The Northern Dutch Education and Research Sector
Excellent quality, great options, unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a research-focused university or a university of applied sciences, you’re bound to find an institution that matches your needs in the North. With their strong focus on internationalisation and practical learning, these institutions offer quality education options for locals and expats alike.
If you’re looking for quality education options for yourself or your children, the North of the Netherlands offers several top-notch institutions to choose from.
It’s helpful to remember that Dutch universities can be broadly categorised into two groups: research universities (with strong emphasis on research and academic skills) and universities of applied sciences (a more hands-on approach geared to prepare students for the workplace).
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG)
The first educational institution to come up on your radar is likely to be the RUG, a public research university in Groningen. It was founded in 1614 and is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. The university is well-known for its research in various fields, including the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. RUG has a strong international community and offers a variety of English-taught programs.
Furthermore, the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is affiliated with the RUG. It's key research areas comprise of public health, the biology of ageing, transplantation, and cancer treatment among others. Other key RUG research institutes are the New Energy Academy, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, and the Kapteyn Institute.
Hanze University of Applied Sciences
The Hanze University of Applied Sciences is also located in Groningen and is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The university offers over 60 English-taught programs in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and business. Hanze has a strong focus on practical learning and has a large network of international partners.
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Around 60 kilometres to the West in Leeuwarden lies the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. This university has a strong focus on practical learning and has partnerships with companies and organisations in various industries. NHL Stenden offers programs in fields such as hospitality management, tourism, and business administration.
Whether you’re looking for a research-focused university or a university of applied sciences, you’re bound to find an institution that matches your needs in the North. With their strong focus on internationalisation and practical learning, these institutions offer quality education options for locals and expats alike.
