Why study in Groningen?

Groningen is a lively student-city with around 60,000 (international) students. It’s no wonder then that the city’s slogan is “Nothing tops Groningen” (in Dutch: “Er gaat niets boven Groningen”).

A real student city

Groningen revolves around students. With around 60,000 students, nearly a quarter of the population, you are part of a city where student life is visible and valued.

You see it in packed study spots during exam weeks, in group projects that continue in cafés, in evenings filled with association activities, lectures, sports or cultural events. It is easy to meet people, form study groups and build friendships, because so many people around you are in the same stage of life.

The city is compact and easy to navigate. Everything is within cycling distance, from lecture halls and libraries to supermarkets and sports facilities. That scale makes daily life practical and social at the same time.

Studying across the city, from city centre to Zernike

At the University of Groningen, your classes may take place in historic buildings in the city centre or at the modern Zernike Campus.

In the city centre, you might attend lectures in the city centre or study at the University of Groningen Library, right in the heart of Groningen. Cafés, bookshops and quiet study corners are always nearby.

Zernike Campus, located just north of the city centre, brings together education, research and innovation in one area. It is home to science and engineering programmes, advanced research institutes and companies working on new technologies. Here, you study in a green, spacious environment with modern facilities, labs and close links to industry. Many students move between the city centre and Zernike by bike in under 15 minutes.

Wherever you study, the city and the university are closely connected. Your academic life and your social life are never far apart.

Culture and creativity

Groningen offers more than lectures and libraries. The city hosts major festivals such as Eurosonic Noorderslag and Noorderzon, alongside a steady programme of theatre, film and live music.

You can visit the Groninger Museum, explore smaller galleries, or attend performances at the historic city theatre. Many venues offer student discounts, and cultural events are easy to combine with your studies because everything is close by.

Community and opportunities next to your degree

Student associations are an important part of Groningen. There are study associations linked to your programme, sports clubs, cultural and political organisations, and international student groups.

For Bachelor students, this is often where your social network starts to grow. For Master students, it can be a way to expand your professional network, gain leadership experience or connect with companies and research initiatives.

Because the city is manageable and affordable compared to larger European capitals, many students are able to combine their studies with extracurricular activities or part-time work.

An international environment

Groningen has a long history of welcoming students from abroad. Today, thousands of international students choose to study here, creating a diverse and open environment. English is widely spoken in the city, and many programmes are fully taught in English.

You will study in a close knit academic community while building an international network that extends far beyond the Netherlands.