Erasmus guide University of Groningen
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Groningen in Groningen, the Netherlands.
City
GroningenCountry
the NetherlandsTuition
EUR 0 / year
International
8,500 international students; 26% international in 2025
Study abroad at University of Groningen: overview
Study abroad at University of Groningen means choosing a 32,500-student research university with 8,500 international students, strong English-taught options and a full student-city setting in Groningen. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: 32,500 students in 2025; international mix: 8,500 international students; 26% international in 2025; academically it fits best around Life sciences, Energy and sustainability, Law, Economics and business. The part to check without romanticising it: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Enrollment
32,500 students in 2025
International Mix
8,500 international students; 26% international in 2025
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Life sciences, Energy and sustainability, Law, Economics and business in Groningen, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Language of instruction: English, Dutch
Exchange & application at University of Groningen
RUG exchange is faculty-led, so course access and deadlines depend on your subject area. Confirm Zernike or city-centre campus before choosing housing.
✅Requirements
- Partner nomination
- Online exchange application
- Transcript
- Learning agreement
- English proficiency if requested
📨Nomination Process
Students nominated by a partner university and accepted by the relevant University of Groningen faculty.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://www.rug.nl/education/exchange/
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; confirm the current partner deadline with your home university. | Usually late spring or early summer after nomination; faculty pages can differ. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; spring-intake places and courses can be more limited. | Usually autumn after nomination; do not book housing or flights before acceptance. |
Arrival Checklist
- Check SSH/short-stay housing route
- Buy or rent a bike early
- Join orientation and ESN Groningen
- Confirm course enrollment and exam dates
Academics & courses at University of Groningen
Expect ECTS, English-taught options, research-led teaching and direct Dutch feedback. Sciences, law, economics, humanities, sustainability and life sciences are common exchange anchors.
📝Course Registration
Course choice is faculty-based; exchange students should confirm prerequisites and timetable compatibility early.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
Grades normally use the Dutch 1-10 scale; conversion depends on the home university.
✍️Exam Culture
Expect continuous assessment, group work and exam or resit windows; do not book return travel before exam dates are final.
📚Library Access
Library, digital systems and study spaces are normally activated after enrolment/orientation.
Tuition & fees at University of Groningen
Exchange tuition usually stays with your home university. Full-degree fees follow statutory or institutional rules, while Groningen's lower rents still require early action.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 / semester at host | Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not University of Groningen. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA statutory fee | EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition) | Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA institutional fee | Programme-specific institutional fee | Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying. |
EUR 0 / semester at host
Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not University of Groningen.
EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition)
Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply.
Programme-specific institutional fee
Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Groningen
The city is student-heavy, so rooms move quickly despite the lower price level. Check university guidance and avoid informal deposits without a contract.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Groningen
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Groningen
Use RUG international office, faculty exchange pages and orientation for course, registration and local setup. The city is easy to navigate once admin is done.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
EHIC
Private international student insurance
Student life at University of Groningen
Groningen is bike-first and student-dense. It works especially well for exchange students who join associations, ESN or faculty groups early.
Student Clubs
- ESN Groningen
- Faculty associations
- ACLO sports
Buddy Program
Orientation and ESN channels
Sports & Recreation
- ACLO sports courses
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Groningen
At Home in Groningen
Your First 2 Weeks
- Arrange bike and lights
- Confirm housing registration
- Attend faculty intro
- Join ESN and one faculty group
Key exchange dates at University of Groningen
Your timeline is nomination, application, course approval, housing and orientation. Weather and exam windows matter for travel planning.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for first semester; autumn for second semester
Your home university nominates first; the host application and Learning Agreement come after that.
-
2
Housing and course registration
As soon as acceptance and portal access arrive
Rooms in Groningen move early. Check course approval before signing a long commute or private contract.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
Late August / early September or late January / early February
Use orientation for registration, campus systems, student associations, insurance and daily-life setup.