Best 12 Bachelors Languages & Linguistics Universities in the Netherlands

There are 12 publicly funded universities in the Netherlands with bachelors languages & linguistics programmes on the CROHO register — research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). Between them they run 18 registered programmes.

University of Amsterdam

Location Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 3
QS World Ranking #55

Utrecht University

Location Utrecht
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 3
QS World Ranking #103

Leiden University

Location Leiden, Zuid-Holland
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 3
QS World Ranking #119

University of Groningen

Location Groningen
Institution type Research University (WO)
Matching programmes 1
QS World Ranking #147

Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Location Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 38,560

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Location Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 37,473

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Location Leeuwarden, Friesland
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 22,033

HAN University of Applied Sciences

Location Arnhem, Gelderland
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 33,559

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Location Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 42,484

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Location Utrecht
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 37,756

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Location Heerlen, Limburg
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 13,372

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Location Zwolle, Overijssel
Institution type University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes 1
Enrolments (2025) 25,743

Frequently asked questions

How many universities in the Netherlands offer Bachelors Languages & Linguistics?

12 of the Netherlands' 54 publicly funded universities have bachelors languages & linguistics programmes on CROHO, the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes. That count covers both research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO).

How is this ranking put together?

Order comes from a published-figures-only composite: QS World position, breadth of recognised programmes, share of programmes taught in English and scale by DUO enrolments. No university pays for placement, and no judgement of teaching quality is invented.

What are the entry requirements for Bachelors Languages & Linguistics in the Netherlands?

Entry is set by each institution. For a bachelors you will generally need the preceding qualification at the level the institution states, proof of English (or Dutch) for the language of instruction, and some programmes with a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) have earlier deadlines. Students from outside the EU/EEA may also need a residence permit, which the institution usually arranges with the IND.