NETHERLANDS · NIJMEGEN

Radboud University

public · Founded 1923 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, offers research-focused Bachelor's and Master's programmes on a green campus. It is known for its Donders Institute and commitment to Open Science, with scholarships available to reduce international tuition fees.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1923
Students: 19,137
International students: 4,500
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €3–18k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands

For international students

Netherlands

Student visa & funds

Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.

Working while you study

Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.

After you graduate

After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100

Main intakes

SeptemberFebruary

Typical living cost

€1,200/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIND — Fees and required amounts for 2026 · Erasmus University Rotterdam — Working as a non-EU/EEA student · IND — Residence permit for orientation year · Study in NL — Admission requirements · StudyPath — Cost of living in the Netherlands (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Radboud University · Netherlands

Artificial Intelligence

This Bachelor's program in Artificial Intelligence focuses on understanding and simulating the human brain to create smarter computers and robots. It's an interdisciplinary field that combines insights from human cognition, psychology, neuroscience, logic, linguistics, mathematics, and computer science. You'll learn how the human brain works to better model artificial intelligence, and conversely, use computer models to understand the human brain. Programming is taught from the beginning at a manageable pace. The program offers opportunities to personalize your studies through elective courses and potentially complete part of your degree abroad. You'll be supported by a dedicated student mentor in your first year.

Radboud University · Netherlands

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program at Radboud University offers a comprehensive education combining a strong theoretical foundation with extensive hands-on laboratory training. You will delve into the molecular world, studying chemical processes at the atomic and molecular level to understand and manipulate materials. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, bridging chemistry with other scientific fields, and provides access to unique, high-tech research facilities. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with personal contact and approachable lecturers.

Radboud University · Netherlands

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program at Radboud University equips students with strong analytical thinking skills to tackle complex problems. This program emphasizes the art of abstract and logical thinking, enabling graduates to view reality with a sharp, analytical perspective. Through mathematical models, students learn to identify and address concrete societal issues, as well as solve practical questions from business or medical contexts. The curriculum provides a foundational introduction in the first year, followed by progressively deeper exploration of mathematical concepts, with opportunities for personalization through elective courses in areas of interest.

Radboud University · Netherlands

BSc Computing Science

The Computing Science Bachelor's programme at Radboud University offers a comprehensive education in the principles of computer science. While programming is a part of it, the curriculum delves deeper into understanding how software functions, how information is represented digitally, and the underlying mathematical and logical foundations. You will explore the implementation of these concepts in hardware, digital networks, and learn about applying cyber security to protect IT systems. The program aims to equip students with a broad understanding of computer science, from theoretical mathematics to practical hardware application.

Radboud University · Netherlands

Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience Research

The Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience Research at Radboud University offers a deep dive into the neural and cognitive underpinnings of mental processes such as perception, language, and memory. This program is situated within the prestigious Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, a world-renowned center with extensive research staff and state-of-the-art facilities. Nijmegen is recognized as a global hub for cognitive neuroscience research. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical research experience, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests through various tracks, skill training, and elective courses. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment for brain imaging techniques like EEG, fMRI, and MEG, fostering a comprehensive understanding of brain function from molecular to whole-brain levels.

Radboud University · Netherlands

Master of Science in Neurobiology

This English-taught Master of Science in Neurobiology is a two-year, full-time program focused on research within one of Europe's largest neuroscience institutes, the Donders Institute. The curriculum spans from cellular and molecular processes to cognitive and behavioural aspects of the brain, utilizing a wide range of techniques from experimental methods to computational modeling and machine learning. The program is designed to be flexible and tailored to individual student needs, fostering interdisciplinary understanding necessary for collaborative research teams.

Scholarships

for Netherlands

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Rubicon Programme

For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.

Nuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships

Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.

University of Groningen

Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship

Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.

Maastricht University

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Radboud University?

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Tuition fees for international (non-EU/EEA) Master's students can be up to €18,000 per year. However, the Radboud Scholarship Programme can reduce this significantly to €2,694 annually.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

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Yes, the Radboud Scholarship Programme is available for international Master's students, reducing tuition fees and covering costs for visa, residence permit, and health insurance. The Holland Scholarship offers a one-time €5,000 for non-EEA students.

What are the English language requirements for Master's programmes?

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For most Master's programmes, an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall is required, with individual programmes potentially needing higher. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 90 is generally needed.

What is the Donders Institute and why is it significant?

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The Donders Institute is a world-class research network at Radboud University, focusing on brain, cognition, and behaviour. It is home to the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and is a key reason to study at the university.

What are the estimated living costs in Nijmegen?

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Monthly living costs in Nijmegen, including accommodation, food, transport, and insurance, are approximately €900–1,100.

Radboud University

Why study here

Student life

For international students