University of Groningen International Application Guide 2026

Why Choose the University of Groningen

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen (UG) is one of the oldest and most prestigious research universities in the Netherlands. Consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, UG offers an extraordinary breadth of academic programmes spanning 11 faculties, from arts and humanities to medical sciences and engineering. The university attracts over 36,000 students, with a vibrant international community representing more than 120 nationalities.

What sets Groningen apart from other Dutch universities is its unique combination of world-class research output and a genuinely student-centred city. Unlike larger metropolitan campuses in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, Groningen is a compact city where roughly one in four residents is a student. This creates an unparalleled academic atmosphere where university life and city life are seamlessly interwoven. The city itself is consistently rated as one of the happiest cities in the Netherlands, offering a safe, bicycle-friendly environment with a thriving cultural scene.

For international students considering a European university education, Groningen represents excellent value. Dutch degrees are internationally recognized, and the university’s strong ties with industry and research institutions create tangible career pathways for graduates. The 2025-2026 International Application Guide outlines everything prospective students need to navigate the admissions process successfully.

Groningen Admissions Requirements for International Students

The University of Groningen maintains rigorous but transparent admissions standards for international applicants. The central Admissions Office (AO) and faculty-level Admissions Boards work together to evaluate each application based on diploma equivalence, subject-specific prerequisites, and language proficiency.

At the Bachelor’s level, your secondary school diploma must be assessed as equivalent to the Dutch VWO (pre-university education) diploma. The university maintains a comprehensive list of recognized international qualifications on its website. If your diploma does not meet the full VWO equivalence, you may be directed toward a pre-university foundation programme or, in some cases, offered conditional admission.

For Master’s programmes, the Admissions Board reviews whether your prior degree’s content and level are sufficient for the specific programme. This assessment considers not only the overall degree level but also the specific courses completed and grades achieved. In some cases, applicants may be offered a Pre-Master programme to bridge any gaps in their academic preparation.

Language requirements are critical. Most international programmes require proof of English proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some programmes, particularly in Medicine and Dentistry, are taught entirely in Dutch and require Dutch language certification. Each programme page on the UG website specifies exact language requirements.

The non-refundable application fee of €100 applies to all applicants with a non-Dutch diploma. Importantly, this fee covers all applications submitted in the same academic year — so applying to multiple Groningen programmes does not multiply your costs. The Admissions Office only begins reviewing your application after payment is confirmed.

Step-by-Step Application Process via Studielink

The application process at the University of Groningen follows a structured path through the Dutch national Studielink platform. Understanding each step helps avoid delays that could jeopardize your application, especially for programmes with strict deadlines.

Step 1: Register on Studielink. Create an account on Studielink, the national online application service for all Dutch universities. You may have up to four active applications simultaneously, with a maximum of two for fixed-quota programmes. Your login credentials arrive by email within minutes of registration.

Step 2: Receive your UG student number. After submitting your application through Studielink, you will receive an email containing your University of Groningen student number and instructions to activate your UG account.

Step 3: Activate your UG account and access the Progress Portal. Log into the Student Portal, navigate to UG Tools, then Grades and Enrolment to access the Progress Portal. This is your central dashboard for tracking your application status and uploading documents.

Step 4: Upload all required documents. Before the programme deadline, upload every requested document in the Progress Portal and formally submit your application. The specific documents required vary by programme and will be clearly listed in your portal.

Step 5: Completeness check by the Admissions Office. The AO reviews your submission for completeness. If any documents are missing, you will receive a request for additional materials. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 6: Academic assessment. The Admissions Board evaluates your diploma’s equivalence to VWO level and checks subject-specific requirements. This is the substantive review of your academic qualifications.

Step 7: Receive your decision. The AO issues a formal decision letter indicating whether you are admissible, conditionally admissible, or not admissible. Conditional offers include specific requirements and deadlines for meeting them.

For students also exploring other European options, our guides to Jagiellonian University admissions and KU Leuven programmes provide helpful comparisons of European application systems.

University of Groningen Tuition Fees and Financial Planning

Understanding the financial commitment of studying at the University of Groningen is essential for effective planning. Tuition fees at UG vary significantly based on your nationality and the specific programme you choose. EU/EEA students benefit from the statutory tuition fee set by the Dutch government, which is substantially lower than the institutional fee charged to non-EU students.

The exact tuition amounts are published annually on the university’s dedicated tuition fees page. As a general framework, EU/EEA students can expect the statutory fee (approximately €2,500 per year for 2025-2026), while non-EU students face institutional fees that can range from €8,000 to over €20,000 depending on the faculty and programme. Medical and dental programmes typically carry the highest fees.

