Radboud University

Radboud University continues to hold a strong position among global research universities. In the 2025 QS Sustainability Rankings, it stands at 355, reflecting its growing efforts in environmental and social impact. The university maintains competitive placements across global rankings, highlighting its academic credibility and international reputation.

Here’s how Radboud University has performed over the past three years among the best universities in the world.

Ranking Body	Rankings 2025	Rankings 2024	Rankings 2023
QS World Rankings	272	222	232
THE World Rankings	143	140	139
U.S. News & Reports Rankings	117	117	106

While the overall numbers give you a broader view, looking at program-level rankings reveals where Radboud University excels even further.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

Radboud University ranks well in individual subjects, especially in research-intensive disciplines. According to THE World Rankings 2025, its Arts and Humanities programs are placed in the 101–125 range globally. Strong results in psychology, law, and environmental studies further establish its academic strengths across diverse faculties.

The table below shows how key programs at Radboud University are ranked across different ranking bodies.

Subject	Ranking Body	Rankings 2025
Psychology	QS World Rankings	78
Denistry	QS World Rankings	49
Law	THE Rankings	126-150
Computer Science	THE Rankings	151-175
Ecology	U.S World News & Reports	54
Microbiology	U.S World News & Reports	95

Want to know where the university stands globally on the subject of your choice? Check out Radboud University rankings and get a detailed overview of global and regional rankings. 

Now that you know where the university stands globally, let’s explore what you will need to get admission in the programs of your choice. 

Radboud University enrolls over 23,582 students, with nearly 10% coming from international backgrounds. The admission process is designed to support diverse applicants through clear eligibility criteria, defined deadlines, and structured application steps like application forms and LORs.

Start by understanding the core admission requirements for international students.

Admission Requirements

Radboud University sets clear and structured admission requirements for international students. These cover academic qualifications, English language skills, competitive test scores, and student visa procedures. 

Begin by reviewing the academic qualifications you must fulfill to be considered for your chosen program.

Academic Qualifications

To apply to Radboud University, you must meet program-specific academic standards. Most programs require a completed secondary school diploma or higher, depending on your country of origin. For example, the Pre-Master’s in Environment and Society Studies grants automatic admission with a GPA of 7.5 or higher.

The table below outlines the key academic requirements you must prepare before applying.

Requirement	Details
Diploma	A completed secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification that grants access to higher education in the country of origin.
Academic Transcripts	Signed and stamped transcripts of grades for the past two years. If applicable, include transcripts from any post-secondary education.
GPA Requirements	GPA expectations vary by program. For example, the Pre-Master's in Environment and Society Studies requires: • Unweighted GPA ≥ 7.5: Automatic admission. • GPA between 7.0 and 7.5: Admission possible with motivation letter. • GPA < 7.0: Not eligible.
Radboud Statement of Education Form	If you have not yet graduated, complete and upload this form to provide an overview of your current education.
Personal Statement	A brief description explaining your choice of program and how it aligns with your previous education.
Overview of Education/Experience	A chronological overview of your education and any relevant internships, training, or work experience (e.g., a resume).

Language Proficiency

Radboud University requires proof of English proficiency for programs taught in English. Most programs accept an IELTS Band score of 6.0 overall, with no band lower than 6.0. Equivalent scores in other tests are also accepted.

Refer to the table below to check the minimum test scores accepted by the university.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS Academic	6.0 overall, with 6.0 in each band
TOEFL iBT	80 overall, with 20 in each section
Cambridge C1 Advanced	169 overall, with 169 in each area
Cambridge C2 Proficiency	180 overall, with 169 in each area

Note: Competitive scores for the tests may vary in different programs. Please check the official website of the university before applying. 

Competitive Exams

Some programs at Radboud University may ask you to submit competitive exam scores, especially if you come from an education system that differs from the Dutch standard. For example, a minimum score of 600 in SAT Math may be required for bachelor's admission in specific fields.

Below are the accepted exams and the minimum scores you must achieve.

Test	Minimum Score Required
SAT	600 out of 800
GMAT	565
GRE	315
Online Mathematics Placement Test (OMPT)	55% (OMPT-A, OMPT-B, OMPT-C, OMPT-D, OMPT-E, or OMPT-F)
CCVX Mathematics A or B	6.0 out of 10.0
Boswell-Bèta VWO Mathematics A, B, or C	5.5 out of 10.0

Note: Competitive scores for the tests may vary in different programs. Please check the official website of the university before applying. 

