Why choose Groningen?

The University of Groningen provides top-quality educational programmes. We offer a wide variety of interesting, highly regarded degree programmes that rank well internationally. As our student, you will receive high-quality supervision and have many programmes to choose from. As an exceptionally motivated and talented student, you could join our Honours College for an extra challenge. Groningen is among the top research universities in Europe. The University carries out ground-breaking and socially relevant research, building bridges between disciplines. Our research concentrates on three main focus areas– Energy, Healthy Ageing and Sustainable Society. With these themes, the University is looking to bridge the gap between science and society. As our student, you will contribute to our top-notch research. Groningen is a vibrant student city. Its population has the lowest average age in the Netherlands; one in four inhabitants is a student. Students can be seen everywhere: studying in the Noorderplantsoen park, enjoying the nightlife and working various part-time jobs. Groningen is also a safe and green city to live in, with the quiet countryside a short bike-ride away. #NothingTopsGroningen The University of Groningen has a rich history and an excellent reputation. Many very talented people in a variety of disciplines have studied or worked at the university during the 400 years of its existence, including four Nobel Prize winners, the first female University student in the Netherlands, the first female lecturer, the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Bank. Groningen hosts unique festivals, including Noorderzon in the Noorderplantsoen park and music festival Eurosonic Noorderslag. There are many museums, such as the Groninger Museum with its fine contemporary exhibitions. The Stadsschouwburg (city theatre) is 133 years old and it’s one of the oldest and best-looking theatres in the Netherlands. The many theatres, cinemas and performance venues cater for all tastes, whether you prefer to watch or want to join in!

"Throughout my bachelor, I discovered the cultural opportunities and liveliness that only a city with 25% student population can offer" Groningen and its university offer facilities for development and talent. As our student, you will be able to fully develop your abilities and make a contribution to research and society. Your professors and teachers will be there to guide you every step of the way. You can also visit our Career’s Centre for advice. Groningen is the place to be after you have graduated; you can find employment at the University or in one of the many companies in the City of Talent! The University of Groningen has strong international connections, which means that you can easily spend part of your degree studying abroad. The University also offers several unique international Master’s degree programmes in cooperation with other large European universities. Groningen is located in the centre of Europe with Paris, London and Copenhagen just a few hours away. Share your travels with us: #MyUGStory. Our University is known for its large international community. More than 4000 international students study in Groningen annually from over 120 countries. More than 180 of our degrees are taught in English. Living in Groningen without speaking Dutch is not a problem; you will be able to order food, shop for clothes and even take sports classes in English. Our Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is Europe’s largest ESN sections that facilitate all international students in Groningen. ESN organizes around 150 activities per year, such as introduction week and biking lessons! Our University Sports Centre the ACLO is the biggest university sports centre in the Netherlands. Whether you want to try out for a team, go to an occasional Zumba class or try out rock-climbing, the ACLO is the place to be. The ACLO offers more than 85 different sports and supports 49 sports clubs. In addition to our sports facilities, the University offers special arrangements for top athletes to adapt their study programme to their athletic programme. Groningen is a vibrant and young city with many hotspots. You can get fresh produce, meat and cheese three days a week at the "Vismarkt" in the middle of town. Go to the "Kijk in 't Jatstraat" next to our Harmony Building for a healthy lunch with fellow students. Like to shop? Visit the Zwanestraat: the best shopping street in the Netherlands. Or meet your friends at one of Groningen's many pubs. The city of Groningen is your campus!