Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Groningen, Netherlands • Founded 1614 • QS 2027 #157
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1614, the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (University of Groningen) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Groningen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Leeuwarden. Officially recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands), Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG) is a very large-sized coeducational Dutch higher education institution.
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 410-year-old Dutch higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
RUG 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
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Rijksuniversiteit Groningen's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Rijksuniversiteit Groningen's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 10 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Economics and Business
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Spatial Sciences
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
- University College Groningen
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland.
Arts (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Classical Languages
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Dutch
- European Languages
- Fine Arts
- Hebrew
- History
- International Studies
- Slavic Languages
Behavioural and Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Cognitive Sciences
- Educational Sciences
- Pedagogy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Business (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Eastern European Studies
- Econometrics
- Economics
- International Business
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Taxation
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Engineering
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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 (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ethics
- Philosophy
Spatial Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
- Geography (Human)
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology and Religious Studies (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Rijksuniversiteit Groningen's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
153 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Netherlands
Bachelor's Degree 28 programmes
Showing 10 of 28.
Master's Degree 125 programmes
Showing 10 of 125.
How to apply to Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
A practical five-step guide to applying to Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen runs 153 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Netherlands.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.rug.nl). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +31 (50) 363 5420. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Common questions about Rijksuniversiteit Groningen answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Rijksuniversiteit Groningen?
The institution opened in 1614 (approximately 412 years ago).
Where is Rijksuniversiteit Groningen located?
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen is located in Groningen, Netherlands.
Is Rijksuniversiteit Groningen public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen?
Student enrolment at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen is around 32,700.
How is Rijksuniversiteit Groningen ranked?
It ranks QS 2027 #157.
What programmes are available at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen?
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Rijksuniversiteit Groningen organised academically?
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen has 10 academic units.
Who recognises Rijksuniversiteit Groningen?
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen is accredited by Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
Where can I learn more about Rijksuniversiteit Groningen?
The institution's website is www.rug.nl.
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