Utrecht University
Universiteit Utrecht
A 1636 university spanning seven faculties, with a selective residential honours college and a science-park campus.
- Students
- 38,000
- Tuition
- €15,100
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1636
- QS World Ranking
- #113
- 2027 edition
About UU
Founded in 1636, Utrecht University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It has more than 38,000 students, about 8,800 staff and seven faculties that cover the whole academic spectrum: Geosciences, Humanities, Law, Economics and Governance, Medical Sciences, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Its historic Academiegebouw stands on Domplein in the old city centre, and the university also has a large campus at Utrecht Science Park.
Most of Utrecht's 54 bachelor's programmes are taught in Dutch; 12 are taught in English. For international applicants the best-known routes are University College Utrecht, the Netherlands' first university college (founded 1998), a selective liberal arts and sciences college with about 750 students, and the English-taught Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme. Other English-taught options include Global Sustainability Science. Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences and Psychology have capped places and a 15 January selection deadline.
Utrecht links 12 Nobel Prize winners to the university, including physicists Gerard 't Hooft and Martinus Veltman. It suits students who want a broad research university in a compact, bike-friendly city, and who are prepared either to compete for a selective programme or to arrange their own housing in a tight rental market.
Sol Iustitiae Illustra Nos
“May the Sun of Righteousness Enlighten Us” — university motto
Why students choose UU
University College Utrecht offers a residential liberal arts and sciences degree with classes averaging 20 students, with 250 places for around 1,100 applications a year.
EU/EEA students pay the statutory fee of 2,771 euros for 2027-28 on most programmes (5,542 euros for PPE and 5,750 euros for University College Utrecht).
The English-taught Philosophy, Politics and Economics bachelor is listed by the university as the no. 1 top programme according to students in the University guide Bachelors 2025-2026.
Research is organised around four interdisciplinary themes (Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability), which feed into undergraduate teaching.
Admissions
2027-28 entry (applications open 1 October 2026)
Selectivity
There is no overall admission rate. Most bachelor's programmes admit every applicant who meets the entry requirements. Five limited-enrolment programmes have fixed capacities: Medicine 297 places, Veterinary Medicine 225, Pharmacy 300, Biomedical Sciences 175 and Psychology 600. In recent years Medicine has received roughly 1,370 to 1,560 applications. University College Utrecht has 250 places and around 1,100 applications a year.
Typical entry requirements
| Dutch VWO | VWO diploma with the subject profile each programme requires, e.g. Mathematics A or B plus two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Economics or Geography for Global Sustainability Science |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Diploma plus programme-specific subjects, e.g. Global Sustainability Science: Mathematics AA at SL or AI at HL, plus two of Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Physics SL, or Economics, Geography or ESS at SL |
| A-levels | Three A-levels with programme-specific subjects, e.g. Global Sustainability Science: A or AS-level Mathematics plus two of A-level Biology, A-level Chemistry, A or AS-level Physics, or A or AS-level Economics or Geography |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 83 Each programme sets an EMI level. EMI-ready (e.g. Global Sustainability Science): IELTS Academic 6.0 with writing 5.5, TOEFL iBT 83 (tests before 21 January 2026), Cambridge C1 Advanced 169. EMI-advanced (e.g. PPE): IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each skill, TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge 185. IB, European Baccalaureate and several national diplomas with English can give exemption. |
Deadlines
- University College Utrecht Early Round Non-binding Next deadline · In 56 days1 December 2026
Interviews October to February; decisions on or before 15 March. Required for Rosemary Orr Scholarship Fund applicants.
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (selective) Non-binding In ~3 months14 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Application and full application file, including a recommendation form, must be in by this date; a profile test follows in late January.
- Limited-enrolment programmes (Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) Non-binding In ~3 months15 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Enrolment request in Studielink between 1 October 2026 and 15 January 2027. Medicine can only be applied for at one Dutch university per year.
- University College Utrecht Regular Round Non-binding In ~4 months1 February 2027
Interviews January to April; decisions on or before 1 May. Offers must be accepted or declined by 1 May 2027.
- Non-selective bachelor's programmes: non-EU applicants Non-binding In ~6 months1 April 2027
Deadline shown on the Global Sustainability Science page; each programme lists its own deadline.
- Non-selective bachelor's programmes: EU applicants Non-binding In ~7 months1 May 2027
Applicants living in the Netherlands on 1 May must also complete matching.
All deadlines are at 23:59 Central European Time. Utrecht says each programme publishes its own deadline, which depends on whether it is selective or limited-enrolment and whether you need a visa, so check your programme's Application and admission page.
How to apply
Start an enrolment application in Studielink, then upload your documents (passport, school results, English proof and any programme-specific items such as a motivation letter) and pay the one-time 100 euro application fee in OSIRIS Online Application. Limited-enrolment and selective programmes run their own selection; applicants living in the Netherlands on 1 May take part in compulsory matching for non-selective programmes.
What admissions looks for
- A secondary school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO with the specific subjects your programme requires.
- English at the programme's EMI level, from EMI-ready (IELTS 6.0) to EMI-advanced (IELTS 7.0).
- For selective and limited-enrolment programmes, selection that weighs academic performance and other relevant competences, not grades alone.
- At University College Utrecht, a holistic review of grades, a statement of academic motivation, extracurricular activities, recommendations and an interview.
Tips for applying to UU
- 1 Check whether your programme is selective or limited-enrolment: meeting the entry requirements is not enough there, and the deadline is mid-January rather than spring.
