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
Leiden, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
28
Enrolments (2025)
12,242
Location
Velp Gld, Gelderland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
27
Enrolments (2025)
4,487
Location
's-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
13
Enrolments (2025)
2,895
Location
Wageningen, Gelderland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
17
Enrolments (2025)
3,359
Location
Gouda, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
12
Enrolments (2025)
1,540
Location
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of the Arts
Matching programmes
9
Enrolments (2025)
988
Location
Helmond, Noord-Brabant
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
1
Enrolments (2025)
1,229
Location
Zwolle, Overijssel
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
8
Enrolments (2025)
2,045
Location
Utrecht
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
6
Enrolments (2025)
1,343
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
2
Enrolments (2025)
1,371
Location
Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
2
Enrolments (2025)
1,187
Location
Zwolle, Overijssel
Institution type
University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Matching programmes
3
Enrolments (2025)
771
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.