A Different Way to Study in the Netherlands
A Different Approach to University Education
When students think about studying in the Netherlands, they may picture specialised degree programmes at the main research universities. But there are other options as well, such as University Colleges. There are eight university colleges in the Netherlands (listed at the bottom of this blogpost). These programs offer something different: a small-scale, English-taught Liberal Arts & Sciences education that combines academic flexibility with an international campus experience.
University Colleges are honours programmes that are connected to major Dutch research universities, including Utrecht University, Leiden University, and University of Amsterdam. Students design their own curriculum by combining subjects across humanities, social sciences, sciences, and sometimes even engineering.
Classes are small, discussion-based, and highly interactive – a natural transition from EISB’s learning environment.
Which Students Should Consider University Colleges?
These colleges can be a great option for students who:
- have broad academic interests and do not want to specialise too early
- enjoy seminar-style learning rather than large lecture halls
- are internationally minded and value diverse student communities
- want close contact with professors and academic advisors
- are highly motivated and comfortable with an intensive honours-level workload
For ambitious students who are looking for a more personalised and interdisciplinary (not yet specialized) university experience in Western Europe, Dutch University Colleges can be an excellent option.
Note: Different colleges also have different focuses. For example, Leiden University College focuses strongly on global challenges such as sustainability and peace & justice, while Amsterdam University College is known for its broad interdisciplinary structure and strong science offerings. You can check the link at the bottom to read more about the different university colleges and the focus of their program.
Student Housing
A major challenge for international students in the Netherlands is finding housing. In many Dutch cities, student accommodation is limited and highly competitive. This is where some University Colleges stand out: several offer guaranteed housing for first-year students, often in shared residence buildings connected to the college community. This can be a huge advantage for students who want to study in the Netherlands.
Further information can be found here: https://universitycollege.nl/discover-the-colleges/
