Universities and institutes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has two kinds of institution: research universities (WO), which are academic and research-led, and universities of applied sciences (HBO, or hogescholen), which are practical and profession-focused. The well-known names below are research universities; alongside them sit many strong applied-sciences institutions.
Leading research universities
Delft University of Technology
The Netherlands' oldest and largest technical university, widely regarded as a leading centre for engineering and technology education.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
A research university best known for its business school and economics faculty, based in the port city of Rotterdam.
Leiden University
The Netherlands' oldest university, known for the humanities and international relations, with a dedicated campus in The Hague.
University of Amsterdam
One of the Netherlands' largest research universities, offering a broad range of English-taught programmes in the heart of Amsterdam.
Utrecht University
One of the Netherlands' oldest research universities, offering a broad academic programme in the historic city of Utrecht.
Eindhoven University of Technology
A technical university closely linked to the Eindhoven region's high-tech industry, known for engineering, design, and applied sciences.
University of Groningen
A long-established research university in the northern Netherlands, popular with international students for its wide range of English-taught degrees.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
A research university in Amsterdam known for its strengths in life sciences, business, and law, with a large international student body.
Wageningen University & Research
A specialised research university widely regarded as a global leader in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences.
WO or HBO — which is right for you?
A WO (research university) programme is more theoretical and academic, with bachelor's degrees usually taking three years. An HBO (applied sciences) programme is more hands-on and career-focused, with bachelor's degrees usually taking four years. Both lead to recognised qualifications — the right choice depends on whether you want an academic or a vocational, practice-led path. Our courses guide explains the structure in more detail.
Wherever you apply, check the language of instruction: the Internationalisation in Balance Act (WIB) is reducing the number of English-taught programmes, so confirm the current position for your chosen course. Many of these universities are spread across the major Dutch cities.
Official sources: Study in NL (Nuffic), Government of the Netherlands.