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NETHERLANDS · GRONINGEN

University of Groningen

public · Founded 1614 · Languages: en, nl

In short

The University of Groningen, established in 1614, is a respected research university offering over 200 English-taught programs to a diverse international student body. It is located in the vibrant and affordable student city of Groningen.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1614
Students: 34,000
International students: 7,000
Acceptance rate: 20%
Tuition (intl): €10–16k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Groningen, Netherlands

The University of Groningen (RUG) is one of the Netherlands' oldest and most internationally respected research universities, established in 1614. With eleven faculties, over 34,000 students from 120+ nationalities, and strong ties to industry and government, RUG conducts research on energy, sustainability, and public health that shapes policy and practice worldwide. The vibrant city of Groningen — where students make up nearly a quarter of the population — provides an exceptional setting for study and campus life.

Why study here

One of Europe's top 200 universities with a 400-year heritage of academic excellence and Nobel Prize-winning alumni.
Over 200 English-taught programmes at Bachelor and Master level, welcoming students from 120+ countries.
Faculty of Economics and Business holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation — a global top-1% distinction.
Located in Groningen, repeatedly ranked the best student city in the Netherlands for quality of life and affordability.
Internationally competitive NL Scholarship (€5,000) and other merit awards available to non-EEA students.

Student life

The University of Groningen is located in Groningen, a city celebrated for its vibrant student life. With a significant portion of its population being students, Groningen offers a lively atmosphere with numerous social, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The university itself fosters a diverse community, with students from over 120 nationalities creating a rich international environment. Students can engage in various activities, student organizations, and events, making their university experience dynamic and enriching. The city provides a welcoming backdrop for academic pursuits and personal development, with many resources available for student support and well-being.

Fees

InternationalMaster's tuition fees for non-EEA students typically range between €10,000 and €16,000 per year depending on the programme. Bachelor's degree fees for non-EEA students are similar or slightly lower.

HomeThe statutory tuition fee for EU/EEA students is approximately €2,530 per year for most Bachelor's and Master's programmes (2024/2025 academic year).

LivingLiving costs in Groningen are among the lowest of any major Dutch city, typically €800–€1,100 per month including rent, food, transport and personal expenses.

Tuition fees are subject to change annually. It is important for prospective students to consult the official university website for the most up-to-date and specific fee information for their chosen programme and nationality.

Admissions

Bachelor's programmesApply via Studielink; matching procedure compulsory for some faculties. Application deadline May 1 for most programmes.

Master's programmesApply via the university's online application portal; deadlines vary by programme (typically February–May for September start).

International applicantsNon-Dutch secondary or higher education credentials assessed by the Admissions Office; certified English translations of documents required.

IELTS Academic6.5 overall (most programmes); 7.0 for some competitive Master's

TOEFL iBT90+ (most programmes)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2025151

Times Higher Education 2025151-175

ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2024101-150

University scholarships

NL Scholarship€5,000 (first year of Master's)

Groningen Excellence Scholarship (GES)Full tuition + €1,000 monthly stipend (selected programmes)

Holland Scholarship€5,000 (Dutch government, non-EEA students)

Accreditation

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) holds international accreditations from AACSB and EQUIS, a distinction achieved by only 1% of universities worldwide, ensuring a high-quality education. The university holds institutional accreditation from the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO).

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

The one-year MSc Finance program at the University of Groningen offers a deep dive into the world of finance, focusing on corporate and sustainable finance, asset management, and investment decision-making. You will analyze and evaluate complex financial problems faced by companies and institutions. The program emphasizes tailoring your learning through specialized profiles and gaining cutting-edge competencies in areas like data science, AI, and sustainability. Real-life assignments and business cases connect theory with practice and offer opportunities to network with potential employers.

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 is the University of Groningen's global ranking?

The University of Groningen is recognized globally, ranking 151st in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and within the 151-175 band in the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings. It is also placed between 101-150 in the ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2024.

How many English-taught programs are available at the University of Groningen?

The University of Groningen offers over 200 English-taught programmes at both Bachelor and Master levels. These programs welcome students from more than 120 countries.

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?

For non-EEA students, Master's tuition fees typically range between €10,000 and €16,000 per year, while Bachelor's fees are similar or slightly lower. The statutory tuition fee for EU/EEA students is approximately €2,530 per year for most programs (2024/2025).

What are the living costs like in Groningen?

Living costs in Groningen are among the lowest of any major Dutch city. Students can expect to spend approximately €800–€1,100 per month, which includes rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Does the University of Groningen offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the university offers several scholarships for international students, including the NL Scholarship (€5,000 for the first year of a Master's), the Groningen Excellence Scholarship (GES) for selected programs, and the Holland Scholarship (€5,000 for non-EEA students).

Last updated 3 July 2026