How to get into Radboud University?

Radboud University is located in Nijmegen-  the home of Charlemagne -the oldest city in the Netherlands, with a history stretching back to Roman times. Radboud University was the first Catholic university established in the country, in 1923, and is renowned for its quality research, particularly in the scientific field, its high global ranking and attractive green campus.

A prestigious, public institution, Radboud is situated quite close to the border with Germany and a 90-minute drive away from Amsterdam. Five Dutch prime ministers attended the university, and Radboud researchers were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010,testifying to the high standard of teaching. Radboud’s academics favour interdisciplinary learning and student-centred teaching. The university has a range of research centres on campus, including Business, Law, Management and Brain Cognition and Behaviour. The student community currently numbers 24,000, of whom 10 per cent are international students.

Radboud University offers over two hundred student associations and multiple sports facilities, ranging from sailing to baseball, cricket to cycling. During your breaks from studying, you can relax, read and unwind on the many nature trails, forest paths  and riverside walks close by the campus.

Before you start looking at the many courses Radboud University offers, you must make sure that you meet the general requirements. These include a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or IELTS of 6.5+, an IB of 33 or above and a GPA of 2.8+. Certain courses may demand that you have studies maths and done well – if this is not the case, you could be invited to do a remedial catch-up course. Check the university website to see precisely what the course you are interested in requires.

Undergraduate degree courses last for three years, and Master’s programs run for one to two years.

Numerus fixus courses at Radboud University

Note, too, that several of the courses taught in English are “numerus fixus”, and acceptance is highly competitive, since there are far more applicants than available places. Numerus fixus courses have a limited number of places and require applicants to submit their documentation by 15 January. You are only allowed to apply for two numerus fixus courses. The selection process for these programs differs from department to department and usually consists of assignments, which you will receive just after 15 January, and which need to be completed in February or March. Depending on how well you do, you will be given a ranking  number on or around 15 April. Do not despair if your number is lower than that of the cut-off point, i.e. if you are ranked 253 and there are only 200 places on offer – since people change their minds, drop out or decide to take a different course. If you are offered a place, you have to accept or decline within 14 days, and complete the enrolment process by 31 July. The progress of your application is  charted through your Studielink account.

Bachelor’s degree courses taught in English at Radboud University

Among the most popular courses taught entirely in English at undergraduate level, you will find:

• American studies
• AI*
• Arts and Culture
• Biology*
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics and Business Economics
• International Business Administration*
• International Business Communication
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Philosophy, Politics and Society
• Psychology *

Courses marked with an * are numerus fixus, see above.

Master’s degree courses taught in English at Radboud University

Over 120 courses are taught in English at Master’s level at Radboud University, so you have a large choice of subjects. Check https://www.ru.nl/en/education/masters/overview, where you will find the comprehensive listing of programs, and be able to see which are research degrees, which are specialisations and which form part of a joint degree. For example, if you study for a Master of Science, you can take a specialisation in physics and astronomy, molecular science, biology etc. – and the website clearly differentiates between your many options.

Among the most popular Master’s courses with international students, you will find:

• Art and Visual Culture
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Political Science
• Economics
• Ethics and Political Philosophy
• Historical Studies
• European Law and Global Affairs
• Linguistics and Communication Sciences
• Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology etc.

Radboud University consistently ranks high in global university rankings. In the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the university is listed among the top 150 institutions worldwide, with even higher placements in fields such as natural sciences, medicine, and psychology. The QS World University Rankings also places Radboud in the upper tiers, recognizing its teaching quality, strong research output, and robust international collaborations.

Its high position in rankings confirms the university’s academic reputation and its appeal to students from around the world.

The Netherlands has a streamlined centralised application system – Studielink – so you will not have to apply to individual universities. Access the website and create an account. You will need to use your official ID on the site to verify your identity, so make sure you have your passport or EU ID card to hand before starting the process.

Applying for a Bachelor’s degree at Radboud University

Once you have filled in the application form, you will have to upload a series of documents via the Osiris app. When you have applied, you have 56 days to upload the documentation, which includes:

• Your secondary school diploma -a certified translation
• Passport
• If you have not yet received your diploma, your school will have to fill in the Radboud Statement of Education form
• A transcript of your grades going back over two years
• An overview of your education
• Personal statement
• Proof of English proficiency

You should hear back from Radboud University in three weeks or so, and will then need to enrol. Information on the process will be sent to you by email.

Applying for a Master’s degree at Radboud University

Master’s degree applications go through two stages: applying for enrolment through Studielink , and uploading your documents through Osiris. English-taught Master’s programs incur a 75 euro fee. Make sure that you keep proof of payment, since your application will not be considered without it.

