University of Groningen
University of Groningen overview
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is a research-oriented public university located in the city of Groningen in the Netherlands. Established during the Dutch Golden Age, it is the second-oldest university in the Netherlands after Leiden University.
The university began its academic activities with four faculties — Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy — and over the centuries has grown into a major research university recognized for its high-quality education and international orientation. With a strong tradition of liberal arts education, 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.
One of its 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
With roots going back to 1614, the University of Groningen is one of the oldest and most respected global research universities in the Netherlands. A university that has made valuable contributions to the history of science, it is known for admitting the first female student in Europe (Aletta Jacobs), producing the Netherlands' first astronaut (Wubbo Ockels), and being home to geniuses such as Ben Feringa, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Campus life at the university is fully integrated with the city of Groningen itself. This dynamic city, where students make up a large share of the population, is a perfect fit for international students thanks to its energetic atmosphere, vibrant cycling culture, and safe environment.
Consistently ranked in the global top 100, the institution is recognized as a world authority in Economics and Business, Behavioral Sciences, Life Sciences, and International Relations. By placing sustainability, energy transition, and healthy aging — some of the most critical global issues of the future — at the core of its educational approach, the university brings students together with multinational companies and research projects while they are still in school.
With modern laboratories that foster interdisciplinary work, rich digital libraries, and a powerful global career network available 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
Take a closer look at University of Groningen
Originally a city university, the University of Groningen has various faculties spread around the city, with most of them — including the Faculties of Law, Arts, and Philosophy — located in and around the city center. The building that functions as the university's main administrative headquarters is located on Broerstraat in the very heart of the city, while the Faculty of Health Sciences is located close to the university's Groningen Medical Center.
The Faculties of Economics and Business, Spatial Sciences, and Science and Engineering are situated on the Zernike Campus, named after Nobel laureate Frits Zernike, on the northern outskirts of the city. The University Library has buildings in three different locations: the main library in the city center, a library on the Zernike Campus, and a health sciences library in the Faculty of Medicine.
The University of Groningen has recently expanded its reach by adding another campus called the Fryslân Campus in Leeuwarden, Friesland, where multiple degree programs are offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The city of Groningen is known as the student city of the Netherlands, with a large portion of its residents being University of Groningen students. Through ACLO, the University of Groningen offers its students access to a wide range of sports activities; almost every sport has its own association, and students can use the facilities at discounted rates. The University of Groningen is home to numerous student communities that organize social events for their members, and has student and study associations that are generally focused on specific faculties and courses.
Using bicycles as a mode of transportation is very common, especially among locals and students, and there are integrated, well-marked bike lanes running 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 cost of living
University of Groningen awards and achievements
- 4 Nobel Ödülü Sahibi Mezun/Fakülte Üyesi
- 9 Spinoza Ödülü Sahibi Mezun/Fakülte Üyesi
- 1 Stevin Ödülü Sahibi Mezun/Fakülte Üyesi
University of Groningen Location
Groningen, Netherlands
University of Groningen Contact
University of Groningen
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