Best universities in the Netherlands
Do you want to study at the best universities in the Netherlands but don’t know which one is right for you? Discover the updated official ranking of the top Dutch universities in 2025, categorized by type (applied & research) and size.
Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO) – 2025
“Applied” institutions offer more practical, career-oriented programs. They are the best Dutch universities if you want to enter the workforce quickly or prefer learning by doing.
TOP 3 – Large universities
- Avans University of Applied Sciences – Breda & Den Bosch
- Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences – Maastricht
TOP 3 – Medium-sized universities
- HZ University of Applied Sciences – Vlissingen & Middelburg
- Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) – Tourism, gaming, media, and hospitality
- HAS Green Academy – Den Bosch (ideal for those seeking courses in agriculture and the environment)
Research Universities (WO) – 2025
“Research” universities offer more theoretical and academic programs, the best in the Netherlands at the university level if you are aiming for a future in research, policy making, or planning to continue with a master’s or PhD.
TOP 3 – Universities with a broad range of programs
- Utrecht University
- Radboud University Nijmegen
- University of Groningen
TOP 3 – More specialized or technical universities
- Wageningen University & Research – Leader in environmental and food sciences
- University of Twente – Strong in engineering and technology
- Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Maastricht University – tied
In this year’s technical university ranking, Twente surpasses both TU Eindhoven and TU Delft!
Ranking of all universities in the Netherlands
How does it work?
In Italy, we often rely on word of mouth. In the Netherlands, however, there is an official tool: the Keuzegids, an independent guide based on:
Opinions of over 300,000 students (National Student Survey)
Course completion rates
Data on employability and post-graduation salaries (source: ROA)
A true roadmap for making an informed choice!
Ranking of “Applied” Universities (Large-sized Institutions) – 2025
- Avans University of Applied Sciences – Breda & Den Bosch
- Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences – Maastricht
- NHL Stenden
- Hanze
Ranking of “Applied” Universities (Medium-sized Institutions) – 2025
- HZ University of Applied Sciences – Vlissingen & Middelburg
- Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas)
- HAS Green Academy – Den Bosch
- Aeres
- Van Hall Larenstein
General Research Universities (with a broad range of programs) – 2025
- Utrecht University
- Radboud University Nijmegen
- Groningen University
- Leiden
- VU
More specialized or technical Research Universities – 2025
- Wageningen University & Research
- University of Twente
- Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Maastricht University ex aequo
- Tilburg
- TU Delft
Private Universities (Business-focused) – 2025
- Nyenrode Business University (Research)
- TIO University of Applied Sciences
- Wittenborg university Applied Science
QS World ranking for Research and Academic reputation – 2025
- TU Delft
- UvA
- Utrecht University
- Leiden University
- TUe
Partner Universities
Free application support, assistance with accommodation, discounts on transcript translation, English tests, and other benefits
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- Explore the best options for you to study in the Netherlands or Belgium
- Dive deeper into the application process
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