you get vital information on the best universities in the Netherlands for international students to study in 2024. Also, you will get more reasons on why you should choose the Netherlands in your study abroad plan.

However, before we look at the best schools in the Netherlands in its entirety, the following points will be discussed.

Why Study In the Netherlands?

The Netherlands (or Holland as it is sometimes referred to) is a small country with vast horizons. It is a country in Northwestern Europe with some overseas territories in the Caribbean.

In Europe, the Netherlands consists of 12 provinces that border Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, with maritime borders in the North Sea with those countries and the United Kingdom. A look at the map of Europe shows you how centrally located the Netherlands is. 

Most times, the first things that spring to mind when many people think of the Netherlands are probably cheese, bikes, tulips, and clogs- but there is much more to offer.

Firstly, the Netherlands is an incredibly attractive country for international students, and hundreds of them arrive here every year to study.

Also, most Dutch universities have international student associations, which help students throughout their studies. This is definitely one good reason why you should choose to study in the Netherlands.

Secondly, the quality of education is among the best in the world, many universities offer various English-language programs. Also, studying in the Netherlands is affordable compared to countries such as the UK and the US.

Thirdly, the Dutch are known for their innovation and creativity, and their education system is recognized for its international character and problem-based learning style.

For example, Nijmegen (the oldest city in the Netherlands) is a true student city and is located in the heart of Europe, which means you will have plenty of opportunities to explore.

Reasons Why You Should Study In The Netherlands

In fact, there are numerous reasons why you should study in the Netherlands. However, to help facilitate your decision-making process, below are some worthy reasons you should take into consideration:

In summary, as a student, you will find studying here to be rewarding, exciting and excellent value for money.

Still, stuck with your preparation to go study in Costa Rica? Then, see the Best Study Abroad Packing List

How Many Universities Are There In The Netherlands?

Basically, universities in the Netherlands are either public (state-owned) or private universities. These universities are then split into two categories: research universities and universities of applied sciences.

According to the Complete University Guide, there are 14 research universities and 41 universities of applied sciences in the country that are state-funded.

Furthermore, out of these 54 Dutch universities, the QS World University Rankings includes 13 universities in the Netherlands, all ranked within the world’s top 350, and an impressive seven of these are within the global top 150. 

In addition to the state-funded institutions, there are also a number of private universities and university colleges.   

Get familiar with the tuition and fees of Dutch universities. Read Study in the Netherlands: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living, List of Universities in the Netherlands

What Are The Best Universities In The Netherlands That Offer English Taught Programs?

A good number of Dutch universities offer some programs in the English language. In fact, there are more than 2,100 courses taught in English, offered at almost all universities in the Netherlands for international students.

According to Expatica, all universities in the Netherlands teach more than 40 English undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. However, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam teach more than 100 courses in English.

Meanwhile, not all universities offer undergraduate degrees in English across all subjects (University of Groningen and Maastricht University offer the most), while postgraduate qualifications are more commonly taught in English.

Here is a list of the 5 best universities in the Netherlands with English taught programs:

What Are The Best Public Universities In The Netherlands?

As an international student who wants to study in the Netherlands at an affordable cost, it will be best you consider public universities as they are mostly state-subsidized.

Here is a list of top 10 public universities in the Netherlands:

Which Universities Are The Best In The Netherlands For Undergraduates?

A good number of universities, in the Netherlands, both public and private, offer several programs at the undergraduate level. However, as an international student who wants to get the best from the country, here is a list of the top 5 universities in the Netherlands for undergraduate students:

Which Universities Are The Best In The Netherlands For Masters?

Just like the undergraduate programs, many universities in the Netherlands offer several programs at the master’s level.

Below is a list of the best universities in the Netherlands to pursue a master’s program:

You can also pursue your master’s program with less financial burden. See Study Abroad: Netherlands Master’s Degree Scholarships Of 8 Top Universities

What Are The Best Universities In The Netherlands For International Students To Study In 2024 | Rankings?

To effectively rank the best universities in the Netherlands for international students, we used the following factors.

For your degree to count, it’s of essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each Dutch university counts in making it one of the best or top schools you should attend.

Research Areas

This specifically means the number of schools, faculties or colleges in the school. The research areas consist of the various departments and programs offered in the school.

This takes cognizance of the recognition given to the school by various ranking bodies.

Here is a list of the best universities and colleges in the Netherlands for international students to study in 2024:

Yet to apply to a see? Get tips on how to apply here. Read Study In The Netherlands: 7 Tips To Apply To Dutch Universities

#1 Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Founded in 1842, Technische Universiteit Delft (Delft University of Technology) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Delft, South Holland.

TU Delft’s primary tasks – academic research and teaching, and knowledge transfer (valorization), as described in the Higher Education and Research Act, are carried out by the faculties.

The school basically offers 16 bachelors, 40 masters, and doctorate degree programs through its 8 faculties. The faculties include:

Furthermore, the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#2 University of Amsterdam

Founded in 1632, Universiteit van Amsterdam (University of Amsterdam) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Amsterdam, North-Holland. As a modern institution with a long and rich history, the UvA is one of Europe’s most prominent research-led universities.