Beyond tuition, international students should budget for living expenses in Groningen. While the city is generally more affordable than Amsterdam or Utrecht, students should plan for accommodation (€400-€700 per month), health insurance (mandatory for non-EU students), food, transportation, and personal expenses. The total annual cost of living in Groningen typically ranges from €10,000 to €14,000.

Tuition fees must be transferred to the Central Student Administration (CSA) before the start of the programme. The CSA sends specific payment instructions and handles all fee-related communications. For the initial application year, paying in instalments is generally not permitted — this option may become available for extension applications in subsequent years.

The university offers various scholarship opportunities for international students. While the application guide does not list specific amounts, UG administers several merit-based and need-based scholarships. Additionally, external funding bodies such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus+, and country-specific government grants may help offset costs.

Fixed-Quota Programmes and Selection Process

Several Bachelor’s programmes at the University of Groningen operate under the Dutch fixed-quota (numerus fixus) system, which limits the number of admitted students. Understanding how selection works is crucial if you are applying to one of these competitive programmes.

The selection process for fixed-quota programmes may involve either an unweighted lottery or qualitative selection criteria evaluated by the faculty’s Selection Board. Most programmes now use qualitative selection, which considers factors such as academic performance, motivation, and programme-specific assessments rather than pure chance.

Key timeline for fixed-quota programmes: selection ranking results are announced on 15 April. If you receive an offer, you must accept it within two weeks. EU applicants must provide certified documents before 15 July. If you cannot meet this deadline, an official postponement request must be submitted via the online form before 15 July. Irish Leaving Certificate holders receive an automatic postponement until 1 September.

An important distinction: admissions and selection are separate processes at Groningen. Even if selected through the quota system, you must still complete the standard admissions process and meet all academic requirements. Both tracks must be successfully completed before enrolment is finalized.

Medicine and Dentistry programmes deserve special attention. These are taught in Dutch and have unique restrictions: you may only submit one application for either Medicine or Dentistry across all Dutch universities in any given year. This national restriction applies regardless of which universities you apply to.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

Navigating Dutch immigration requirements is one of the most complex aspects of international study at Groningen. The rules differ significantly based on your nationality, and the university’s Immigration Service Desk (ISD) plays a central role in supporting admitted students through this process.

EU/EEA nationals enjoy the simplest path: no visa or residence permit is required to study in the Netherlands. You can proceed directly with academic registration and enrolment.

Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, USA, and Vatican City need only a Dutch residence permit (not an entry visa). The ISD handles this application on your behalf once you are admitted.

All other non-EU nationals generally require both a visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR). The ISD initiates this process once you have been provisionally admitted and met all conditions set by the Admissions Office before 1 July.

Required documents for the immigration process include a colour scan of your valid passport (all pages with stamps and the signature page — passport must be valid at least six months beyond your programme start date), a signed Antecedents Certificate (provided by ISD, declaring you have no criminal record), transfer receipt for the IND application fee, and proof of sufficient funds.

Proving sufficient funds requires transferring a designated amount to the ISD. This is fully refundable once you arrive and open a Dutch bank account. Alternative methods include a loan or scholarship letter, or a Dutch bank statement. Non-Dutch bank statements are not accepted for this purpose.

Visa and residence permit information is typically sent in April for September programme starts and in October for February starts. Students who already hold a Dutch residence permit from another institution can request a transfer of sponsorship to the University of Groningen.

Student Housing in Groningen

Housing is arguably the most urgent practical concern for international students coming to Groningen. The university explicitly states that it does not provide general student housing — as a city-based rather than campus university, students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. However, several dedicated channels exist to support this search.

SSH Student Housing is the primary option for incoming international students. The University of Groningen reserves rooms through SSH, a non-profit student housing corporation. These rooms are furnished and available for a maximum of one year, providing a crucial bridge while students find longer-term accommodation. You must be conditionally admitted before applying for SSH housing.

At Home In Groningen (AHIG) is a joint initiative by the Groningen Municipality and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. This platform features pre-screened landlords, offering an additional layer of security against housing scams that unfortunately target international students in many Dutch cities.

Hospi Housing connects students with verified local hosts and guest families. Searching is free, with a one-time fee charged only upon room confirmation. This option can be particularly valuable for students seeking a more integrated cultural experience during their first months in the Netherlands.

University College students at UCG and UCF may have residential housing arranged directly through their faculty — contact the faculty office for specific details.

The university issues a strong warning about housing timelines: if you have not secured accommodation by 1 August for a September start, UG strongly advises against coming to Groningen. Hotels and hostels are expensive, temporary, and not a viable long-term solution. Begin your housing search as early as possible after receiving your admission decision.

