13 best universities in the Netherlands in 2026

A leading research university in the heart of Amsterdam, heir to the 1632 Athenaeum Illustre: humanities, social sciences, economics and health.

The Netherlands' oldest and largest technical university, founded in 1842: world-class engineering, architecture, aerospace and innovation in Delft.

The largest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1636 in Utrecht: top research, a broad disciplinary range and renowned international colleges.

Founded in 1575, the Netherlands' oldest university combines centuries of scholarship with strengths in law, humanities, medicine and international studies.

A world-leading university for food, agriculture and the environment, located in Wageningen, the heart of the Dutch life-sciences cluster.

The Netherlands' second-oldest university, founded in 1614: a broad, research-intensive community of 36,000 students in vibrant student city Groningen.

A Rotterdam research university named after Erasmus, world-renowned for economics, management, medicine and law, in Europe's largest port city.

A public research university on Amsterdam's modern Zuidas campus, founded in 1880 as a 'free' university, with a broad disciplinary range and social commitment.

A leading Dutch research university in Nijmegen, known for its green campus, close personal guidance and strong record in health, science and social sciences.

A leading technical university in Eindhoven's Brainport region: advanced engineering, data science and close ties with high-tech industry.

The Netherlands' most international university, based in Maastricht and renowned for Problem-Based Learning and strong programmes in health, law and economics.

A research university in Enschede with the Netherlands' only true campus: technology, entrepreneurship and people-centred social science under one roof.

A research university specialised in the social and human sciences: economics, law, psychology, sociology and theology.