Utrecht University

Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality and the alma mater of many leading names, academics and scientists who have made an important contribution to the quality of society. These include Nobel Prize winner Christiaan Eijkman, one of the first to discover vitamins, neuro-pharmacologist David de Wied and the most recent Nobel Prize winner, theoretical scientist Gerard ’t Hooft. All these scientists and academics, from far in the past up to the present day, are what makes. Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality. This has been demonstrated for many years by its high positions in international rankings such as the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Ranking.

Utrecht University is a large and multifaceted centre of knowledge offering education and research of international quality. Its goals are to develop young people academically; to educate new generations of researchers; to educate academics who combine knowledge and professional skills; to conduct ground-breaking research; to contribute to solving issues in society.

Inspiration, ambition, independence and commitment are the core values that guide the conduct and attitude of the staff and students at Utrecht University. The strategy aims to further strengthen the university's national and international position in education, research and knowledge valorisation. Utrecht University invests in educating the leaders of the future, offering high-quality, innovative education, with a high student pass rate. In the Netherlands, Utrecht University is a pioneer in innovative educational concepts, such as that of the University College. The Utrecht model of education stands for personal and interactive education, flexibility and freedom of choice for students, and permanent professional development for lecturers.

Utrecht University organises numerous cultural, academic and scientific activities and events. Art, culture, music, symposia, lectures, debates and much more contribute to general knowledge and stimulate different ways of thinking about ourselves and society: in other words, science and culture reinforce each other. The various activities and the characteristic buildings where they are held add colour to this cathedral city. Utrecht University considers attaches great value to sport. It brings people together, and helps maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind. Sport and exercise also contribute to a positive study and working environment. Utrecht University sees the unifying power of sport, education and research as one of the cohesive factors in society that enable everyone within it to develop – professionally, socially and in the field of education and sport. This is why Utrecht University actively makes an effort to place sport increasingly on the agenda. Utrecht University has seven faculties that provide education and conduct research in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, governance and organisation, geosciences, natural sciences, veterinary medicine and medicine.

 With almost 30,000 students, over 6,000 staff, and an annual budget of 790 million euros (2016), Utrecht University is one of the largest general research universities in Europe. Established in 1636, Utrecht University has a long history and is rich in tradition. The history of Utrecht University is reflected in the buildings, gardens and street names across the city.

Utrecht University actually has its origins in the 7th century, but it was not until the 17th century that the City Council officially made this Illustere School ('Illustrious School') into a university. It was officially opened on 26 March 1636, which remains the Anniversary Day or Dies Natalis to this day. In September of each year, the traditional opening of the Academic Year is held in the city's Dom Church. The Dies Natalis, the Anniversary Day of Utrecht University, is also celebrated there on 26 March. As part of university tradition, a special anniversary, or lustrum, is held every five years. In 2016, Utrecht University will celebrate its 380th anniversary.Utrecht University also holds special events such as the Koningsberger lecture and a ceremony marking Memorial Day on 4 May.

Utrecht University is based at three locations. The University has a number of buildings in Utrecht's historic city centre, where it first originated, in an area officially known as the university quarter. The largest part of the University is located in Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof. The third location is the International Campus on Prins Hendriklaan. Outside Utrecht, Utrecht University also has the International Honours College University College Roosevelt in Middelburg.