Finding a study programme
Utrecht Region is home to 29 universities of different shapes and sizes, which offer hundreds of study programmes to 70,000 students from 125 countries. The region provides an inspiring international learning environment with an extensive range of fully English-taught study options covering many fields.
Prospective international students can enrol in one of the numerous English-taught degree programmes or short courses, while for Dutch speakers there are various Dutch-taught programmes. Start with comparing what’s on offer at the universities, colleges and other education providers and take a step closer to your chosen career. And make sure to check the required qualifications for admission.
In this section, we provide an overview of the various educational establishments in Utrecht Region, a study finder tool and information about student organisations.
How does the Dutch education system work?
The Dutch education system comprises secondary vocational education (middelbaarberoepsonderwijs, mbo), higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, hbo), offered at universities of applied sciences, and academic education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, wo), offered at research universities. Universities of applied sciences prepare students for particular professions. They tend to be practice-oriented and lead to bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Programmes at research universities focus more on theoretical aspects of a specific field, prepare students for undertaking independent research and again lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Research universities also offer PhD programmes.
Education providers in Utrecht Region
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Utrecht University
Utrecht University
Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities and is internationally renowned for its high-quality, innovative approach. And at Utrecht University, international students are in good company with around 1500 students representing 118 countries coming each year.
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HU - University of Applied Sciences
HU - University of Applied Sciences
HU University of Applied Sciences is an ambitious and forward-thinking university. Its dynamic approach allows students and professionals to adopt innovative perspectives on global issues.
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Tio Business School
Tio Business School
From business and hospitality, to marketing and real estate, Tio offers a wide range of Dutch and English thought vocational, bachelor and MBA programmes. With small classes, personal attention and a learning by doing approach they offer excellent and entrepreneurial education. Tio has been a distinguished name in private education for over 50 years.
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HKU - University of Arts
HKU - University of Arts
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht offers preparatory courses, bachelor’s and master’s programmes and research degrees in fine art, design, media, game development and interaction design, music, theatre and arts management.
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Nyenrode Business University
Nyenrode Business University
Nyenrode Business University is helping to build a sustainable future and inspires students to grow into responsible leaders. Aside from offering a first-rate learning environment, the university enables students to develop and optimise personal and leadership skills.
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ROC Midden Nederland
ROC Midden Nederland
ROC Midden Nederland offers secondary vocational level programmes and courses in Utrecht, Amersfoort and Nieuwegein.
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TIAS
TIAS
The guiding principle of TIAS is that today’s insights are not tomorrow’s solutions. In addition to teaching theoretical perspectives, TIAS focuses on developing critical, inquisitive students.
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University of Humanistic Studies
University of Humanistic Studies
Located in the heart of the medieval city centre of Utrecht, the University of Humanistic Studies is a small denominational university that is explicitly inspired by humanist traditions.
Study finder
Discover the wide range of English-taught study programmes available in Utrecht Region. The 'study finder' database offers an independent, up-to-date overview of study options at Dutch universities.
Go to study finder
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Finding a student organisation
Student organisations are an important part of student life in Utrecht. The city has over 150 organisations. Two of the larger international associations are AIESEC and the Erasmus Student Network. Meet new people from all over the world who find themselves in a similar situation.