Visa Requirements

If you plan to study at Radboud University for more than 90 days, you will need a valid Netherlands student visa. The university helps international students by submitting the MVV and residence permit application after your admission is confirmed.

Here is a breakdown of the visa requirements you must fulfill before arriving in the Netherlands.

Requirement	Details
Visa Type	For stays longer than 90 days, a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) and a Residence Permit (VVR) are required. Radboud University assists with the application process.
Application Process	After admission and submission of required documents, the university applies for the MVV and residence permit on behalf of the student.
Required Documents	Valid passport, antecedents certificate, declaration of intent to undergo a tuberculosis test, and proof of sufficient financial means.
Financial Requirements	Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, currently set at €1,220 (INR 1.1L) per month.
Visa Fees	The immigration fee is approximately €210 (INR 18K).
Processing Time	The MVV application process can take up to four weeks.
After Arrival	Students must register with the local municipality and may need to undergo a tuberculosis test, depending on their country of origin.

Now that you’re aware of all the requirements, let’s explore the key dates and deadlines at Radboud. 

Radboud University offers a broad selection of academic programs that combine research, practical learning, and interdisciplinary approaches. You can choose from over 50 English-taught programs, including 14 bachelor’s and 35 master’s degrees. These courses are designed to meet global standards while offering a strong foundation in research and fieldwork.

Here’s a look at the main subject areas you can explore as an international student at Radboud University.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Programs like Computing Science, Life Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence provide hands-on lab work and research-driven projects.
• Law and Public Policy: Courses in International and European Law prepare you for legal careers across borders, including EU law and international human rights.
• Medical and Health Sciences: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, and Cognitive Neuroscience offer strong clinical exposure and research-focused specializations.
• Social Sciences and Psychology: Programs such as Psychology, Anthropology, and Human Geography examine global issues with strong research backing and practical applications.
• Arts and Humanities: You can pursue Philosophy, Theology, or Linguistics, with a focus on ethical issues, critical thinking, and cultural studies.
• Economics and Business: Business Administration and Economics programs cover topics like sustainability, innovation, and global market strategies.

Knowing what to study is important, but so is understanding how much each program will cost you as an international student.

The cost of studying at Radboud University varies by academic level and citizenship status. If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, tuition fees are generally higher than those for EU/EEA students. Doctoral candidates do not pay tuition, as they are usually employed by the university and receive a monthly salary.

Use the table below to understand the average tuition fees for different study levels.

Study Level	Average Tuition Fee (Euro)	Average Tuition Fee (INR)
Postgraduate (Master's)	€13,784 – €18,404	INR 13.2L to INR 17.6L
Doctoral (PhD)	PhD candidates are typically employed by the university and receive a salary instead of paying tuition fees.	N/A
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)	€9,355 – €13,413	INR 8.9L to INR 12.8L

Beyond tuition, you also need to prepare for monthly living expenses while studying in the Netherlands.

Living expenses in the Netherlands can vary depending on your lifestyle and city of residence. In 2025, the average housing cost is around €556 (INR 53K) per month, which closely matches what most students pay in Nijmegen. Apart from rent, you'll need to budget for daily expenses, transport, study materials, and leisure.

Use the table below to estimate your monthly living costs while studying at Radboud University.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Euro)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	€450 – €600	INR 43K to INR 57K
Study Materials	€49	INR 4.7K
Health & Liability Insurance	€42	INR 4K
Public Transport	€72	INR 6.9K
Groceries	€173	INR 16.6K
Leisure Activities	€124	INR 12K
Clothing & Shoes	€53	INR 5K

Note: INR conversions are done based on the latest conversion rates and are subject to vary. 

To ease these costs, Radboud University offers scholarships specifically for international and merit-based applicants.

Radboud University offers limited but valuable scholarship opportunities for international students applying in 2025. For the academic year 2025–2026, the university has announced a maximum of 19 scholarships across its key funding programs. These scholarships support both tuition and living expenses, depending on the scheme.

Start by exploring the internal scholarships that Radboud University offers to eligible students.

Internal Scholarships

Radboud University offers a range of fully-funded scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for international students. For example, the Radboud Scholarship Programme can bring down tuition from €18,000 (INR 17.3L) to €2,601 (INR 2.5L), significantly lowering study costs. Some awards even provide full support for tuition and living expenses.

The table below highlights key internal scholarships available for eligible students.

