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Founded in 1614 — A Global Leader in Research, Innovation, and Academic Excellence
The University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen / RUG) is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, located in the vibrant student city of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands.
With over 410 years of academic tradition, RUG is internationally recognized for its high-quality research, innovative teaching, and strong global orientation. It ranks consistently among the top 100 universities worldwide and is part of the prestigious Cofimbria and LERU (League of European Research Universities) networks.
Offering over 180 English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, RUG attracts more than 37,000 students from 120+ countries, making it one of the most international universities in the Netherlands.
🌍 Why Choose the University of Groningen?
🏛 Founded in 1614 — one of the oldest and top-ranked research universities in Europe.
🌐 180+ English-taught programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.
💶 Affordable tuition compared to other top-tier European universities.
🔬 World-leading research in energy, artificial intelligence, medicine, and sustainability.
🧑🎓 37,000+ students from over 120 nationalities; one of Europe’s most international campuses.
🏙 Groningen — voted the best student city in the Netherlands, known for its safety, culture, and student-friendly lifestyle.
🏫 Academic Structure
The University of Groningen has 11 faculties covering a wide spectrum of disciplines — from humanities to medical sciences and engineering.
| Faculty / Department Group | Example Faculties / Departments | Fields of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | Faculty of Arts (Languages, History, Culture) | History, Languages, Culture Studies, Communication, European Studies |
| Social & Behavioural Sciences | Faculty of Behavioural & Social Sciences; International Relations | Sociology, Psychology, International Relations, Political Science |
| Economics & Business | Faculty of Economics & Business | Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management |
| Law | Faculty of Law | Law, International Law, European Law, Criminology |
| Science & Engineering | Faculty of Science & Engineering | Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence |
| Medical Sciences | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy |
💶 Tuition Fees for International Students (2025–26)
Tuition at the University of Groningen depends on nationality (EU/EEA vs. non-EU/EEA) and program type.
| Category / Programme Type | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU/EEA Students (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | €2,601 per year | €5,157 – €12,000 per year |
| Social Sciences & Behavioural Sciences | €2,601 per year | €13,500 per year |
| Economics & Business | €2,601 per year | €13,500 per year |
| Law (LLM / Advanced Master’s) | €2,601 per year | Up to €22,200 per year |
| Science & Engineering | €2,601 per year | €15,000 – €19,800 per year |
| Medicine / Dentistry | €2,601 per year | Up to €32,000 per year |
💡 Tuition varies by degree level and program type. Students can pay fees in multiple installments.
🎓 Scholarships & Financial Aid
| Scholarship / Grant Name | Eligibility / Target Group | Amount / Benefits | Details / Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Groningen Talent Grant | Non-EU/EEA Master’s students | Up to €12,000 | Based on academic excellence and motivation. (rug.nl) |
| Groningen Excellence Scholarship | Outstanding international Master’s students | Full or partial tuition coverage | Highly competitive merit award. (rug.nl) |
| NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) | Non-EU/EEA students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s | €5,000 one-time grant | Funded by Dutch Ministry of Education. (studyinholland.nl) |
| Eric Bleumink Fund | Excellent students from developing countries | Full tuition + living expenses | Covers entire study duration. (rug.nl) |
| Faculty-specific Talent Grants | Students in Arts, Science, Law, or Business | Variable | Departmental scholarships for high-achievers. (rug.nl) |
| Erasmus+ Grants | EU & non-EU students on exchange | Variable | Support for study or internship abroad. (rug.nl) |
🔬 Research & Innovation
The University of Groningen is a research-intensive university, leading major global initiatives in collaboration with governments, industries, and research institutions.
Key research areas include:
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Sustainable Energy & Climate Studies
Biomedical & Life Sciences
Astronomy & Space Research (Kapteyn Institute)
Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
RUG hosts numerous interdisciplinary research centers, such as the Energy Academy Europe and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), one of the Netherlands’ largest medical research facilities.
🏡 Student Life in Groningen
Groningen is a vibrant university city where nearly one-third of residents are students. The city offers a dynamic, international, and youthful atmosphere — with bicycles outnumbering people!
Students enjoy:
✅ Affordable living and housing options compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht
✅ Safe and compact city with 24/7 student life
✅ International student associations and cultural festivals
✅ Excellent public transport and English-friendly environment
✅ Lively cafés, music venues, and historical landmarks
🛫 Admission & Application
Applications are submitted via Studielink (the Dutch national application portal) and the University of Groningen admissions platform.
General Requirements:
High school or bachelor’s degree (depending on level)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 90)
Academic transcripts and diploma
Motivation letter and CV (for most programs)
Recommendation letters (for selective programs)
Application Deadlines:
October – April: For most Bachelor’s & Master’s programs (September intake)
December – February: For scholarship consideration (varies by grant)
📞 Need Assistance Applying?
Our expert advisors offer personalized guidance for your application to the University of Groningen — including program selection, document preparation, visa support, and housing arrangements.
Join one of Europe’s top research universities and experience life in the Netherlands’ ultimate student city —
Study at the University of Groningen (RUG)!
