The University in Groningen is one of the oldest research universities in Europe boasting more than 100,000 graduates since its inception in 1614. Some 26,500 students are currently enrolled in more than 160 bachelor's and master’s programmes, and some 1,500 students are studying for their PhD (Annual Report 2009).
The University of Groningen is a research university, with research as its main focal point. Research universities prepare students for independent scientific and scholarly work in an academic or professional setting. They provide education and conduct research in a wide range of disciplines: language and culture, behaviour and society, economics, law, medical and health sciences, natural sciences, engineering and agriculture.
The university is internationally oriented. In 2009, it attracted more than 3,000 foreign students from over 100 countries: 857 outbound exchange students, 1,828 incoming international degree students and around 50% of the 1,500 PhD's are international students. The university offers 70 English-taught Master programmes and there are 8 English-taught Bachelor's programmes. Furthermore, the university also maintains long-term partnerships with foreign universities with similar high standards, participates in international networks and incorporates international themes in its programmes.