Academic Progress Rules and Binding Study Advice

The University of Groningen enforces clear academic progress standards that every student must understand before enrolment. Two interconnected frameworks govern student progress: the Binding Study Advice (BSA) system and, for non-EU students, the Modern Migration Policy (MoMi) requirements.

Binding Study Advice (BSA) applies to all first-year Bachelor students. Standard Bachelor programmes require a minimum of 45 ECTS credits in the first year to continue. Failure to meet this threshold results in a negative BSA and dismissal from the programme. University College students (UCG and UCF) face an even higher standard: 60 ECTS credits in the first year.

The BSA system is non-binding in terms of result — meaning your BSA outcome itself does not carry forward as a grade. However, a negative BSA is a binary outcome: if you fall below the threshold, you must leave the programme. Some faculties offer support mechanisms and early warning systems to help struggling students get back on track before the year-end assessment.

Modern Migration Policy (MoMi) adds an additional layer for non-EU students studying on a residence permit. Under MoMi rules, you must obtain at least 50% of nominal ECTS credits per academic year to maintain the validity of your residence permit. The university is obligated to report non-compliance to immigration authorities.

An important nuance: BSA and MoMi operate independently. A non-EU student could theoretically satisfy MoMi requirements (earning 50% of credits) while still failing BSA (not reaching 45 credits in certain programme structures). In such cases, the student might retain their right to stay in the Netherlands but would need to switch to a different programme.

Understanding these rules before arriving helps set realistic expectations and ensures you prioritize your academic workload appropriately from day one. The NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders) oversees quality assurance for all Dutch higher education programmes.

Groningen Student Services and Campus Life

Despite being a city-based university without a traditional campus, Groningen offers comprehensive student services designed to support international students throughout their academic journey.

The Student Information & Administration (SIA) office serves as the primary contact point for registration matters. SIA maintains extensive FAQ pages and operates service desks at the historic Academy Building in the city centre. For more complex issues, dedicated staff can guide you through administrative processes.

The Student Service Centre provides specialized support for students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or exceptional circumstances (including top athletes, student parents, and caregivers). Consulting this service early — ideally before arrival — ensures appropriate accommodations are in place from the start of your studies.

Groningen’s student life extends far beyond academics. The city boasts over 200 student associations covering everything from academic societies and sports clubs to cultural organizations and international student networks. ESN Groningen (Erasmus Student Network) is particularly active in welcoming international students with orientation events, social activities, and practical support throughout the year.

The city’s compact size means that most students navigate by bicycle, with university buildings, shops, restaurants, and nightlife all within easy cycling distance. The Groningen student discount card provides reduced prices at numerous local businesses, and the city’s vibrant market square hosts regular events and festivals.

Healthcare is another essential consideration. All students in the Netherlands must have adequate health insurance. EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU students must purchase Dutch health insurance or an equivalent international policy. The university provides video guides and resources explaining the Dutch healthcare system to incoming international students.

Arriving in the Netherlands: Practical Checklist

The weeks immediately after arriving in Groningen involve several mandatory administrative steps. Completing these promptly prevents complications with your studies, banking, and legal status.

Municipal registration: Register with the municipality (Groningen, Leeuwarden, or your residential municipality) within 5 days of arrival. You will need your rental agreement and other documents — check the municipal website for the complete list before your appointment.

BSN (Citizen Service Number): Obtain your BSN through municipal registration. This number is essential for virtually everything in the Netherlands: opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, signing contracts, and dealing with government services.

Dutch bank account: If you are not from an EU/EEA SEPA country, opening a Dutch bank account is strongly recommended. Many daily transactions, from paying rent to receiving your sufficient-funds refund, require a Dutch IBAN. Major banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank offer student accounts.

Sufficient-funds refund: For non-EU students who transferred proof-of-sufficient-funds to the ISD, a personal refund link is sent in the first week of September (or February for spring starters). The refund process takes approximately two weeks after opening your Dutch bank account.

Residence permit collection: The IND notifies the ISD when your residence permit card is ready. The ISD will contact you to schedule an appointment for collection. Keep your passport accessible at all times until you receive your residence permit card.

Student card: Your UG student card becomes available a few weeks after registration, once you have uploaded your photo in the Student Portal. If you have a Dutch correspondence address, the card is mailed; otherwise, schedule a pick-up appointment at SIA after receiving an email notification.

For a broader perspective on studying in Europe, explore our comprehensive guides covering universities across the continent on the Libertify university hub.