Utrecht University

Utrecht
Netherlands

Language of instruction

English
Dutch

   Limited places available. Potentially available as a second of third preference.

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 SemesterHost SemesterDates
Semester 1Spring SemesterFebruary–June
Semester 2Autumn SemesterSeptember–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.

University College Utrecht and University College Roosevelt have different academic calendars.

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: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)

Student testimonials

  • B Arts / Social Science
    Semester 2, 2022
    I believe the experience has changed me for the better, giving me a new found confidence to put myself out there.
  • B Arts
    Semester 2, 2019
    Don’t think, just do it.
  • B Education
    Semester 1, 2019
    I met lots of people and can now say I have friends all over the world. I feel very lucky to be able to say that.

Full-time study load

30 ECTS credits per semester at Utrecht University is equivalent to 8 UQ units.

Students need to select at least 2 courses per block to total at least 4 per semester.

At University College Utrecht, students need to study 3 or 4 courses per semester.

At University College Roosevelt, students need to study 4 courses per semester. 

Host university 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. 

Students must choose one admission faculty from the available list and take 50% of courses within the chosen faculty.

  • Students are permitted to take courses from a maximum of two faculties.

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

Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database to see if UQ credit has previously been granted. The database should be used as a general guide only. Few courses from each host will be in the database and many course precedents in the database may have expired. Note, the credit precedent database does not replace the host course catalogue. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.

Study areas taught in English

Undergraduate
Anthropology
Art history
Biological sciences
Biomedical science
Chemistry and biochemistry
Communication, digital media and PR
Computer science
Earth and Geographical Sciences
Economics
English literature
Environmental studies
French
German
History and ancient history
International relations
Italian
Law
Linguistics
Mathematics and statistics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political science
Psychology
Religion
Sciences
Sociology
Spanish
Postgraduate
Anthropology
Art history
Biological sciences
Business information systems
Computer science
Data Science
Drama
Earth and Geographical Sciences
Economics
Engineering
English literature
Environmental studies
Film, TV and media
Gender Studies
History and ancient history
International relations
Law
Linguistics
Mathematics and statistics
Music
Peace and conflict studies
Philosophy
Physics
Political science
Psychology
Regional and town planning
Religion
Water and Marine engineering

Exchange deadlines

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)

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: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)

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 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, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.

Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.

Exchange deadlines

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)