Radboud University

About Radboud University

Radboud University is one of the leading academic communities in the Netherlands. Our top-flight education and research take place in modern buildings with state-of-the-art facilities, located on a beautiful, green campus.
Research and education at Radboud University cover a wide range of disciplines, from life sciences, to law, language, and literature. There is plenty of choice for specialising but we also stimulate our students to look beyond their own discipline for we truly believe that a broad scope will lead to new and exciting insights. 

We are a close-knit community where academics from different faculties – thanks to being at walking-distance from each other – often work together in cross-disciplinary teams. Therefore, as a Master’s student at Radboud University, you will not only be able to converse with your fellow students, but also with students from other programmes, teachers, professors, and top-notch scientists.
These meetings will stimulate you to take a fresh look at things and change your perspective. In turn you, as an international student, can stimulate others to change their perspective. 

The strength of the university lies in its personal approach. Our Master’s students receive individual guidance from top researchers. Students’ studies are also directly integrated with the work done at the university’s 14 research institutes – a number of which are top in their field. This offers unique opportunities to undergraduates, postgraduates and doctoral candidates alike. It is one of the reasons why an increasing number of students
and scientists from all over the world choose to study and work in Nijmegen.

• Faculty of Arts

  The Faculty of Arts is one of the largest faculties within Radboud University, with approximately 2,800 students and about 300 staff members. In the early days, its primary emphasis was on history and languages. Within the language programmes there has always been the possibility of specialising in literary and linguistic aspects of a language. Nowadays, in addition to traditional specialisations, new options are available, such as Communication and Information Studies and the interdisciplinary regional study programmes of American Studies and Dutch-German Studies. Another example of an innovative discipline is Literary and Cultural Studies.

  Studying in Nijmegen is a unique experience! The Faculty of Arts has hosted students from all over the world for many years now. In the last few years, the number of incoming students has considerably grown. Partner universities from all over the world send more than 200 students to our faculty every year. 
  Besides, we offer a wide range of English-taught master's degree programmes that attract an increasing number of international degree students.

• Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies

  The faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies provides high quality academic education. The lecturers ensure an optimal learning environment with intensive supervision. Students are expected to contribute actively and have an efficient and results-oriented attitude.

• Special Faculty of Theology

  Radboud University is a Catholic University. It is the result of an emancipation process of Roman Catholics in The Netherlands in the beginning of the last century. Dutch Catholics sought to promote the emancipation of Roman Catholics in the Netherlands, who at that time were strongly underrepresented in public administration, the legal profession, medicine and other sectors. Acknowledging this background, the Faculty of Theology in Nijmegen practices theology from the perspective of emancipation. The faculty trains theologians to think for themselves, being faithful to the rich heritage of the Christian tradition (biblical exegesis and history of church and theology) and the faith experience (systematic and practical theology) of the worldwide Christian community.

• Faculty of Science

  The Faculty of Science is a complete, student-oriented science faculty where research and education are closely related. The faculty aims to be an academic community with an international character, where staff members from different backgrounds can combine their talents with the common goal of being a leading faculty of science in Europe.

  The research conducted at the faculty is first and foremost based on the curiosity to push the limits of knowledge and skills, as well as finding solutions to significant scientific questions, with a sharp eye for the societal impact and applications in relation to the great challenges of our society. Our research is embedded in interdisciplinary institutes with stakeholders in our society, which results in the ability of fundamental and applied sciences to strengthen one another.

• Faculty of Medical Sciences (Radboudumc)

  Radboud university medical center is a leading academic center for patient care, education and research, with the mission ‘to have a significant impact on healthcare’. Our activities help to improve healthcare and consequently the health of individuals and of society. We believe we can achieve that by providing excellent quality, participatory and personalized healthcare, operational excellence and by working together in sustainable networks.

• Faculty of Law

  Traditionally amongst the smaller in The Netherlands, the Faculty of Law has a long standing reputation for quality; in research, in teaching, and in organisation.

  Especially for foreign students this offers the possibility of easy contacts with teachers and other students. Radboud University has taken advantage of those benefits in organising programmes both at undergraduate and postgraduate level over the years. The Erasmus programme has hosted hundreds of undergraduate students over the last years.

  The Faculty's policy is to continue to explore opportunities for international cooperation and to strengthen relations with our existing contacts. Incorporating international and European law in legal research is crucial in a world of interwoven legal systems. The board aims to get involved with European consortia in certain key areas, such as Insolvency Law, Financial Law, European Private Law, Migration Law, Fundamental Rights and Security issues, in anticipation of the new European Framework Programme Horizon 2020. Societal relevant legal research almost always relates to legal practice and is therefore automatically of societal importance. The Nijmegen faculty cooperates closely with - and advises - external partners such as civil law notary offices and law firms, financial organisations, international businesses, courts, governmental bodies, ministries, NGOs and European organisations. Publications, such as professional journal papers and case notes, are written with a view to the legal practice. One element of the research centres' mission is to make academic research more practical, for example by preparing best practices, legislative proposals and EU directives.

• Nijmegen School of Management

  For years, the educational curriculum at the Nijmegen School of Management has been praised for the attention that it has paid to quality, the supervision of its students, the accessibility of its lecturers and wherever possible, its small-scale teaching. In order to create a stimulating study environment an active effort and commitment from students is needed. We expect to see this attitude shared by those who come here to study.
  With its beautiful green campus, set close to the centre of the university town of Nijmegen, the Nijmegen School of Management would like to work together with you! In the second half of 2017, the faculty will be moving to the Gymnasion, where all facilities will be close together. Staff and students can work, study, meet up and relax. The new building is very beneficial for the social foundations of the faculty.

• Faculty of Social Sciences

  The study programme is organised as a Bachelor/Master system. All bachelor's degree programmes last three years, a regular Master's programme one or two years. Many courses are taught in English.

  The Faculty of Social Sciences' research is focused on:

  • Cognitive processes
  • The interaction between individual and society

  In addition to fundamental scientific research, the faculty attaches great importance to applied research. The latter type of research has been incorporated into the institute for social services: the Academic Centre for Social Sciences that works closely together with social institutions in society at large. 

• Nijmegen school of Management

• Faculty of Philosophy, Theology & Religious Studies

• Faculteit Letteren

• Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid

• Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen

• Faculteit Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica

• Faculteit Medische Wetenschappen

• Faculteit Sociale wetenschappen

• Faculty of Medical Sciences

• Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen

History of Radboud University

The first Nijmegen University was founded in 1655 and terminated around 1680. The Radboud University Nijmegen was established in 1923 as the Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen (Catholic University of Nijmegen) and started out with 27 professors and 189 students. It was founded because the Roman Catholic community wanted its own university. At the time, Roman Catholics in the Netherlands were disadvantaged and occupied almost no higher posts in government. After fierce competition with the cities of Den Bosch, Tilburg, The Hague, and Maastricht, Nijmegen was chosen to house the university. The subsequent Second World War hit the university hard. Many prominent members were lost, among them professors Robert Regout (nl) and Titus Brandsma. They were deported to Dachau concentration camp. In 1943, rector Hermesdorf refused to cooperate with the Germans. On 22 February 1944, the university lost many buildings in a bombardment. Classes resumed in March 1945. Since then, student numbers rose steadily from 3,000 in 1960 to 15,000 in 1980.

In 2004, the university changed its name to Radboud University Nijmegen, after Saint Radboud of Utrecht, a bishop who lived around 900.

Accreditation

• Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland

Rankings

• Best Traditional University in The Netherlands for the last six consecutive years according to students in information guide ‘Keuzegids universiteiten’
•  Nobel Prize for Physics awarded to two professors connected to Radboud in 2010
• 125 in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2015
• 177 in the QS World University Rankings 2015
• 132 in the Shanghai Rankings 2015

Student Services

The University’s International Office provides a special service package, including assistance with visa, housing and social activities for international students who enrol in an Englishtaught Master’s programme.

• Accommodation

The International Office mediates in student housing for international students who come to Nijmegen for an English-taught Master’s programme, provided you apply before the deadline. Most student rooms are located within a few kilometres of the University and can easily be reached by bus or bicycle. Rooms are furnished, but in most cases you need to provide your own bed linen, pillow, blankets and towels. A furnished room with shared facilities will cost you up to € 450 per month. > www.ru.nl/masters/housing

• Visa and residence permit

Depending on your nationality and length of your stay, you may need a visa and/or residence permit. If you do need a visa, the International Office will assist you in obtaining the visa and/or residence permit after you have been unconditionally admitted to a Master’s programme. > www.ru.nl/masters/visa

