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
Heerlen, Limburg
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
55
Enrolments (2025)
13,372
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
23
Enrolments (2025)
3,315
Location
Tilburg, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
62
Enrolments (2025)
29,912
Location
Groningen
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
85
Enrolments (2025)
26,951
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
3
Enrolments (2025)
884
Location
Zwolle, Overijssel
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
79
Enrolments (2025)
25,743
Location
The Hague, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
57
Enrolments (2025)
23,974
Location
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
2
Enrolments (2025)
788
Location
Arnhem, Gelderland
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
18
Enrolments (2025)
3,245
Location
Ede, Gelderland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
21
Enrolments (2025)
4,747
Location
Vlissingen, Zeeland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
34
Enrolments (2025)
4,798
Location
Utrecht
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
15
Enrolments (2025)
4,181
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.