Scholarship Name	Type	Benefits
Radboud Scholarship Programme	Partial Tuition Waiver	Reduces tuition from ~€18,000 to €2,601 (INR 17.3L to INR 2.5L) Covers visa, residence permit, and insurance
Radboud Encouragement Scholarship	Full Tuition + Living Support	Full tuition fee waiver €13,200 (INR 12.7L) for living costs Covers visa and insurance expenses
NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)	One-Time Grant	€5,000 (INR 4.8L) grant Applied toward first-year costs Available for select Bachelor's/Master's
Financial Support for Participational Bodies	Monthly Stipend	€345.45 (INR 33K) per month For students active in university councils Aims to offset study delay

In addition to university-funded options, you can also apply for external scholarships supported by Dutch government or international foundations.

External Scholarships

Alongside internal funding, Radboud University students can benefit from nationally and internationally funded scholarships. These awards support tuition and living costs, especially for non-EU/EEA students. For instance, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees offer full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend, making them a strong option for eligible master’s applicants.

Below are notable external scholarships in the Netherlands that can support your studies.

Scholarship Name	Type	Benefits
NL Scholarship	One-time Grant	€5,000 (INR 4.8L) grant in the first year of study Applicable to Bachelor's and Master's programmes in the Netherlands
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)	Partial Tuition Waiver	Varies by institution; may include partial tuition fee coverage Targeted at students from specific Neso countries
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees	Full Scholarship	Full tuition fee coverage Monthly stipend for living expenses Contribution to travel and installation costs

Once you complete your degree at Radboud University, strong placement support helps you move directly into research, internships, or full-time employment.

Radboud University maintains a strong track record of graduate employability. The university’s support system combines faculty-specific guidance with university-wide career services to prepare you for jobs in the Netherlands and abroad. 

A recent report shows that 96.6% of alumni are in paid employment within 1.5 years of graduation, exceeding the national average.

Explore the main highlights of placements and career support at Radboud University.

• Bachelor’s Graduates: 84% found jobs within three months of graduation, and 62% secured roles that matched their academic qualifications.
• Master’s Graduates: 86% were employed within six months, with 66% working in fields aligned with their degrees.
• Starting Salary – Business Administration: Entry-level salaries reach €3,000 (INR 2.8L) gross/month for a 39-hour workweek.
• Starting Salary – Financial Economics: Graduates earn around €2,960 (INR 2.7L) gross/month based on a 38-hour week.
• Radboud Career Service: Offers tailored help with CVs, motivation letters, interview skills, and job search techniques. Each department runs career initiatives suited to its academic and industry networks.
• Workshops and Events: Sessions cover practical topics such as employment contracts, interview techniques, and professional networking. A dedicated portal lists internships, graduate jobs, and networking events for students.
• International Internships: While fewer in recent years, global internship options are still open for students seeking work abroad.

Let’s now explore which companies provide jobs and internships to the graduates of Radboud University. 

Top Recruiters at Radboud University

Radboud University in the Netherlands maintains strong connections with leading employers across various industries, enhancing job opportunities for its graduates. The university's Career Service Centre actively supports students in their transition to the workforce, offering guidance and resources to connect with potential employers.

Explore some of the prominent organizations that actively recruit from Radboud University.

Name	Industry
ASML	Semiconductors & Technology
Philips	Healthcare Technology
Rabobank	Banking & Financial Services
ING Group	Banking & Financial Services
Deloitte	Consulting & Professional Services
KPMG	Consulting & Professional Services
PwC	Consulting & Professional Services
Shell	Energy & Petrochemicals
Unilever	Consumer Goods
NXP Semiconductors	Semiconductors & Electronics

If you're comparing options, it's useful to see how Radboud University stands against top Dutch institutions.

Radboud University Vs University of Groningen Vs Leiden University: Which is better?

Radboud University ranks 272 in the QS Rankings 2025, compared to 159 for the University of Groningen and 141 for Leiden University. While it has a slightly lower rank, Radboud records a higher placement rate of 96%, making it a practical choice for career-focused students.

Compare key factors below to understand which university aligns best with your academic and professional goals.

Particulars	Radboud University	University of Groningen	Leiden University
QS Rankings 2025	272	159	141
No. of Courses	110+	180+	200+
Popular Programs	MBA  BSc in Psychology LLM  BA in Artificial Intelligence MSc in Molecular Life Sciences	MBA  BSc in International Business LLB in International and European Law MSc in Computing Science	MBA BSc in Biomedical Sciences LLM in Public International Law BA in International Studies MSc in Political Science: International Organisation
Tuition Fees (Average)	€9K to €20K (INR 8.6L to INR 19.2L)	€13K to €30K (INR 12.4L to INR 28.8L)	€10K to €25K (INR 9.6L to INR 24L)
Scholarships	Radboud Scholarship Programme Radboud Encouragement Scholarship NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)	Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship NL Scholarship University of Groningen Talent Grant	Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Minerva Scholarship Fund NL Scholarship
Placement Rate	96%	60%	76%
Avg Salary After Graduation	€36K (INR 34.5L)	€42K (INR 40.3L)	€36K (INR 34.5L)

Now, let’s shift our focus to the Radbout University campus and explore what it has to offer. 

