Wageningen university

About Wageningen University

Wageningen University, part of Wageningen UR, is the only university in the Netherlands that specifically focuses on the theme ‘healthy food and living environment’. We do so by working closely together with governments and the business community.

Our research and education are based on a fundamental scientific approach and accordingly strongly geared toward application in practice. This is achieved through the close collaboration between different fields of expertise including both natural and social sciences. This allows Wageningen University to obtain an integrated approach of actual societal themes, such as: 

• climate change
• unhealthy lifestyles 
• the continued pressure on our natural environment
• animal welfare

The world is our working area 

Wageningen University's researchers are active around the globe, and the university hosts students from over 100 countries. Our mission is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. 

Wageningen University is a part of Wageningen UR (University& Research centre). Wageningen UR consists of Wageningen University and several research institutes. Wageningen UR has locations throughout the Netherlands. A large number of teachers, professors and employees work on the Wageningen Campus.

Both Wageningen University's research and education are highly acclaimed. Student numbers have increased significantly over the last years. In 2013 students ranked Wageningen as the best university in the Reference Guide for Higher Education in the Netherlands for the ninth year in a row. The top quality of research at Wageningen University is crowned with the university’s position within the top 6 of the important citation indexes of its domain.

History of Wageningen UR

In 1876 the Rijkslandbouwschool (National Agricultural College) was established in Wageningen. Due to the development of the training to a higher educational level it changed in 1896 to the Hoogere Land- en Boschbouwschool (Agricultural and Forestry College) and in 1904 in Rijks Hoogere Land-, Tuin- en Boschbouwschool (National Agricultural, Horticulture and Forestry College)

In 1918 the school became academic by law (Academic Education Act). The name changed to Rijks Landbouw Hoogeschool (National Agricultural College). The openings date and official Dies natalis is 9 March 1918.

In 1986 the "hogescholen" (comparable to scientific institute of technology) were renamed to University in a modification of the Academic Education Act. The new name becameLandbouwuniversiteit Wageningen (LUW) (Wageningen Agricultural University (WAU)). The 1986 law changes resulted in the use of the name hogeschool in the Dutch system to be used exclusively for universities of applied science.

Over the years the research and teaching branched out into life sciences in general; while interest for agriculture as a career opportunity waned. In 1997, when the DLO institutes merged with the university, the new holding was rebranded as Wageningen UR (Wageningen University and Research Centre); with the University being renamed Wageningen University. