Facts and Figures: Universities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has 14 public sector universities, including a university for distance learning (the Open University). Some were established long ago (e.g. Leiden in 1575), whereas others have a much shorter history (Maastricht, Twente). Some were initially professional colleges (Wageningen, Rotterdam, Tilburg and the universities of technology in Delft and Eindhoven).

There are various types of universities. A widely used classification is that of comprehensive/ specialized. There are six comprehensive universities (in Leiden, Utrecht, Groningen, Nijmegen and two in Amsterdam), that provide teaching and that conduct research covering the full breadth of the scientific spectrum. The specialized universities are limited to just a few specific fields (the three universities of technology in Delft, Eindhoven and Twente, Wageningen University and the Universities of Rotterdam, Tilburg and Maastricht). Most comprehensive universities were established before 1876. Exceptions are VU University Amsterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen. The other universities have a more recent heritage.

Eight of the universities have an affiliated medical centre: Amsterdam (2), Leiden, Groningen, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Nijmegen and Maastricht. They are engaged in teaching and research, and they provide patient care.