Are you curious about the world around you and eager to look beyond the boundaries of a single discipline? Are you looking for a degree programme that challenges you to explore complex questions from multiple perspectives? If so, University College Utrecht offers a unique academic environment where you'll learn, live, and grow alongside motivated students from around the world.
What is University College Utrecht?
University College Utrecht (UCU) is Utrecht University's international honours college. Its English-taught Bachelor's programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences offers an intensive, small-scale learning experience within a vibrant international community.
Rather than following a fixed curriculum, you'll combine courses from different academic disciplines and, with the guidance of your lecturers and a personal tutor, design a study programme that reflects your interests, talents, and ambitions. Along the way, you'll develop strong academic and research skills, learn to think critically, and prepare yourself for graduate study and a career in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
UCU is part of the Dutch university college model: small-scale honours education at a research university, where students live and learn together in a close-knit international community. Founded in 1998 as the Netherlands' first university college, UCU has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to higher education for more than 25 years.
Why choose University College Utrecht?
Design your own curriculum
At University College Utrecht, you have the freedom to design your own curriculum from more than 200 courses in the humanities, sciences and social sciences. You can shape a study programme that matches your interests, talents and future ambitions. Designing your own curriculum also means taking ownership of your academic development. With guidance from your personal tutor, you'll learn to make informed choices and develop as an independent learner.
Small-scale honours education
Study in an academically challenging honours programme where classes typically have around 22 students. Discussion-based teaching and close contact with lecturers encourage active participation and allow you to develop your critical thinking and academic skills. Expect an intensive academic environment with substantial reading, analytical writing and seminar discussions. You'll be encouraged to think critically, defend your ideas and take responsibility for your own learning.
Live and learn on campus
At UCU, studying and living go hand in hand. You'll live and study with around 750 students from more than 70 nationalities who share a curiosity about the world and enjoy discussing ideas both inside and outside the classroom. Housing is guaranteed for three years on our campus. Student accommodation, classrooms, facilities for sports, cultural and social activities and staff offices are all located together on one site.
Part of Utrecht University
As the honours college of Utrecht University, UCU combines the benefits of a small-scale learning community with the opportunities of a leading international research university. You'll study in an inspiring academic environment while being part of one of Europe's most highly regarded universities.
Thanks to intensive tutoring and a close-knit academic community, almost all UCU students complete their degree within three years and continue to master's programmes around the world.
Who is this programme for?
University College Utrecht may be a good fit if you:
- enjoy exploring ideas from different academic disciplines
- are curious about multiple subjects and want to explore and combine them
- want the freedom to combine subjects such as:
- neuroscience, psychology and linguistics
- political science, history and law
- human geography, environmental sciences and sustainability science
- anthropology, art history and media studies
- biology, chemistry and medical science
- or anything you would like to combine from the 23 different subjects in humanities, science and social science we offer. You decide
- enjoy active learning in small classes with plenty of discussion
- are looking for an international community where you live and study with fellow students
- are curious, motivated and ready for an academically challenging honours programme
If you already know exactly what specialised subject you want to study, a traditional bachelor's programme may suit you better. If you're looking for flexibility and interdisciplinary learning, UCU could be an excellent fit.
Because of the freedom and flexibility in the curriculum, I discovered my passion for subjects I would never have been able to take otherwise!
Studying and living with fellow students is something special and creates real friendships: in class together during the day, cooking together in the evening!
University College Utrecht has been designated a Top Programme for 2026 by the national study-choice guide Keuzegids. This label is awarded only to selected programmes in the Netherlands.
In short:
- Honours college of Utrecht University (est. 1636)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (BA/BSc)
- Compose your own multi-disciplinary curriculum (200+ courses)
- Residential: Study and live on campus (guaranteed housing)
- Small scale: 750 students. On average 20 students per class
- International: Over 50% international, 70+ nationalities
Key facts
- Degree:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts) / BSc (Bachelor of Science)
- Language of instruction:
- English
- Mode of study:
- Fulltime
- Study duration:
- 3 years
- Start:
- September
- Tuition fees:
- 2027-2028: € 5,750 (EU/EEA), € 21,587 (EU/EEA with a Dutch Ba/Ma degree), € 21,600 (non EU/EEA)
More information about fees - Admission:
- Selective
- Croho code:
- 50393
- Brochure:
- Request a brochure