• Orientation days and social activities

You can expect a warm welcome during the Orientation Days. You will get to know the city, the University and its community. You will also receive tips about Dutch student life. The Orientation Days are organised twice a year. Throughout the year, Radboud International Students and the International Office also organise a number of excursions, social activities, workshops and of course parties! > www.ru.nl/masters/socialactivities

• Radboud Career Services

International students at Radboud University with questions concerning their career orientation or job possibilities can contact Radboud Career Services. Next to the central Radboud Student Services, most faculties have their own Career Service Office which offers workshops, training programmes and individual coaching for international students. Please visit the Career Service Website for more information on finding internships, job vacancies and information on activities regarding your future career. > www.ru.nl/careerservice/english

Services of Radboud University

The University Library has an extensive collection of titles and periodicals and a growing collection of rare manuscripts. A large number of mainly bibliographical and full-text databases can be
accessed via the library’s website. There is a large Central Library, plus six faculty libraries, which are open to any registered library card holder. With a few exceptions, library services are free of
charge. > www.ru.nl/library

Research at Radboud University covers a wide range of disciplines, from life sciences, to law, language, and literature. The University’s high-quality research institutes, which are at the forefront in a number of fields, offer unique opportunities to students and PhD candidates. > www.ru.nl/english/research

The University has a state-of-the-art sports centre on campus, which was recently ranked in a large international student survey as the best in Europe. Students can ‘work out’ individually or in
groups. There are classes and workouts for virtually any sport you can think of and of course you can join one of the many students’ sports clubs, and play in tournaments and league competitions. > www.ru.nl/sportscentre

At the University Chaplaincy students and staff can meet, meditate and take part in discussions or join in worship. There are several activities in English: group meetings and discussions, regular Catholic Eucharist, Anglican Church services and ecumenical prayer meetings. A Chapel, Muslim Prayer Room and a Quiet Room are available for private prayer or meditation. >ww.ru.nl/chaplaincy

The campus offers a variety of outlets where you can enjoy anything from light refreshments to a full meal. The atmosphere in the cafés, coffee corners and restaurant reflects the food and drink:  fresh, colourful, healthy and straightforward. All food served is freshly-made and includes a good variety of organic products. 

At the University’s language centre Radboud in’to Languages, you can choose from a selection of language and communication courses, including a range of Dutch classes. The University does not offer free Dutch language courses for students, but international students receive a substantial discount on courses. > www.ru.nl/radboudintolanguages/en

Ten reasons for choosing Radboud University

1. International recognition: Radboud University is in the top one percent of universities in the world. Moreover, the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to two professors connected to Radboud University.

2. Personal approach: Our personal style of teaching offers you plenty of opportunity to work closely with leading researchers and excellent teachers in interactive, small seminars, ensuring a high-quality Master’s degree. Teachers and professors are easily approachable to discuss your study subjects.

3. Extensive freedom of choice: You decide which specialisation and subject choice is most appropriate for you. We offer you a great deal of choice and in many cases you can put together your own custom-made programme, based on your own interests. This has resulted in stimulating research and interesting study choices.

4. Excellent services: Radboud strives for the highest quality, also with its services. This has even been acknowledged by the European Commission, who recently stated that Radboud University has ‘an impressive range
of activities for outgoing and incoming students and a high sense of concern for quality’.

5. Valuable diploma: After successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master’s degree from an outstanding university and you will have gained critical skills and an insight into research and practice within your own subject area.

6. Build a valuable network: By studying at Radboud University, you ensure yourself of the opportunity to build a powerful, professional network of valuable contacts. Naturally, you will become part of our alumni network to stay closely connected to your fellow classmates and professors.

7. Career prospects: Studies have shown that people who have studied abroad are more internationally minded, are better at problem solving and making decisions, are tolerant, open minded and curious about new challenges. At Radboud University, we stimulate and support you to develop these qualities which will greatly increase your chances of success in the job market.

8. Historically and culturally rich city: Studying in Nijmegen means living in the oldest city of the Netherlands, where you can find Roman ruins and modern architecture side by side.

9. Greenest campus in the Netherlands: The Radboud campus in Nijmegen is considered to be the greenest and most beautiful in the Netherlands. Also, it is one of the very few study locations in the Netherlands where you can live on campus.

10, Prime location: You can take advantage of the favourable location of Nijmegen. Major European cities like Amsterdam, Cologne and Brussels are just a train ride away and via the many nearby airports you are well connected to the rest of Europe.

• Holland Scholarship Programme
• Radboud Scholarship Programme