Master’s degree course documentation includes:

• A scan of your passport
• A scan of your bachelor’s degree -certified and translated
• Transcript of the grades you achieved, as well as a description of the grading system
• Course description for your undergraduate degree: the content, the number of hours, the literature you used, any thesis you wrote or internships you undertook…
• Personal statement
• Reference letter/s
• English language certificate
• Application fee receipt

You will receive a response through Studielink within a month, and if you accept the place at that point you will receive information by email on the next stage – official enrolment.

Undergraduate applications have to be submitted by 1 May if you want to request housing support, and 1 July if you do not wish to have help finding housing. The same dates apply for Master’s courses starting in September, whereas students who wish to start their course in February must apply by 1 December.

Numerus fixus deadlines are earlier – check the Radboud University website or contact Elab for up-to-date information.

If you are intending to apply for a scholarship, you must discover when the deadlines fall -since these are usually far earlier than the general application cut-off date. The number of scholarships open to EU students is, however, quite limited.

Radboud University is looking for individuals with strong academic abilities, who are interested in taking part in its research programs. According to the university, Radboud students value innovation, social justice and sustainability, alongside technological advancements and social engagement. Radboud University has a collaborative and international perspective, and it expects its students and faculty to share these values.

EU students pay the statutory tuition fees, which are approximately 2,601 euros a year in 2025.

The Netherlands supports students with financial aid. EU students are eligible to apply for a grant if they can establish they are “migrant workers”, aged under 30, and work 56 hours a month. You will need to secure a contract and produce payslips and bank statements to submit your grant application to DUO, the national Education Executive Agency – further details of how to apply and what you may be entitled to can be found at https://duo.nl/particulier/student-finance/

You may have to wait for up to two months to get a decision, and if your employment contract starts after the 1^st of the month, then you will not be entitled to get student finance until the following month. Consequently, you must make sure that you have sufficient funds to pay your expenses for at least three months before you can start factoring in financial aid.

In addition to the basic grant, EU students can also apply for the supplementary grant, which is based on your parents’ income over the last two years and the number of siblings in your family who are studying. There is a sliding scale in place. Click on the following link for further information: https://duo.nl/particulier/student-finance/

Finally, although the Netherlands offers various scholarships, you will discover that at present these focus on supporting non-EU students, or applicants from specific countries, such as Indonesia, Turkey or China.

Students report that their monthly expenses, including accommodation, range from 900-1500 euros, depending on their lifestyle choices.

Radboud University provides housing support for international students. It collaborates with SSH&, an organization that manages several student dormitories and residential complexes in Nijmegen.

Accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible—ideally together with your study application. Housing offered by SSH& typically consists of single rooms with access to shared kitchens and bathrooms, located near the university campus.

As an alternative, students can rent a room or flat independently. Numerous real estate agencies in Nijmegen assist students and private individuals in finding suitable accommodation. Rental prices are competitive compared to other Dutch cities, but it is still advisable to begin your search several months in advance.

Radboud University is an outstanding Dutch university. Located on the River Waal, Nijmegen offers students a lively, cosmopolitan environment, and a beautiful campus, a short trip away from the vineyards and forest trails of Groesbeek. The city’s historical centre and independent shops frame the many welcoming clubs, bars and restaurants which come alive in the evenings. Nijmegen’s famous Four Day March attracts  40,000-50,000 walkers every year, keen to cover 30,40 or 50 kilometres and test their physical resources. If this feels too strenuous, you could wander through the countryside by bicycle and simply sample the local wines, or people watch in the city’s many cafés.

Excellent teaching, a high research output and interdisciplinary learning all combine to make Radboud University a brilliant choice for talented international students, keen to make a mark on society and launch high-flying careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to speak Dutch to study at Radboud University?

No, you do not need to speak Dutch to study at Radboud University. Most programmes for international students are entirely taught in English.

Do I have a good chance of being accepted at Radboud University?

Yes, you have a fair chance of being accepted to Radboud University. The acceptance rate is around 53%, and qualified applicants with strong materials are well-positioned.

Can I work part-time while studying at Radboud University?

Yes, you can work part-time during your studies at Radboud University. EU students can work without restrictions, and working at least 56 hours per month may make you eligible for Dutch student finance.

Are there scholarships for EU students at Radboud University?

Yes, there are some scholarships available for EU students at Radboud University, although most are aimed at non-EU applicants. EU students often benefit from financial support via DUO.

Can I apply for DUO financial aid as a Radboud student?

Yes, you can apply for DUO financial aid if you are under 30 and employed in the Netherlands. You must meet work hour requirements and submit financial documentation.

Study at Radboud University with Elab!

Elab Education offers expert support to students applying to Radboud University and other top European institutions. Our team provides personalised guidance throughout the entire application process—from choosing the right course and writing your motivational letter to navigating Studielink and arranging housing or financial aid.

Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward studying in the Netherlands with confidence.