NETHERLANDS · MIDDELBURG
Roosevelt Academy University College
public · Founded 2004 · Languages: English
In short
University College Roosevelt (UCR) in Middelburg, Netherlands, offers an English-taught, American-style liberal arts education affiliated with Utrecht University. It provides small class sizes, a residential college experience, and a personalized degree program for students from over 50 countries.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2004
- Students
- 600
- International students
- 350
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–13k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Middelburg, Netherlands
University College Roosevelt (UCR) is an English-taught honours liberal arts and science college in Middelburg, Netherlands, affiliated with Utrecht University. Founded in 2004, UCR is the only university in Zeeland and one of the Netherlands' most distinctive institutions, enrolling approximately 600 students from over 50 countries. The American-style liberal arts curriculum allows students to design their own degree from 200+ courses across humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with tiny class sizes of 12–18 enabling deep academic dialogue. Degrees are awarded by Utrecht University.
Why study here
- True liberal arts education: build a personalised degree from 200+ courses across all disciplines, building breadth before depth.
- Ultra-small class sizes (avg. 12–18 students) guarantee close relationships with internationally active faculty.
- Fully residential college: the tight-knit campus community in historic Middelburg is UCR's defining strength.
- Degree conferred by Utrecht University, a global top-100 institution — internationally recognised wherever you go.
- Highly international: students from 50+ countries create one of the most diverse campuses in the Netherlands.
Student life
UCR's residential model means campus life is the heartbeat of the experience. All students live on or immediately next to campus, socialising, studying, and collaborating in an environment that blurs the line between academic and personal growth. Student associations, cultural events, sports, and debate societies enrich life in Middelburg. The small-city setting is safe and historic, while Rotterdam and Ghent are easy day-trip destinations.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU students: approx. €12,600/year tuition (2024-25). Additional housing costs: approx. €4,500–€6,000/year.
HomeEU/EEA students: approx. €2,530/year (Dutch statutory tuition fee 2024-25).
LivingMiddelburg is very affordable by Dutch standards: approx. €800–€1,100/month for accommodation, food, and local transport.
UCR offers scholarships for outstanding non-EU students. Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship may be applicable.
Admissions
Secondary school qualificationDutch VWO, IB Diploma (typically 30+ points), A-Levels (typically ABB+), or equivalent.
Application essay and motivation letterRequired; UCR places strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and fit with the liberal arts model.
InterviewShortlisted applicants are invited for an in-person or online interview.
Numerus fixusUCR has a limited enrolment cap; competitive selection applies.
IELTS Academic7.0 overall (6.5 in each component)
TOEFL iBT100 overall
Rankings
Keuzegids Universities 2024 (Netherlands)Top-rated liberal arts programme in the Netherlands
University scholarships
UCR Excellence ScholarshipUp to €10,000/year for outstanding non-EU applicants
Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship (UU-ES)€10,000–full tuition for top international master's and bachelor's students
Accreditation
UCR is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Degrees are awarded by Utrecht University, which holds NVAO institutional accreditation and is ranked in the global top 100 by QS and Times Higher Education.
For international students
NetherlandsStudent 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.
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch 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.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht 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.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht 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.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft 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).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is University College Roosevelt (UCR)?
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University College Roosevelt (UCR) is an English-taught honours liberal arts and science college in Middelburg, Netherlands, affiliated with Utrecht University. It offers a unique American-style liberal arts curriculum where students can design their own degree from over 200 courses.
What are the tuition fees for international students at UCR?
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Non-EU students can expect tuition fees of approximately €12,600 per year for 2024-25. Additional housing costs are estimated between €4,500–€6,000 per year.
What are the living costs in Middelburg for students?
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Middelburg is considered very affordable by Dutch standards, with estimated monthly living costs for accommodation, food, and local transport ranging from €800 to €1,100.
Does UCR offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, UCR offers scholarships for outstanding non-EU students, including the UCR Excellence Scholarship of up to €10,000 per year. The Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship may also be applicable.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
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For admission, applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall (with 6.5 in each component) or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall.
What academic qualifications are required for admission?
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Required qualifications include a Dutch VWO, IB Diploma (typically 30+ points), A-Levels (typically ABB+), or an equivalent secondary school qualification. A competitive selection process applies due to limited enrolment.
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