#3 Netherlands | Est. 1636

Utrecht UniversityAdmission Requirements 2025

Netherlands' Historic Research Powerhouse - 380+ Years of Academic Excellence, 95+ English Programs & Global Innovation Leadership

QS World Ranking #107
120+ English Programs
32,000+ Students
7.5+
VWO Average Required
15%
International Students
200+
Degree Programs
€2,314
EU Tuition (Annual)

Academic Requirements

Utrecht University admission standards for international students

GPA & Grade Requirements

Dutch VWO Scale

Competitive Programs8.0-8.5/10
Standard Programs7.5-7.9/10
Foundation Entry7.0-7.4/10
Minimum Required6.5/10

US GPA Equivalent

Medicine/Law3.8-4.0/4.0
Engineering/Sciences3.5-3.7/4.0
Liberal Arts3.2-3.4/4.0
Minimum Entry3.0/4.0

Subject-Specific Requirements

STEM Programs

  • Mathematics: Advanced level (VWO Wiskunde B)
  • Physics: VWO level (for Engineering)
  • Chemistry: VWO level (for Natural Sciences)
  • Biology: VWO level (for Life Sciences)

Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Mathematics: Basic level (VWO Wiskunde A/C)
  • History: VWO level (for History programs)
  • Languages: Native + 2 foreign languages
  • Economics: VWO level (for Business programs)

English Language Requirements

Required Minimum Scores

  • IELTS Academic6.5 overall (6.0 each section)
  • TOEFL iBT93 overall (20 each section)
  • Cambridge EnglishC1 Advanced (176+)
  • Duolingo English120+

Exemptions

  • Secondary education in English
  • Bachelor's degree in English
  • Nationality from English-speaking countries
  • VWO with English at advanced level

Popular Programs & Faculty

Utrecht University's leading academic programs and research areas

Top-Ranked Faculties

Veterinary Medicine

#1 Netherlands

World's leading veterinary research and education

Medicine & Health Sciences

#2 Netherlands

Comprehensive medical education and research

Law & Governance

#3 Netherlands

International law and European governance focus

Popular English Programs

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary bachelor's program

International Business

Global business management focus

Computer Science

AI and machine learning specializations

Psychology

Research-oriented clinical programs

Application Process & Deadlines

Step-by-step guide to applying to Utrecht University

Application Steps

  1. 1

    Choose Program

    Select from 200+ bachelor's and master's programs

  2. 2

    Check Requirements

    Verify academic and language prerequisites

  3. 3

    Apply via Studielink

    Official Dutch university application system

  4. 4

    Submit Documents

    Upload transcripts, certificates, and test scores

  5. 5

    Interview (if required)

    Some programs require personal interviews

  6. 6

    Accept Offer

    Confirm enrollment and arrange housing

Required Documents

  • Complete secondary school transcripts
  • Official diploma or graduation certificate
  • English language proficiency test results
  • Copy of passport or ID document
  • Motivation letter (program-specific)
  • CV/Resume (for master's programs)
  • Letters of recommendation (if required)
  • Portfolio (for creative programs)

International Grade Conversions

Convert your grades to Dutch VWO equivalent for Utrecht University admission

Country/SystemMinimum for AdmissionCompetitive ProgramsVWO Equivalent
United States (GPA)3.0/4.03.7+/4.07.5/10
United Kingdom (A-Levels)BBBAAA-AAB7.5-8.5/10
International Baccalaureate30 points36+ points7.5-8.5/10
Germany (Abitur)2.51.5-1.07.5-9.0/10
Canada (Provincial)75%85%+7.5-8.5/10
Australia (ATAR)8090+7.5-8.5/10
India (CBSE/ICSE)70%80%+7.5-8.5/10
France (Baccalauréat)12/2016+/207.5-8.5/10

Important Notes:

  • • These are approximate conversions - official evaluation may vary
  • • Numerus fixus programs have separate selection criteria
  • • Subject-specific grades may be weighted differently
  • • Contact Utrecht Admissions for official grade evaluation

Why Choose Utrecht University?

Discover what makes Utrecht a premier destination for international students

Historic Excellence

380+ years of academic tradition and innovation

International Environment

Students from 120+ countries, 95+ English programs

Prime Location

Heart of Netherlands, 30 minutes from Amsterdam

Research Leadership

Top 1% universities worldwide, cutting-edge facilities

Student Support

Comprehensive international student services

Career Success

95% graduate employment rate, strong industry ties

Utrecht at a Glance

World Ranking#107 QS Global
Netherlands Ranking#3 National
Founded1636
Total Students32,000+
International %15%
English Programs95+
EU Tuition€2,314/year
Non-EU Tuition€12,000+/year

Application Timeline

October - December
Research programs and requirements
January 15
Medicine & Numerus Fixus deadline
February 1
Non-EU student deadline
May 1
EU/EEA student deadline
June - August
Admission decisions & enrollment

Need Help?

Utrecht, Netherlands
international@uu.nl
Student Services Center