Public Universities in Netherlands
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Looking at admissions to public universities in Netherlands soon? If yes, you would need to shortlist some of the publicly funded universities before applying. Here we will give you all the details around top public universities in Netherlands and why shoudld you study there.
If you plan to apply to government held universities in Netherlands, you can look at the options available. Shortlist Dutch universities based on your interests in a particular course at a certain level. Also check out the overall cost of studying in Netherlands and calculate your living costs too. Upon calculation you will find that these universities are more affordable than any other European country. There are English taught programs available and the Dutch academic excellence is globally recognised. Majority of Netherlands university rankings are competitive and at par with other leading EU universities.
While there is lots to discuss about public universities of Netherlands, here is an article which will give you all information on public universities in Netherlands. So check it out and decide which university suits you the best to start your education in Netherlands.
- What are Public Universities in Netherlands?
- Why Study at Top Public Universities of Netherlands?
- Public Universities in Netherlands Global Ranking 2026
- Studying at Top 5 Public Universities in Netherlands
What are Public Universities in Netherlands?
Public universities in Netherlands are publicly funded institutions held and run by the Dutch government. These universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and are renowned for their quality education along with research. There are multiple benefits of enrolling in government supported universities of Netherlands as international students. If you plan to study in Netherlands soon, try shortlisting some of its publicly funded universities for admission. You will find your preferred courses across its popular intakes of September and February.
What are the Types of Public Universities in Netherlands?
There are two types of public universities Netherlands - research based and applied sciences universities. To know more about them, check out the table below:
| Categories |
Research Universities (Universiteit) |
Universities of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Institutions |
14 (including the Open University) |
41 government-funded institutions |
| Focus |
Theoretical education & research. Prepares students for academic careers and PhD programs. |
Practical application & professional skills. Prepares students for specific careers and the labour market. |
| Typical Degree Duration |
3-year Bachelors or 1-2-year Masters |
4-year Bachelors + internships or 1-2 year Masters |
| Total Enrolled Students |
280,000+ |
400,000+ |
| Tuition Fees (Non-EU/EEA) |
€13,000 to €20,000+ per year (varies widely by program/uni) |
Generally lower than research universities, €6,000 to €12,000+ per year |
| World Rankings |
Highly ranked; several consistently in the global top 100 |
Generally not included in major global research university rankings |
| Examples |
Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam |
Saxion University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden, Hotelschool The Hague |
We will discuss the globally ranked public universities in Netherlands in this article. However, both categories of these Dutch public universities hold great importance for admissions abroad for studemts.
Why Study at Top Public Universities of Netherlands?
You can consider studying at some of the top government funded universities in the Netherlands for the following reasons:
- Dutch higher education system is globally renowned and ranks at #3 as per World Education Rankings 2025.
- Consider government funded universities in Netherlands for English taught research based programs.
- There are ample number of fully funded scholarships available for international students to study in Netherlands.
- Research programs are relatively cheaper at Netherlands's public universities in comparison to its private universities.
- If you plan to settle and get PR in Netherlands you can easily obtain one after graduating from a public university in Netherlands.
Keeping these points in check, make your decision on studying at Dutch public universities.
Public Universities in Netherlands Global Ranking 2026
If global ranking is your criteria to choose public universities in Netherlands for admissions, then here are the top rankers as per QS 2026 World University Rankings below:
| Top Public Universities in Netherlands |
QS - WUR 2026 Ranking |
|---|---|
| #47 |
|
| University of Amsterdam |
#53 |
| Utrecht University |
#103 |
| #119 |
|
| Eindhoven University of Technology |
#140 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam |
#140 |
| #147 |
|
| Wageningen University & Research |
#153 |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
#194 |
| #203 |
Apart from these top ranking public universities in Netherlands, there are a few more. However, these have been ranked consecutively year over year so they are the best options in general.