Also, the University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, offering the widest range of academic programs. At the UvA, the 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members, and 3,000 Ph.D. candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

It offers several over 200-degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Furthermore, the University of Amsterdam is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

Know more about the University of Amsterdam. Read University of Amsterdam: Ranking, Admission Requirement, Tuition Fees

#3 Eindhoven University of Technology

Founded in 1956, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Eindhoven University of Technology) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Eindhoven, North Brabant. Basically, it is a technical university in the Netherlands, operating in English.

TU/e is one of the top-ranked Dutch universities. In fact, it is a small university with a big impact. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, Eindhoven occupies the 99th in the world, 34th in Europe, and 3rd in the Netherlands 

Also, TU/e offers various bachelor’s, masters, Ph.D. and other postgraduate programs through its various schools and faculties.

Furthermore, Eindhoven University of Technology is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#4 University of Groningen

Founded in 1614, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (University of Groningen) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Groningen. 

The University of Groningen has been placed in the top 100 universities in the world by four major ranking tables. 

Basically, the University of Groningen offers 180+ highly-ranked Bachelor’s, Masters and Ph.D. degree programs offered across 11 faculties. 

Furthermore, the University of Groningen is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

Several bodies offer scholarships for international students. See the numerous International Scholarships available on our platform.

#5 Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Universiteit Leiden (Leiden University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Leiden, South Holland. 

Leiden University has been placed in the top 100 universities in the world by three major ranking tables. LEI is currently placed top 50 worldwide in thirteen fields of study in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: classics & ancient history, politics, archaeology, anthropology, history, pharmacology, law, public policy, religious studies, arts & humanities, linguistics, modern languages, and sociology.

Basically, programs in Leiden and The Hague attract both Dutch and international students, and their teaching is characterized by small-scale classrooms, contact with diverse cultures and innovative teaching methods.

Leiden University has seven academic faculties and over fifty subject departments while housing more than 40 national and international research institutes. 

Furthermore, Leiden University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#6 Utrecht University

Founded in 1636, Universiteit Utrecht (Utrecht University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Utrecht.

Basically, Utrecht University stands for broad and interdisciplinary education. At Utrecht University, students learn to look beyond the boundaries of their fields of study and work together in interdisciplinary projects.

Also, the education programs at the university are generally, modern and innovative. Students and high-ranking scientists work together on a better future.

Utrecht University offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels through its various faculties.

Furthermore, Utrecht University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

You may also like to see these 10 MBA Scholarships In The Netherlands

#7 Wageningen University

Founded in 1918, Wageningen Universiteit (Wageningen University and Research) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium-sized town of Wageningen, Gelderland. WUR is made up of Wageningen University and the former agricultural research institute of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. 

Basically, Wageningen University trains specialists (BSc, MSc, and Ph.D.) in life and social sciences and focuses its research on scientific, social and commercial problems in the field of life sciences and natural resources.  In fact, it is the only university in the Netherlands to focus specifically on the theme ‘healthy food and living environment’.

In addition, WUR has been placed in the top 150 universities in the world by several ranking bodies.

Furthermore, Wageningen University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#8 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU University Amsterdam) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Amsterdam, North-Holland.

Basically, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam attaches great importance to the societal impact of their education and research. It offers 25 Bachelor’s degree programs for international students around 150 English-taught programs (including specializations).

VU Amsterdam is also ranked among the world’s top 150 universities by major ranking bodies.

Furthermore, VU University Amsterdam is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#9 Radboud University Nijmegen

Founded in 1923, Radboud Universiteit (Radboud University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Nijmegen, Gelderland.  It is one of the leading academic communities in the Netherlands and offers the ideal atmosphere for your education and research. 

Radboud is host to 14 research institutes, many of which are world-leading in their field, so, your ideas have room to grow.

Basically, the school offers 38 bachelors and 59 masters including 5 programs of the Radboud Docenten Academie, 8 research master’s programs and 4 post-initial master’s programs.

Furthermore, Radboud University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#10 Erasmus University Rotterdam

Founded in 1913, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (Erasmus University Rotterdam) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium-sized city of Rotterdam, South Holland. The university was named after 15th-century humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus.  

Basically, Erasmus University Rotterdam has an excellent academic reputation, in the Netherlands and across the borders. This is reflected in the university’s high position in the international rankings of universities by various ranking bodies. From the Times Higher Education (1000), it ranks #5 in the Netherlands and #69 Worldwide.

Also, the university has seven faculties that focus on the following four areas: health, wealth, governance and culture. 

Furthermore, Erasmus University Rotterdam is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

You may also like to read Erasmus University School Of Management MBA Scholarships

#11 University of Twente

Founded in 1961, Universiteit Twente (University of Twente) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Enschede, Overijssel. The university has been placed in the top 400 universities in the world by major ranking bodies.

Basically, the University of Twente offers a wide range of programs from pre-University programs to in-company training sessions and from summer school to part-time Master’s. Currently, it offers 20 mainly English-taught Bachelor’s programs and over 30 English-taught Master’s programs in its 5 faculties.

