University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

Wageningen University

Four black and white cows graze in a field covered in yellow flowers. There are white flowering trees in the background.
An aerial view of several modern school buildings with a river running through the middle of the campus.
Hundreds of different colored bikes are lined up in an "L" shape on a grassy patch.

Netherlands, Wageningen

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

The Wageningen University program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Science (CALS) in partnership with IAP.

Study abroad alongside Dutch and other international students at Wageningen University in Wageningen, the city of Life Sciences. This program will allow students to directly enroll in university courses and experience life as a Dutch student. Wageningen University is an English-based university with some of the courses offered in Dutch, where registered students may have the option to take Dutch language courses for free with a private tutor on campus.

A leading university in the Netherlands, Wageningen University’s mission is to explore the potential of nature and improve the quality of life, focusing on the theme of healthy food and living environment. Its research and education are based on a fundamental scientific approach and strongly geared to application in practice. Students in this program will be able to explore an integrated approach to actual societal themes in natural and social sciences

Famous for its agricultural university, Wageningen is a lively, historical city of roughly 40,000 residents. As a university town, Wageningen offers the juxtaposition of a diverse multicultural community in a quintessentially Dutch city located along the beautiful Rhine River in central Netherlands.

Scholarship funds are available to support the studies and travel of Dairy Science and Animal Science majors to Wageningen University each spring semester. Interested students should review additional scholarship details on the CALS Study Abroad Scholarships page and submit an application through WISH. Applicants will also be considered for additional CALS study abroad scholarships.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen inter-culture communication skills with classmates and professors
  • Navigate the Dutch education system
  • Experience new learning and teaching styles by taking period- style courses
  • Study at one of the most renowned Agricultural and Environmental universities in the world
  • Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture
  • Take advantage of Wageningen University’s status as a #1 in Food Science and Technology, as well as Agriculture and Forestry and #7 in Environmental Science in the world
    • Animal Science
    • Soil, Water, Atmosphere
    • Environmental Sciences
    • International Land and Water management
    • Food Technology

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • Open to students in all schools and colleges, with preference given to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS).

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Animal Sciences, Biology, Botany, Dairy Science, Environmental studies, Sociology, and other Agricultural and Life Sciences

 

Classroom Language

Dutch, English

Housing

Apartments, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early September - Late April 

Fall: Early September - Late December

Spring session I (period 3 - 5): Early January - Late April

Spring session II (period 4 - 6): Early February - Early July

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2025-26 3/7/2025 Cost Details
Year 2025-26 3/7/2025 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/4/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 3/5/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 3/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Established in the 19th century during a European agricultural crisis, Wageningen University focused its first 45 years on agriculture, forestry, and horticulture education. Building on these strengths, the university continues to offer innovative instruction and research in these areas, as well as a wide range of subjects in the natural and life sciences, including nature conservation, biosystems engineering, environmental sciences, nutrition and health, and molecular biology. Wageningen University is a rigorous institution that is a part of the Wageningen University and Research Centre with a student population of nearly 14,000.

At Wageningen University, the academic year runs from the beginning of September to August. Wageningen students typically take two courses per term, usually having one class during periods 3 and 4, and two classes during periods 1, 2, 5, and 6, with one class in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The academic calendar of Wageningen University has six periods. In periods 1, 2, 5, and 6 you should choose up to 12 ECTS credits per period (equal to 6 UW credits). Periods 3 and 4 are two short periods in which you can choose up to 6 ECTS credits each (equal to 3 UW credits).

Students studying in the fall typically take classes during periods 1 and 2. Students studying in the spring take classes during periods 3, 4, and 5. You may opt to stay for period 6 if it does not conflict with your following UW Fall schedule. Please refer to the calendar below for academic calendar information.  Note that spring orientation is held before period 4.

The below dates are estimates only. You should refer to the Academic Calendar link for specific dates.

Period 1: Early September-late October

Period 2: Late October-mid/late December

Period 3: Early January-early February

Period 4: Early February-mid March

Period 5: Mid March-late April

Period 6: Mid May-early July

Affiliate Institution(s)

Wageningen University

Program Web Pages

Academic Calendar Housing Information Exchange Program

Foreign Courses

Study Handbook (Course Catalog)

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents