Language of instruction
Founded in 1636, Utrecht University has become one of Europe's leading research universities, recognised internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching. Utrecht is ranked within the Top 100 universities worldwide.
The university is based in Utrecht – a beautiful, bustling city in the geographical centre of the Netherlands with excellent transport links to all major European cities.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Spring Semester | February–June |
| Semester 2 | Autumn Semester | September–January |
Each semester at Utrecht University is divided into 2 blocks or terms:
- Semester 1 (Sept - Jan): Block 1 and 2
- Semester 2 (Feb - June): Block 3 and 4
Students select at least 2 courses per block.
View the Utrecht University academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
Utrecht University has online resources to help get more from your exchange:
Campuses
Utrecht University has multiple campuses around the city:
- City Centre campus
- International campus (Utrecht University College)
- Utrecht Science Park - De Uithof
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Student testimonials
- B ArtsSemester 2, 2019
Don’t think, just do it.
- B EducationSemester 1, 2019
- B Mechanical Engimeering/ArtsSemester 2, 2018
When I left the country, I felt like I was leaving home.
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at Utrecht University is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Students usually take 2 courses per block or term, equating 4 courses per semester.
Minimum academic requirements
GPA
- Utrecht University: You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at Utrecht University.
- University College Utrecht or University College Roosevelt: You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 to study at University College Utrecht or University College Roosevelt.
Study Options
You must choose to be admitted to Utrecht University, University College Utrecht or University College Roosevelt, and cannot study outside your admitted College.
Other Requirements
Students wishing to attend University College Utrecht must indicate at least two different areas of the college.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the Utrecht University course catalogue.
If you are applying to University College Utrecht, you can search for UCU courses here.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
You must still check the host university course catalogue to see if courses from the Credit Precedent Database are still on offer and in the correct semester of your exchange.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Accommodation
Utrecht does not own any student accommodation, but exchange students can apply for the Reserved Accommodation Programme. Accommodation via this programme is not guaranteed and is rented out on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this programme, or for tips on finding private accommodation, visit Utrecht University's housing web page.
Cost of living
Utrecht University has put together an overview of average living expenses you can expect to encounter during your stay in Utrecht.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
You must carry health insurance throughout your stay in the Netherlands. Medical costs are high, so make sure your health insurance covers the Dutch tariffs.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Utrecht University has visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Dutch Embassy or Consulates for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow UQ Abroad students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, UQ Abroad programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)