Furthermore, the University of Twente is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

Study with a less financial burden. See more on the University Twente International Students Scholarship in the Netherlands.

#12 Tilburg University

Founded in 1927, Universiteit van Tilburg (Tilburg University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Tilburg, North Brabant. 

It is a public research university specializing in the social and behavioral sciences, economics, law, business sciences, theology and humanities, located in Tilburg in the southern part of the Netherlands.

The University has been placed in the top 500 universities in the world by various ranking bodies. It has also gained a reputation in both research and education.

Tilburg University offers both Dutch and English-taught degree programs. In 2018, 45 of the total 70 (22 bachelor and 48 master programs) were taught in the English language.

Furthermore, Tilburg University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).

#13 Maastricht University

Founded in 1976, Universiteit Maastricht (Maastricht University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Maastricht, Limburg. It is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with 18,000 students and 4,400 employees, and it’s still growing.

Basically, Maastricht University (UM) is known for its Problem-Based Learning system and international orientation. Its small-scale ‘international classroom’ brings together people from all over the world who have different backgrounds and perspectives. And it’s these differences that make the UM learning experience unique.

The UM offers 19 bachelor’s programs and more than 60 master’s programs which are mostly English-language education.

It is important to note that Maastricht University regularly ranks as one of Europe’s leading universities and colleges. The University has been placed in the top 300 universities in the world by various ranking bodies. For instance, Maastricht University’s master’s program in International Business is ranked 25, being in the top 25 of the best business programs in the world according to the Financial Times.

In addition, the Times Higher Education World Ranking regularly quotes Maastricht University as one of the best young universities in the world (5th rank). Also, in 2013, Maastricht University was the second Dutch university to be rewarded the ‘Distinctive Quality Feature for Internationalisation’ by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).

Furthermore, Maastricht University is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands)

#14 HAN University of Applied Sciences

Founded in 1996, Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Arnhem, Gelderland. HAN University of Applied Sciences is one of the 5 largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands.

It offers high-quality, practice-based education to more than 30,000 students. Also, HAN’s centre of expertise provides tailored research to companies and institutions.

Basically, HAN University of Applied Sciences has 4 faculties that are spread over their campuses in Arnhem and Nijmegen. Through these faculties, it offers high-quality Bachelors, Masters and non-degree courses that prepare you for a successful international career.

Furthermore, HAN University of Applied Sciences is officially accredited by the Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders).

#15 Hanzehogeschool Groningen

Founded in 1986, Hanzehogeschool Groningen (Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen) is a private higher education institution located in the large town of Groningen. It is the largest technical & vocational university in the northern Netherlands.

In total, the school offers 179 courses at the associate degree, bachelor’s, and master’s level.

Furthermore, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen is officially accredited by the Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders).

FAQs On the Best Universities in the Netherlands for International Students 2024 | Ranking

In fact, there are numerous reasons why you should study in the Netherlands. However, to help facilitate your decision-making process, below are some worthy reasons you should take into consideration:

Lots of English-taught programs
Affordable, Well-taught and quality programs
Unique ways of teaching and learning
An open-minded country that welcomes international students
Good world (university) rankings
The world leader in technical courses
Student Grant
Central location on the map
Cheap student housing

Basically, universities in the Netherlands are either public (state-owned) or private universities. These universities are then split into two categories: research universities and universities of applied sciences. According to the Complete University Guide, there are 14 research universities and 41 universities of applied sciences in the country that are state-funded.

A good number of Dutch universities offer some programs in the English language. In fact, there are more than 2,100 courses taught in English, offered at almost all universities in the Netherlands for international students.

According to Expatica, all universities in the Netherlands teach more than 40 English undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. However, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam teach more than 100 courses in English.

Here is a list of top 10 public universities in the Netherlands:

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University of Amsterdam
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Groningen
Leiden University
Utrecht University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Twente
Tilburg University
Maastricht University

Here is a list of the top 5 universities in the Netherlands for undergraduate students:

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University of Amsterdam
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Groningen
Leiden University

Below is a list of the best universities in the Netherlands to pursue a master’s program:

Wageningen University
University of Amsterdam
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Leiden University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Groningen
Utrecht University
Maastricht University
Radboud University Nijmegen
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Here is a list of the best universities and colleges in the Netherlands for international students to study in 2024:

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University of Amsterdam
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Groningen
Leiden University
Utrecht University
Wageningen University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Radboud University Nijmegen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Twente
Tilburg University
Maastricht University
Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen
Hanzehogeschool Groningen

Conclusion

The Netherlands is an incredibly attractive country for international students and hundreds of them arrive here every year to study. The quality of education in the Netherlands is among the best in the world and many universities offer various English-language programs. Also, studying at a Dutch university is affordable compared to countries such as the UK and the US.

Therefore, to make it easier for international students, we have compiled the 15 best universities in the Netherlands with the necessary information to help them.

Conclusively, I hope the information above helps you in your decision-making process.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

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