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Utrecht University

A canal with small boats is lined with tall and narrow houses. On the horizon is a bridge, and behind that is a tall church spire.

Netherlands, Utrecht

Experience the rich history and culture of the Netherlands while studying at Utrecht University, one of the largest and oldest universities in the Netherlands. Students interested in directly enrolling at a foreign institution will find this exchange program with Utrecht University an excellent opportunity to take courses in English in the humanities, social sciences, and other fields, while students with proficiency in Dutch will be able to take advantage of the university's wide array of courses and subjects. 

Utrecht University features two main campuses, both located in the dynamic city of Utrecht. Many buildings on campus are said to have an “old world European charm." In addition, traveling between Amsterdam and Utrecht is quick and convenient - just a 20-25 minute train ride - making it easy to explore both cities.

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:

  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Earth & Marine Science
    -Geography  
    -History  
    -Sociology
  • Observe Dutch perspectives on academic disciplines
  • Strengthen language skills

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.

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Eligibility

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Preference will be given to students who have taken Dutch language coursework.

  • Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Variable (see notes) Dutch
  • 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

Arts, Economics, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences

Classroom Language

English, Dutch

Housing

Apartments, Rented Room

Program Duration

Academic Year: Late August - Early July
Fall: Late August - Late December*
Spring: Late January - Early July

*UU's regular fall term ends in February, but most faculties offer courses with an "early exit" option to allow UW-Madison students to be back on campus for the start of spring semester.

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 8/21/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Founded in 1636, Utrecht University (Universitet Utrecht) is one of Europe's leading research universities, recognized internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to both research and teaching. With eight faculties, 3,500 academic staff, forty-seven Bachelor's degree programs and 175 Master's degree programs (eighty-eight of which are taught in English), Utrecht University offers courses in a huge range of disciplines to its 38,000 students. Every year, more than 1,000 international students from all over the world come to Utrecht to participate in academic programs taught in English. The university offers over 100 courses taught in English and a full program of courses in Dutch for students who have language proficiency.

At present, Utrecht University does not offer Dutch language courses for academic credit. However, UU does offer a free pre-arrival Dutch language course online, which students are able to take for no credit. Alternatively, the University College Utrecht program does offer Dutch courses for credit and may be a good fit for students looking to start or continue Dutch. Students may also be able to continue through arrangements made with UW-Madison faculty in Dutch.

Each semester is split into two blocks, and students take courses in both blocks. UU's regular fall term ends in February, but most faculties offer courses with an "early exit" option to allow UW-Madison students to be back on campus for the start of spring semester.

Program Web Pages

Utrecht University International Office

Foreign Courses

UU link to Faculties

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