Discover
University Colleges
in the Netherlands
Small-scale, interdisciplinary
Liberal Arts & Sciences programmes
at Dutch research universities
Is a university college right for you?
A University College could be a good fit if you:
- enjoy exploring questions and ideas from different academic disciplines rather than focusing on just one subject;
- enjoy active learning through small-scale classes, discussions, and close interaction with lecturers and fellow students;
- are looking for an international learning environment with students from different countries and backgrounds;
- are curious, academically motivated and looking for a challenging honours-level bachelor’s programme.
What is a University College?
Learn about Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Dutch University College model.
Discover the Colleges
Explore all Dutch University Colleges and what makes each one unique.
Or watch our 2.5 minute video that explains everything you need to know about the University Colleges in the Netherlands.
Or watch our 2.5 minute video that explains everything you need to know about the University Colleges in the Netherlands. In Dutch!
What is a University College?
University Colleges are small-scale Liberal Arts & Sciences honours bachelor’s programmes offered by Dutch research universities. They combine academic depth with the flexibility to explore different disciplines before choosing a specialisation.
The first University Colleges were established in the Netherlands in 1998, inspired by Liberal Arts & Sciences education in the United States and the collegiate tradition of universities such as Oxford. Their aim was to offer a broad, interdisciplinary education within a close-knit academic community.
At a University College, students learn to approach complex questions from different perspectives. Rather than studying a single subject from day one, they combine courses in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, developing both specialist knowledge and broader academic skills.
A defining characteristic of University Colleges is their small-scale and international learning environment. Students work closely with lecturers and classmates from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Many University Colleges also offer residential campuses, where students live and learn together, while others are located in cities where students find housing independently.
Is a University College right for you?
University Colleges are designed for highly motivated students who are interested in a wide range of subjects, and do not want to limit themselves to the perspective of one academic discipline. They are academically strong, intellectually curious and intrinsically motivated. Our students have a desire for both intellectual challenge and personal growth and are interested in getting socially involved and contributing to the student community. University College students are open-minded and excited to join a community of international peers and learn from exchanges with various cultures.
In short: are you a multi-talented student who finds education in a single discipline a bit too narrow? Would you like to shape your own study experience, and make a difference in the world? Then Liberal Arts and Sciences at one of the University Colleges in the Netherlands might be the right choice for you!
picture: © Boaz Timmermans/Fos Fotografie for University College Roosevelt
What can you do after a University College?
A University College degree prepares you for a wide range of futures. Because Liberal Arts & Sciences programmes combine academic breadth with specialised knowledge, graduates continue into many different master’s programmes, professional fields and career paths.
Rather than training students for one specific profession, University Colleges develop the ability to analyse complex problems, communicate clearly, work across disciplines and adapt to new challenges. These skills are valued in many sectors, from research and education to business, government, healthcare, media and the creative industries.
Continue your studies
Most University College graduates continue their education with a specialised master’s programme in the Netherlands or abroad. The flexibility of the Liberal Arts & Sciences curriculum allows students to build a strong academic foundation while preparing for their future field of interest.
Graduates have continued into master’s programmes in areas such as:
- law and public policy;
- medicine and health sciences;
- social sciences and psychology;
- economics and business;
- natural sciences and technology;
- arts, humanities and communication;
- research and interdisciplinary programmes.
A University College bachelor’s degree does not automatically guarantee admission to a specific master’s programme. As with any bachelor’s degree, each university sets its own admission requirements. Students are encouraged to explore their options early and work with academic advisors to choose courses that support their future plans.
Enter the job market
Alumni work in many different fields, including consultancy, public service, journalism, entrepreneurship, research, education, healthcare and the creative sector.
Employers value University College graduates for their ability to:
- approach challenges from multiple perspectives;
- analyse and communicate complex ideas;
- collaborate with people from different backgrounds;
- learn quickly and adapt to changing environments.
What do previous alumni surveys show?
A Liberal Arts & Sciences education opens many possibilities after graduation:
- 89% of alumni continue with postgraduate education.
- 30% of alumni enrol in a master’s programme at one of the world’s top 100 universities (Times Higher Education ranking).
- 72% of alumni are accepted into their first-choice programme.
- 11% of alumni enter the labour market directly after their bachelor’s degree, often including entrepreneurial pathways.
Source: Liberal Arts and Sciences programmes alumni survey factsheet (2017), Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).
How to Apply?
University Colleges are honours programmes with a selective admissions process. The application looks beyond grades alone: colleges consider both your academic potential and how well the programme fits your interests, ambitions and learning style. In your application, we will ask you to upload a grade transcript and motivation letter. In some cases, you may be asked to submit a recommendation letter or essay, and take part in an interview.
You are eligible to apply for a Liberal Arts and Sciences programme with a Dutch VWO-diploma or an international equivalent, such as an IB diploma, British A-levels, or the French Baccalauréat. All VWO-profiles are accepted. Some University Colleges may have specific grade requirements for mathematics, English or other subjects.
The application deadlines are usually much earlier than other Dutch bachelor’s programmes. Please check the admissions requirements, deadlines and further details about each University College by clicking on the menu items above.
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