International students can adapt more seamlessly to a new country by choosing universities with a strong global orientation. Top-tier institutions excel at creating an inclusive academic environment, offering supportive teaching methodologies, and fostering a welcoming community that helps students feel at home.
Studying in the Netherlands is a top choice for international students, largely due to the exceptional variety of English-taught Master's degrees available across Dutch higher education institutions.
The following institutions are recognized as the most international in the Netherlands, based on insights from Times Higher Education and the student-driven feedback featured in the Online Result awards.
Best universities in the Netherlands according to international rankings
The institutions topping the charts in the Times Higher Education Ranking 2022 and the Shanghai Ranking 2021 are consistent, providing a reliable baseline for prospective international students to make informed decisions.
These universities earn their international reputation by prioritizing a high ratio of international students, fostering robust global research collaborations, and maintaining a diverse faculty body from across the world.
Explore the leading Dutch universities as recognized by the World University Rankings 2022:
Top 9 universities in the Netherlands with the best international student satisfaction
Student feedback is one of the most reliable indicators of academic quality and campus life. The Online Result International Student Satisfaction Awards 2016 aggregated data from 17,018 student reviews globally to identify top-performing institutions.
Wageningen University was formally recognized with the Outstanding International Student Satisfaction Award in 2016 for its exceptional student experience.
The following nine Dutch universities were distinguished with 'Excellent' or 'Very Good' ratings for providing high levels of student satisfaction:
- - Excellent
- - Excellent
- - Excellent
- - Very good
- - Very good
- - Very good
- - Very good
- - Very good
- - Very good
While a university’s global outlook is a significant factor for studying abroad, it should be balanced with other priorities. Be sure to weigh your academic qualifications, specific program requirements, and long-term career goals when selecting the right fit for your future.
Discover firsthand insights into what students have to say about these top-ranked institutions:
- University of Amsterdam
- Delft University of Technology
- Wageningen University
- Leiden University
- Utrecht University
For the latest academic evaluations, refer to the World University Ranking 2022 and the Shanghai Ranking 2021.
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