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;
Watch our 2.5 minute video that explains everything you need to know about the University Colleges in the Netherlands.
Also available in Dutch
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.
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.
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