University of Groningen
University of Groningen overview
The University of Groningen is a research-oriented public university in the city of Groningen, in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1614, during the Dutch Golden Age. It is the second-oldest university in the Netherlands after Leiden University. The university began its academic work with four faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy. Over the centuries it grew into a major research university, known for high-quality education and an international outlook. The tradition of liberal arts education here is strong.
The university currently offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across eleven faculties. Throughout its long history, the University of Groningen has been home to many distinguished academics and Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Among the most prominent alumni is Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913 for his work on low-temperature physics.
About University of Groningen
The University of Groningen traces its roots to 1614. It is one of the oldest and most respected global research universities in the Netherlands. It has added a great deal to the history of science. It is known for admitting the first female student in Europe, Aletta Jacobs, for producing the Netherlands' first astronaut, Wubbo Ockels, and for being home to geniuses such as Ben Feringa, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Campus life is fully woven into the city of Groningen itself. This is a dynamic city where students make up a large share of the population. If you come as an international student, the energetic atmosphere, the vibrant cycling culture, and the safe environment make it a perfect fit.
The university is consistently ranked in the global top 100. It is recognized as a world authority in Economics and Business, Behavioral Sciences, Life Sciences, and International Relations. The university places sustainability, energy transition, and healthy aging at the core of its educational approach. These are among the most critical global issues of the future. In doing so, it brings you together with multinational companies and research projects while you are still in school.
With modern laboratories that foster interdisciplinary work, rich digital libraries, and a powerful global career network open to you after graduation, the University of Groningen aims to cultivate not only academic success but also visionary individuals who will lead societal transformation.
University of Groningen faculties and programs
Communication and Information Studies
Systems & Control
Heritage and Religion
Religion, Conflict and Globalization
Theology and Religious Studies
Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy
University of Groningen scholarships and financial aid
The University of Groningen does not directly provide a scholarship or funding program for international undergraduate students. The Dutch government, however, supports students who come to the Netherlands for higher education from outside the European Union. It does so through a program called the “Holland Scholarship.”
For international graduate students, on the other hand, the university does provide a scholarship program.
Keep in mind that these scholarship programs have limited capacity and funding, and that admission standards are high. If you want to apply for a scholarship as a prospective graduate student, you can review the university's program through the link below.
University of Groningen Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Groningen
If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Groningen, you must meet the following admission requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
- Four-Year High School Diploma
- Acceptance into an undergraduate program offered by an internationally recognized university in Turkey that provides a four-year degree, and completion of the first year of the program
- The university may also ask to see your national university entrance exam score.
- Strong GPA
or - At least 3 A-Level subjects and at least 3 IGCSE courses (Grade range: A*– C)
or - European Baccalaureate Diploma
or - International Baccalaureate Diploma
- English Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
- An English Proficiency Certificate from an English proficiency exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, CPE, CAE, or PTE Academic
- Dutch Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in Dutch
- A Dutch Proficiency Certificate from a Dutch proficiency exam such as ITNA or STRT, administered by language training centers and institutes
If you are applying to a graduate program at the University of Groningen, you must meet the following admission requirements.
- Four-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- Strong GPA
- At least 180 ECTS credits accumulated during undergraduate studies
- Relevant work experience may be required.
- A GRE/GMAT score may be required, depending on the specific admission requirements of the department you apply to.
- English Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
- An English Proficiency Certificate from an English proficiency exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- Dutch Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in Dutch
- A Dutch Proficiency Certificate from a Dutch proficiency exam such as ITNA or STRT, administered by language training centers and institutes
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Groningen application process.
Take a closer look at University of Groningen
The University of Groningen began as a city university, and it has various faculties spread around the city. Most of them sit in and around the city center, including the Faculties of Law, Arts, and Philosophy. The building that serves as the university's main administrative headquarters stands on Broerstraat, in the very heart of the city. The Faculty of Health Sciences is close to the university's Groningen Medical Center. The Faculties of Economics and Business, Spatial Sciences, and Science and Engineering are on the Zernike Campus, on the northern outskirts of the city.
That campus is named after the Nobel laureate Frits Zernike. The University Library has buildings in three different locations. The main library is in the city center, and a second one is on the Zernike Campus. A health sciences library sits in the Faculty of Medicine. The university has recently widened its reach with another campus, the Fryslân Campus in Leeuwarden, Friesland. There you can study multiple degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Groningen is known as the student city of the Netherlands, and a large portion of its residents are University of Groningen students. Through ACLO, the university gives you access to a wide range of sports activities. Almost every sport has its own association, and you can use the facilities at discounted rates. The University of Groningen is home to numerous student communities that organize social events for their members. It also has student and study associations, generally focused on specific faculties and courses.
Using a bicycle to get around is very common, especially among locals and students. Integrated, well-marked bike lanes run from the city center all the way to Zernike.
The University of Groningen has an extensive alumni network, with many distinguished graduates who have achieved success in a variety of fields. Notable alumni include:
- Pim Fortuyn
- Princess Christina of the Netherlands
- Frans de Waal
- Epke Zonderland
- Aletta Jacobs
- Sahra Wagenknecht
- Lara van Ruijven
- Paul Polman
- Job Cohen
- Ben Feringa
among others.
University of Groningen Location
Groningen, Netherlands
University of Groningen Contact
University of Groningen
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How to Get Into University of Groningen
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Why University of Groningen?
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