University of Groningen | Groningen, Netherlands

Rankings:

117 THE World University Rankings 2014-2015
90 QS World University Rankings 2014
98 THE World University Rankings 2013-2014
97 QS World University Rankings 2013
100 QS World University Rankings 2015
74 THE World University Rankings 2015-2016
113 QS World University Rankings 2018

Campus setting	Contact the university / college
Living cost	Contact the university / college
Student population	Contact the university / college
International students	Contact the university / college
Institution type	Public

About University of Groningen

Since its inception in 1614, the University of Groningen (Dutch: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen), located in the city of Groningen, has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education. It is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands as well as one of its largest. The university today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to high-quality teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement.

Some 28,000 students are currently enrolled in a full range of degree programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels. The University’s breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses the humanities and the natural, behavioural, physical, health, life, social and technological sciences. The University of Groningen has nine faculties, nine graduate schools, 27 research centres and institutes, and more than 175 degree programmes.

The student population and staff are drawn from around the world and have a variety of backgrounds. They are attracted by the international reputation of the University and by its commitment to innovation and excellence in all areas. Every year around 4,000 students from at least 115 countries find their way to the university of Groningen, where English is the language of instruction in more than 90 different programmes.

In addition to welcoming a large international student population, the University maintains long-term partnerships with foreign universities around the world with similar high standards, participating in international networks and incorporating international themes in our programmes. The university is cooperating with universities in several developing countries, thereby contributing to the further development of academic teaching and research worldwide.

Campus information

Groningen is a pleasant and safe place to live. With a population of 190,000, it truly is a city which is lively, convivial and one that offers everything one would need. At the same time, Groningen has the ambience of a village where relations are close. The peace and quiet of the vast countryside is just a stone’s throw away.

University Library

The University of Groningen Library consists of the University Library (Universiteits Bibliotheek, UB) and 8 faculty libraries. The combined libraries contain a total of three million books and periodicals, of which more than two million are located in the central UB. Documents can be easily located using the online Catalogue which can be consulted via the Library Portal. Another important facility are the Digital Workstations. Spread over two floors, visitors will find more than three hundred workstations for consulting catalogues, online databases and journals. Students have access to all the online library facilities.

University Hotel

The University Hotel (former name: University Guesthouse) provides short- to medium-term accommodation to guests and relations of the University of Groningen. The hotel is situated in the heart of the inner city and within walking distance of Groningen Academic Hospital (Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, UMCG), most University nuclei, most congress centres, and the Central Station.

Getting to Groningen

Schiphol - Groningen: At Schiphol, Amsterdam International Airport, the easiest way to travel to Groningen is to take the train (one way Schiphol - Groningen costs approx. 24,10 euro full fare). The underground train station is located near Schiphol Plaza, within several minutes walking distance from the luggage claim. The journey from Amsterdam or SchipholAirport to Groningen takes a little over 2 hours.
Bremen - Groningen: Another way to arrive in the Netherlands is via Bremen Airport. The cheapest and easiest way to travel from Bremen to Groningen is to take the public express bus. This will take students from Bremen airport to Groningen in about 2,5 hours and costs 9 to 23 euro (one way), depending on the time of travel.
Once arrived in Groningen, students are advised to take a taxi to bring them to their accommodation. Taxis can be found at the front of the Groningen railway station.

Accommodation

In Groningen, there is no campus or campus accommodation, but the University of Groningen does offer help to international students to find proper housing, cooperates through the Housing Office. Looking for a room in the Netherlands can be a challenging experience at times. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world which means that housing is scarce, rooms are small, and they can be more expensive than what some students are used to at home.

Various options: Accommodation varies from single rooms to double rooms and studios. Prices for accommodation are between € 260 and € 450 per month, but most rooms will be around € 350. These rents are all inclusive (room, heating, electricity, furniture, often internet, et cetera).