Studying at Top 5 Public Universities in Netherlands
Based on Netherlands university ranking, here are the top five public universities that you must consider to study in Netherlands. We have elaborated about these public universities for reference:
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is the Netherlands' largest and oldest public technical university, globally renowned for its leadership in engineering, technology, and design. Established in 1842 in the historic city of Delft, the university consistently ranks highly worldwide, offering programs across eight faculties including Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Design. Known for its extensive modern campus and vibrant international community of over 26,000 students, TU Delft focuses on cutting-edge research and innovation, fostering notable student projects like solar racing teams.
| Founded |
January 8, 1842, by King William II |
| Total Student Enrollment |
Approximately 27,000 students (as of 2024) |
| International Students |
6,733+ international students (26% of total population) |
| Faculty Size |
1,300+ faculty members across all academic ranks |
| Academic Structure |
8 faculties, 40 departments, multiple research institutes |
| Program Offerings |
16 Bachelor's programs, 30+ Master's programs |
| Program Language |
All Master's programs are taught in English; 4 English-taught Bachelor's programs |
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a public research university located in Amsterdam. It is also one of the largest and oldest research universities in Europe. The University of Amsterdam ranks among top 100 universities consistently year over year. Also it offers courses in humanities and social sciences which are popularly opted.
| Founded |
1632 (Athenaeum Illustre); became university in 1877 |
| Total Student Enrollment |
44,000+ students, including 3,000+ PhD researchers |
| International Students |
16,000+ international students from 100+ countries |
| Faculty Size |
6,200 employees (teaching, research & support staff) |
| Academic Structure |
7 faculties: Humanities, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Economics & Business, Science, Law, Medicine, Dentistry |
| Program Offerings |
200+ programs (20+ Bachelor's, 170+ Master's programs) |
| Program Language |
Nearly 200 English-taught programs; bilingual (Dutch & English) |
Utrecht University
Utrecht University (UU) is another public research university in the Netherlands. It is recognized as one of Europe's leading academic and research institutions. Established in 1636, Utrecht University is known for its high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching, and has produced 12 Nobel Prize laureates.
| Founded |
March 26, 1636 |
| Total Student Enrollment |
39,008 students (as of 2024), including 600+ PhD candidates |
| International Students |
6,000+ international students from 110+ countries (approximately 15% of total) |
| Faculty Size |
8,929 faculty members and staff (including 650+ professors) |
| Academic Structure |
7 faculties: Humanities, Social & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Economics & Governance, Geosciences, Medicine, Science, and Veterinary Medicine |
| Program Offerings |
58 Bachelor's + 161 Master's programs (of which 10 are English-taught Bachelor's, 90+ are English-taught Master's) |
| Program Language |
Primarily Dutch; 10 Bachelor's and 90+ Master's programs taught entirely in English |
Leiden University
Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange, as a reward for the city of Leiden's resistance against the Spanish siege. It is a world-class public research university known for its rich history, commitment to academic freedom ("Praesidium Libertatis – Bastion of Freedom"), and strong international focus. Leiden University operates across campuses in two cities: the historic city of Leiden and The Hague, the international city of peace and justice.
| Establishment |
Founded February 8, 1575 by William, Prince of Orange (oldest university in the Netherlands) |
| Total Student Enrollment |
30,000-33,000 students, including 3,000+ PhD candidates |
| International Students |
6,000+ international students from 130+ countries |
| Faculty Size |
6,840 staff members (including academic staff from Leiden University Medical Center) |
| Academic Structure |
7 faculties: Archaeology, Governance & Global Affairs, Humanities, Law, Medicine/LUMC, Science, Social & Behavioural Sciences |
| Program Offerings |
47 Bachelor's programs (14 English-taught), 80 Master's programs (70 English-taught) |
| Program Language |
14 English-taught Bachelor's, 70 English-taught Master's programs; bilingual (Dutch & English) |
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a prominent public technical university located in the city of Eindhoven, in the southern Netherlands. Established in 1956, TU/e focuses heavily on engineering science & technology and is noted for its strong collaboration with local industry, particularly within the innovative Brainport region
| Establishment |
Founded on June 23, 1956, by the Dutch government. |
| Total Student Enrollment |
Approximately 13,453 students (as of 2024 data). This includes roughly 8,258 Bachelor's students and 4,889 Master's students. |
| International Students |
Over 4,500 international students, making up about 37% of the total enrollment, from over 100 nationalities. |
| Faculty Size |
The university employs approximately 4,250 FTE staff members in total. |
| Academic Structure |
Organized into nine departments (formerly faculties), including Built Environment, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Applied Physics. |
| Program Offerings |
Offers around 15 Bachelor's programs and over 77 Master's programs, as well as postgraduate PDEng and PhD programs. |
| Program Language |
Most programs are taught in English. Bachelor's and Master's programs have English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5). |
These are some of the popular public universities in Netherlands. If you wish to take admission in one of these affordable universities in Netherlands, you will have to shortlist your courses, universities and check for admission requirements. Based on the intake and deadlines, apply for admissions. The public universities in Netherlands offer lots of opportunities while and after studying, so you never doubt your choice.
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