- 2 If you are aiming for University College Utrecht, apply by the 1 December early round; UCU says it gives more time to review your file, and early applicants can opt into reconsideration in the regular round.
- 3 Missing a required subject such as Mathematics or Chemistry is a common problem; Utrecht points to private institutes where you can make it up, but non-EU students may face an earlier deadline for any entry exam.
- 4 Start looking for housing as soon as you apply: Utrecht warns that Dutch universities do not own student housing and advises students without housing to reconsider coming.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in EUR
EU students may qualify for Dutch government student finance (DUO), including a tuition fee loan. Utrecht's own bachelor-level aid is limited: a Philosophy, Politics and Economics scholarship programme, the Martijn Zwart Fund for American and Canadian students applying to Dutch Language and Culture, and the Rosemary Orr Scholarship Fund at University College Utrecht (apply in the early round). US and Canadian students can use US federal loans and Canadian student loans.
- 100 euros, paid once and valid for three years
- Application fee
- About 500 to 1,000 euros per month (university estimate)
- Private-room rent in Utrecht
Academics
University College Utrecht (Liberal Arts and Sciences, BA/BSc)
The first university college in the Netherlands (1998): about 230 courses across more than 20 fields, classes averaging 20 students, and double-degree options in Law and Physics.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (BSc)
An English-taught selective programme with a 14 January deadline, EMI-advanced English requirement and its own scholarship scheme.
Global Sustainability Science (BSc)
An English-taught, project-based sustainability degree that expects Mathematics plus two science or economics/geography subjects at school.
Veterinary Medicine (Diergeneeskunde)
A Dutch-taught limited-enrolment programme with 225 places and more than 1,000 applications a year.
Medicine (Geneeskunde)
A Dutch-taught limited-enrolment programme with 297 places; applicants may apply to Medicine at only one Dutch university per year.
Research
- Research is organised around four strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability.
- Utrecht professor Gerard 't Hooft shared the 1999 Nobel Prize in Physics with his thesis advisor Martinus Veltman for elucidating the quantum structure of electroweak interactions; the university lists 12 Nobel laureates in all.
- The university publishes over 9,000 papers and awards over 640 doctorates a year.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Geosciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- University College Utrecht
- University College Roosevelt (Middelburg)
Student life
Student life in Utrecht is split between the historic city centre, home to the Academiegebouw on Domplein, and the Utrecht Science Park campus. There are about 150 student organisations, from study associations that run lectures and trips to societies built around sport, religion, music or culture, plus groups aimed at international students. University College Utrecht is the exception to the city's do-it-yourself housing culture: it is a small residential college with nearly 70 nationalities. Everyone else rents privately, usually a room in a shared house.
- About 150 student organisations, including study associations for most degree programmes.
- University College Utrecht: around 750 students from nearly 70 countries on a residential campus.
- 5,400+ international students from 122 countries across the university.
- Academic traditions such as the Dies Natalis (the university's birthday) and the formal opening of the academic year.
Housing. Utrecht does not own student housing; students find rooms on the private market (about 500 to 1,000 euros a month for a room), and the university advises anyone without housing before the start to reconsider coming.
Location
Utrecht is a compact, canal-lined city in the centre of the Netherlands, with the Dom Tower at its heart. The Netherlands is small and well connected by public transport, and many students live in towns around Utrecht. Cycling is the normal way to get between the old centre and Utrecht Science Park. Housing is the main difficulty: the university warns that student rooms are scarce and in high demand, especially in the first months of the academic year.
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Notable alumni
- G' Gerard 't HooftTheoretical physicist, 1999 Nobel Prize in Physics; studied and worked at Utrecht
- TK Tjalling KoopmansEconomist, 1975 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences; began his studies in mathematics and physics at Utrecht
- RB Rutger BregmanHistorian and author of Humankind; BA in history from Utrecht
- BM Benjamin MoserWriter, 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Biography; MA and PhD from Utrecht
- AM Anna Maria van Schurman17th-century classicist and painter; studied at the University of Utrecht
- JB James BoswellAuthor of the Life of Samuel Johnson; studied law at Utrecht in 1763-64
- FW Frans de WaalPrimatologist and author; doctorate in biology from Utrecht (1977)
Frequently asked questions
What is the application deadline for Utrecht University in 2027?
It depends on the programme: 15 January 2027 for limited-enrolment programmes such as Medicine and Psychology, 14 January for PPE, 1 December 2026 or 1 February 2027 for University College Utrecht, and usually 1 April (non-EU) or 1 May (EU) for non-selective programmes.
How much does Utrecht University cost for international students?
For 2027-28, non-EU students pay institutional fees from 15,100 euros (most humanities, social science and law bachelors) to 29,400 euros (Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine). EU/EEA students pay the statutory fee of 2,771 euros for most programmes.
How many bachelor's programmes at Utrecht are taught in English?
12 of Utrecht's 54 bachelor's programmes are taught in English, including University College Utrecht, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and Global Sustainability Science.
Is University College Utrecht hard to get into?
UCU receives around 1,100 applications for 250 places and reviews each file holistically, looking at grades, motivation, activities and recommendations; selected applicants are interviewed online.
Does Utrecht University provide student housing?
No. Dutch universities do not own student housing, so you must find a room yourself, and Utrecht warns the market is very tight. University College Utrecht is residential.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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