Universiteit Utrecht institutional logo

Universiteit Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands • Founded 1636 • QS 2027 #113 =

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Utrecht University
Local Name: Utrecht University
Acronyms: UU
Founded: 1636
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #113 = Times Higher Education 2023 #66 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #60 CWTS Leiden 2025 #66 SCImago 2026 #68
Motto: Sol Iustitiae Illustra Nos
Universiteit Utrecht academic facilities
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Established in 1636, the Universiteit Utrecht (Utrecht University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Utrecht (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands), Universiteit Utrecht (UU) is a very large-sized coeducational Dutch higher education institution. Universiteit Utrecht (UU) 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 388-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.

UU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Universiteit Utrecht on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.

Address: Postbus 80125
Postal Code: 3508 TC
Other Sites: Also two teaching hospitals; Interfaculty research and educational institutes: University College (UCU); Academic Biomedical Centre
Phone: +31 (30) 253 7000
Fax: +31 (30) 253 2627
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Universiteit Utrecht — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.

Academic Year: September to July
Recognition: Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland
Accrediting Agency: The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate in subjects appropriate to faculty requirements (eindexamen Gymnasuim A or B, or Atheneum)
Total Students: 40,000
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA) League of European Research Universities (LERU) Utrecht Network

Academic Structures

Universiteit Utrecht's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Unit 7 items
  • Faculty of Geosciences
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Faculties & Divisions

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

Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • Dutch
  • Fine Arts
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Theology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

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

Geosciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Regional Planning
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Law, Economics and Governance (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

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

Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

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

Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Natural Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Social and Behavioural Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Veterinary Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Veterinarian
  • Animal Health Specialist
  • Wildlife Researcher

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

Arts and Humanities (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

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

Geosciences (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Earth Sciences
  • Geography

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Law, Economics and Governance (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Government
  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

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

Life Sciences (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physical Therapy

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Natural Sciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Natural Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Social and Behavioural Sciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Utrecht

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Education (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

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

Ethics (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ethics

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Universiteit Utrecht offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.

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

Bachelor's Degree 6 programmes

Master's Degree 94 programmes

Showing 10 of 94.

How to apply to Universiteit Utrecht

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

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universiteit Utrecht offers 100 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Universiteit Utrecht has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Universiteit Utrecht's online portal at www.uu.nl. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +31 (30) 253 7000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universiteit Utrecht

Quick reference for Universiteit Utrecht: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.

In what year was Universiteit Utrecht established?

Universiteit Utrecht was founded in 1636 (approximately 390 years ago).

Where can I find Universiteit Utrecht?

The institution is located in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Is Universiteit Utrecht public or private?

Universiteit Utrecht is a public institution.

How many students does Universiteit Utrecht have?

The institution has a student body of 40,000.

How is Universiteit Utrecht ranked?

Universiteit Utrecht holds rank QS 2027 #113 =.

What qualification levels does Universiteit Utrecht offer?

Universiteit Utrecht delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

How many faculties does Universiteit Utrecht have?

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

Is Universiteit Utrecht accredited?

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

What is Universiteit Utrecht's official website?

You can find Universiteit Utrecht online at www.uu.nl.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Other members of European University Association (EUA) are listed below.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Universiteit Utrecht, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies

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