Radboud University Campus

Radboud University operates a single, integrated campus known as the Heyendaal Campus, situated in the southern part of Nijmegen, the Netherlands. It offers the following distinctive features that enhance the academic and social experience.

Here are the unique features of Radboud University campus that place it amongst the best universities in the Netherlands. 

• Integrated Research Institutes: The campus hosts renowned research centers such as the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, and the High Field Magnetic Laboratory (HFML-FELIX), facilitating interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics: Situated on campus, this institute is one of the few Max Planck Institutes outside Germany, focusing on the study of language and communication.
• Radboud Sports Centre (RSC): Offers over 80 different sports and activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle among students and staff.
• Green Campus Initiative: Recognized as one of the greenest campuses in the Netherlands, the university emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility in its campus planning and operations.
• Campus Transformation Plan: Radboud University is actively transforming its campus into a knowledge district, integrating educational, cultural, and recreational spaces to foster a vibrant community. 

Beyond campus, the overall experience is shaped by student culture and daily life. Let’s explore more about student life at Radboud. 

Student life at Radboud University goes far beyond lectures and labs. The campus promotes an inclusive and engaging environment for both domestic and international students. Whether you're interested in joining a club, learning Dutch, or participating in sports, there's something for everyone to stay involved and connected.

Here’s how studying in the Netherlands at Radboud University adds value to your academic experience.

• Diverse Student Organizations: Radboud University supports over 150 student organizations across areas like sports, arts, ideology, international relations, and faculty-level interests.
• Faculty and Study Associations: Each faculty hosts its own study associations, which organize events, offer academic resources, and help students engage with their peers.
• International Student Support: Groups like Radboud International Students (RIS) and ESN Nijmegen host speed-friending sessions, cultural evenings, and book clubs to help internationals settle in.
• Radboud Sport & Culture (RSC): Offers over 80 activities, including fitness, team sports, dance, and workshops, with access to professional trainers and modern facilities.
• Student Sports Clubs: You can join specialized clubs such as Phocas (rowing), Obelix (rugby), or Apeliotes (hockey) for recreational and competitive sports.
• Week of the Active Student: This yearly event promotes campus engagement, helping you explore student bodies and participate in various initiatives.
• Campus Life Program: Focuses on strengthening community ties through improved student spaces and encouraging student-led events and campaigns.
• Orientation Programs: International students are welcomed with orientation weeks designed to ease academic and social integration.
• Language Courses: Free Social Dutch language courses are provided to help you adapt to local culture and daily life.

The student culture at Radboud complements its academic strength, as seen in the achievements of its alumni worldwide.

Radboud University has produced over 119,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have gone on to shape their fields in science, politics, law, and culture. These graduates reflect the university’s strong academic foundation and global influence.

Explore some of the most well-known individuals who once studied at Radboud University.

Name	Field	Contribution
Frans Timmermans	Politics	Executive Vice President of the European Commission, leading climate policy and EU Green Deal.
Hans van Mierlo	Politics	Co-founder of the Dutch Democrats 66 (D66) political party and former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Agnes Jongerius	Politics	Member of the European Parliament focusing on employment rights and social equality across the EU.
Paul Cliteur	Law/Politics	Professor and political commentator known for work on legal philosophy and secularism in public policy.
Andreas Kinneging	Philosophy	Conservative thinker and academic known for writings on political theory and classical thought.
Jolande Sap	Economics	Former leader of the GreenLeft party and advocate for sustainable economic reform in the Netherlands.
Jan Peter Toennies	Physics	Renowned researcher in molecular beam studies and physical chemistry, contributing to fundamental science.
Marga Klompé	Politics	First female minister in the Netherlands and advocate for social welfare and public health reforms.
Marcel van der Linden	Sociology	Historian and sociologist known for global labor history and comparative social studies.
Maria van der Hoeven	Politics/Energy	Former Dutch Minister of Education and Executive Director of the International Energy Agency.

These individuals highlight the academic strength and real-world influence of a Radboud education across generations and sectors.