Logo of Radboud Universiteit

Radboud Universiteit

Nijmegen, Netherlands • Founded 1923 • QS 2027 #283 =

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Radboud University Nijmegen
Local Name: Radboud University
Acronyms: RU
Founded: 1923
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #283 = Times Higher Education 2026 #154 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #151-200 CWTS Leiden 2025 #97 SCImago 2026 #428
Motto: In Dei Nomine Feliciter
Colours: Red and white
Radboud Universiteit campus and surroundings
1 / 3

Established in 1923, the Radboud Universiteit (Radboud University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Nijmegen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Gelderland.

Officially recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands), Radboud Universiteit (RU) is a large-sized coeducational Dutch higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Radboud Universiteit (RU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 100-year-old Dutch higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

RU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Radboud Universiteit — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.

Address: Postbus 9102
Postal Code: 6500 HC
Other Sites: Also 22 research institutes.
Phone: +31 (24) 361 61 61
Fax: +31 (24) 3564599
Social Media:

Academic Details

Institutional vitals for Radboud Universiteit: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.

Academic Year: September to June (September-January; February-June)
Recognition: Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland
Accrediting Agency: Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate in subjects appropriate to Faculty requirements (diploma eindexamen Gymnasium A or B, Atheneum A or B, or HBS. A or B), or equivalent. VWO (Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs)
Student Enrollment: 15,000-19,999
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA) International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) International Research Universities Network (IRUN)

Academic Structures

Radboud Universiteit's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.

Unit 7 items
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medical Sciences
  • Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Nijmegen School of Management

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland.

Arts (Faculty) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art History
  • Cultural Studies
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • German
  • Greek
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • Latin
  • Literature
  • Romance Languages
Law (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • European Union Law
  • International Law
  • Law
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medical Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedicine
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Nursing

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Healthcare Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
  • Theology

Common Career Paths

  • Religious Educator
  • Pastoral Counsellor
  • Faith Community Leader

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science and Computer Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Information Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Sciences (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Communication Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Educational Sciences
  • Pedagogy
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Management (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography (Human)
  • Management
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Social Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Radboud Universiteit's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.

112 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Netherlands

Bachelor's Degree 12 programmes

Showing 10 of 12.

Master's Degree 100 programmes

Showing 10 of 100.

How to apply to Radboud Universiteit

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Radboud Universiteit, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Radboud Universiteit's catalogue includes 112 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Radboud Universiteit's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Radboud Universiteit's official website at www.ru.nl. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +31 (24) 361 61 61. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radboud Universiteit

Frequently asked questions about Radboud Universiteit, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

How old is Radboud Universiteit?

The institution opened in 1923 (approximately 103 years ago).

Where is Radboud Universiteit located?

Radboud Universiteit is located in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Is Radboud Universiteit public or private?

Radboud Universiteit operates as a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at Radboud Universiteit?

Student enrolment at Radboud Universiteit is around 15,000-19,999.

What is Radboud Universiteit's ranking?

It ranks QS 2027 #283 =.

What programmes are available at Radboud Universiteit?

Radboud Universiteit offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Is Radboud Universiteit affiliated with a religion?

Radboud Universiteit is associated with Christian-Catholic.

How is Radboud Universiteit organised academically?

Radboud Universiteit is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Radboud Universiteit accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).

How do I find Radboud Universiteit online?

The institution's website is www.ru.nl.

Top-Ranked Universities in the Netherlands

Below are the highest-ranked universities in the Netherlands — natural comparison points for Radboud Universiteit. Top institutions in the Netherlands typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Radboud Universiteit and the universities below are both members of European University Association (EUA).

Other Dutch, Netherlandic Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Radboud Universiteit and the universities below share a Christian-Catholic affiliation.

Faculties at nearby universities

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Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies

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