History
Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities. We are recognised internationally for our high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching.
Education
Innovative, high-quality and future-proof: these qualities typify the education offered by Utrecht University. For years Utrecht University has been at the forefront of educational innovation and it creates challenging programmes for groups of extra-talented and motivated students, in order to meet the international need for outstanding graduates. This is illustrated in a number of Utrecht initiatives, such as University College Utrecht and Utrecht Law College. The university is constantly working on creating even better education, with inspiring lecturers and ambitious students.
Research
Utrecht University focuses its research on four strategic themes:Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability.
These four strategic research themes direct Utrecht University towards important contributions to societal issues such as health, governance, climate, environment and upbringing.
Utrecht University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #56 Ranking
- 19 PhDs
- 26 Scholarships
- 1,855 Academic Staff
- 33,569 Students
- 3,693 Students (int'l)
- 19,806 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Utrecht University Overview
Utrecht University Scholarships
Utrecht University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Utrecht University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Utrecht University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 0.9% Netherlands
Top 1.2% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
56
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Dropped 1 places compared to 2024
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 55 | 56 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
103
By TopUniversities
Climbed 2 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 107 | 105 | 103 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
Together, Utrecht University and the city of Utrecht create a comfortable environment for students to study in. Utrecht has a bustling student community, which offers plenty of opportunity for extracurricular activities. There are many different student organisations and societies in Utrecht.
Utrecht University has its own cultural centre -Parnassos- which provides you with plenty of opportunities to explore your talents via the performing arts and creative workshops.
Utrecht Science Park also provides you with excellent sports facilities at Olympos
Housing services
Utrecht is one of the most popular university cities in the Netherlands. Because of this, the demand for student housing is extremely high, especially during the first months of the academic year. It is not uncommon for Dutch and international students to search for several months and move from one temporary place to another before they find accommodation. Arranging accommodation can demand a lot of time and effort for Dutch and international students. For this reason, finding a place to stay is one of the first things that need to be arranged when you are planning to study in Utrecht. Unfortunately, Utrecht University cannot guarantee housing.
Library services
The University Library offers you easy access to a wide range of information. With your smartphone, you can order a book from the mobile site or find an available computer. You can also create your own reference library, geared to your programme of study and your personal tastes. For many students, the library is also an ideal spot for quiet study.
ICT services
Utrecht University believes in making the best modern technology available to support your studies, so you can:
- use email, chat and calendar integration with Google Apps (7GB free storage)
- use the electronic learning environment Blackboard
- find all your study information (schedules, room numbers, etc.) through the Osiris Online information system
Medical services
Of course we hope that your stay in the Netherlands will be without any problems regarding your health or safety. And most likely this will be the case. However, should you need any medical assistance or emergency services (ambulance, police or fire brigade), here is some useful information.
Campus life
Utrecht University is based at three locations. The University has a number of buildings in Utrecht's historic city centre, where it first originated, in an area officially known as the university quarter. The largest part of the University is located in Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof. The third location is the International Campus on Prins Hendriklaan.
Sports facilities
- The Olympos Sports Centre has facilities for a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports.
- Utrecht University has teamed up with Olympos to create a number of sports facilities at the Utrecht Science Park. There are a challenging boot camp location, two volleyball fields, two football fields and a trail for a 5km endurance run. Sprint distances of 200 and 400 meters are to be added.
- The Basket - On the roof of grand café The Basket (on the corner of Heidelberglaan and Genèvelaan) is a basketball court, which is freely accessible for everyone.
Student clubs
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Centre for Global Challenges, besides its emphasis on interdisciplinarity, is the presence and active participation of students. Various student associations work together in the Student Council. Their task is to advise the Board, to cooperate with another and to organise interesting events for students involved in the various Master’s programmes.
In the Student Council the following six student associations are represented: Aegee Utrecht, CS Ubuntu, SIB-Utrecht, UHSK, URIOS and UUMUN.
Accreditation
University College Utrecht is accredited by the NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders. We have consistently been in the top 5 in Elsevier Magazine’s survey among Dutch institutes of higher education, and are rated positively by our students in the annual National Student Survey (Nationale Studentenenquête or NSE).
Utrecht University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Netherlands Country
Utrecht City
#2 Branch Campus
Netherlands Country
Middelburg City
Utrecht University Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 22 Reviews
- 4 Star 64 Reviews
- 3 Star 10 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 2 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.2
- Admission Process 4.1
- Quality of Student Life 4.2
- Career Development 4.2
Balanced, broad and practical
I study Communication and Information Sciences. The programme gives a lot of freedom in shaping your studies, for example I’m also taking a minor in Work and Organizational Psychology.I really enjoyed being introduced to the many forms of communication across sectors like healthcare, media and IT. That breadth allowed me to choose a specialization in my second year (media, data and society), which was very focused and highly relevant—especially the modules on AI. I learned a lot about manipulation in AI and developed stronger critical-thinking skills.The programme taught me to research thoroughly before making claims and how to communicate most effectively; several courses covered psychological factors that shape how messages are received. Overall it’s an excellent degree that will be useful in many social and professional contexts.One minor criticism: not every course was equally well organized. That seems common in many programmes and often comes down to how you adapt to different teaching styles.
Broad and free
When I started this bachelor I didn´t know what kind of social science I wanted to persue, this bachelor was great to find out what I liked most. I really enjoyed being able to discover multiple disciplines and especially learn to combine these disciplines to find an answer for difficult questions or topics. You learn to see topics from different perspectives in a professional way. The first year you learn the basics of psychology, sociology, anthropology and pedagogical sciences. This way you can learn more about where your interests lie. The second year you can choose courses that fit your interests. The only negative side to this study is that I found some difficulty when finding a Master´s degree that I could follow. For example, it isn´t possible to follow most psychological masters after this bachelor. If your ambition doesn´t lie with therapy and stuff, that shouldn´t be to much of a problem. I did really enjoy this bachelor and would recommend it to anyone who´s not sure about which discipline interests them most!
It is okat, but expected more,
It was informative and useful, but it did not match my qualities and interests I thought beforehand. Better information could be provided on what was required beforehand, and more info about the courses you had to follow.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?