Best 54 Universities in the Netherlands
There are 54 publicly funded universities in the Netherlands with programmes on the CROHO register — research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). Between them they run 2,764 registered programmes.
Location
Tilburg, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
Research University (WO)
Matching programmes
68
QS World Ranking
#347
Location
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
127
Enrolments (2025)
38,560
Location
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
108
Enrolments (2025)
37,473
Location
Leeuwarden, Friesland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
102
Enrolments (2025)
22,033
Location
Arnhem, Gelderland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
100
Enrolments (2025)
33,559
Location
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
62
Enrolments (2025)
23,853
Location
Enschede, Overijssel
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
80
Enrolments (2025)
24,891
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
94
Enrolments (2025)
42,484
Location
Breda, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
20
Enrolments (2025)
6,723
Location
The Hague, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
3
Enrolments (2025)
2,438
Location
Utrecht
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
103
Enrolments (2025)
37,756
Location
The Hague, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
11
Enrolments (2025)
1,725
Frequently asked questions
How many universities in the Netherlands offer degree programmes?
54 of the Netherlands' 54 publicly funded universities have 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.