Frequently Asked Questions

Considering University College Utrecht? This page answers the questions prospective students and parents ask most often, from campus life to scholarships and from career prospects to what makes UCU unique.

University College Utrecht compared to other programmes

What is the difference between UCU and other Utrecht University bachelor's programmes?

Most Utrecht University bachelor's programmes focus on one discipline from day one. It is also common to have classes in large lecture halls and live in student housing in town or at home. At UCU, you'll design your own interdisciplinary curriculum, study in smaller classes and be part of a residential campus community. All students live on campus for at least the first two years. 

What is the difference between UCU and other University Colleges in the Netherlands?

All university colleges in the Netherlands share the same educational philosophy: small-scale honours education, an interdisciplinary approach, personal guidance and an international learning community. However, each University College offers its own curriculum, educational style, campus and student community. University College Utrecht was the first university college in the Netherlands and offers an open Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum, giving students a lot of freedom to combine courses across disciplines. UCU also has a fully residential campus, where housing is guaranteed for all students throughout the three-year programme. For more information visit University College in the Netherlands. 

What is the difference between UCU and Liberal Arts and Sciences at Utrecht University?

Both programmes lead to a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree from Utrecht University, but the student experience is very different. UCU is a selective residential honours college where students live and study together. At UCU classes take place in smaller, interactive groups on our campus and are taught in English. On the other hand, students enrolled in Dutch language Liberal Arts and Sciences at Utrecht University take classes together with other bachelor's students at different faculties within the university. For more information about the Dutch programme at Utrecht University visit Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Studying at University College Utrecht

Do I choose a major before I start?

No. At University College Utrecht, you don't need to decide on a major before you begin. During your first year, you'll explore different disciplines while completing the programme's academic requirements. As you discover your interests, you'll gradually build your curriculum and choose a major with guidance from your personal tutor.

Is it true that you study multiple disciplines a little bit, but nothing really well?

No. While all students begin by exploring different academic fields, they also specialise over the course of the programme. You graduate with a major and complete advanced courses within that field, while complementing your expertise with knowledge from other disciplines. This combination of depth and breadth prepares students well for specialised master's programmes as well as careers that value interdisciplinary thinking.

Living on campus

Do I have to live on campus?

Yes. Living on campus is an essential part of the UCU experience and is mandatory during the first two years. Housing on campus is guaranteed for all students throughout the three-year bachelor's programme.

At UCU, you'll live and learn in an international residential community. You'll share your daily life with people who are curious about the world, enjoy exchanging ideas, and bring different cultural and academic perspectives. Learning doesn't stop when class ends - it continues over dinner, during student activities and in conversations with your neighbours.

The campus fee is comparable to renting a student room in Utrecht. For more information about housing costs and fees, visit the Financial Matters page.

Where do UCU students come from?

UCU is home to around 750 students representing more than 70 nationalities. The diversity of the student body helps to create a truly international learning environment.

How is housing allocated?

Students are randomly assigned to a house (or 'unit') when they start their studies and live in the same unit with others from different class years, countries and genders. From the second year onwards you can request to live with up to three friends or in a specific building. We do our best to grant these requests but can of course not guarantee that they will be fulfilled. 

Students receive the key to their apartment when they arrive on campus. Apartments vary in size and number of residents, and all students move to a different apartment each summer. This system ensures that housing is allocated fairly, as students may have a smaller room one year and a larger room the next. It also gives students the opportunity to live with different housemates from a variety of academic backgrounds and nationalities. During the summer break, most students leave campus to visit family, travel or work, allowing maintenance to take place across the historic campus. A limited number of students can apply to remain on campus during this period for an additional fee.

Can students chose to live in a single or double (shared) room?

Although the majority of students live in single rooms, some students live in shared (double) rooms. The cost of living in a double room is lower. During the admission process students are asked to indicate their preference in terms of living in a single or double room. University College Utrecht tries to take this preference into account when housing is allocated, although cannot we guarantee that this preference can be accommodated. Some students who request a double room are allocated a single room, as the number of double rooms is limited. In rare cases some students who indicate a preference for a single room might be allocated a double room. If this is the case, we try to move the student to their preferred accommodation as soon as a suitable room becomes available.

After graduation

How does studying at UCU equip me for the job market?

Studying the liberal arts and sciences can prepare you for many different career paths. The multidisciplinary approach allows students to develop expertise in a certain subject area by looking at the topic through the lens of different scientific disciplines. Apart from discipline specific knowledge, UCU also equips students with transferable soft skills, such as time management, intercultural communication and versatility to adapt to different working environments. Our graduates have gone on to jobs in legal professions, medical research, public service, consultancy, politics, journalism, the arts as well as research and teaching in higher education institutions. For more information visit After the programme. 

There are limitations especially related to regulated professions after studying for a liberal arts and sciences degree. For example, students who would like to continue in clinical psychology with the aim of becoming a therapist are encouraged to choose a bachelor programme in psychology only instead of liberal arts and sciences.

Am I admissible to a master's programme with a UCU degree?

Yes. Most UCU graduates continue to a specialised master's programme in the Netherlands or abroad. A Liberal Arts and Sciences degree does not automatically guarantee admission to a master's programme. As with any bachelor's degree, each university sets its own entry requirements. It is your responsibility to research the admission requirements for the master's programmes you are interested in and to design a curriculum that meets those requirements. Throughout your studies, your tutor will help you make informed course choices and plan your academic path, so you can prepare for your intended master's programme.

Practical information

What are the admissions requirements?

UCU has a selective admissions procedure. Applicants need to have a Dutch high school diploma at VWO level (any profile) or an international equivalent, demonstrate English proficiency where required, and show that they are academically motivated, curious and a good fit for the UCU community. The exact diploma requirements differ by country. For more information visit Application and Admission.

How do I apply?

University College Utrecht accepts applications via an online system. To access the application form, you must first register using Studielink. You will then receive an email from Studielink with access details to the online application form. Based on your application, you may be invited for an interview. Admission is competitive, with around 250 students admitted each year from approximately 1,000 applicants. For more information visit How to Apply.

When should I apply?

Applications open each year on 1 October for the following September intake. There is an early round (including the scholarship deadline) with a deadline on 1st December, while the final deadline for applying is 1st February. For more information visit Dates and deadlines.

Are scholarships or financial support available?

Yes. UCU offers the Rosemary Orr Scholarship, which provides campus fee waivers for a limited number of students with demonstrated financial need. In addition, enrolled students experiencing unexpected financial hardship may apply to the Student Aid Fund. More information about scholarships, tuition fees and student finance can be found on the Financial Matters page.

Is UCU part of a highly ranked university?

Yes. UCU is the honours college of Utrecht University, one of Europe's leading research universities and consistently ranked among the world's top universities (for more information please visit the QS and Shanghai rankings).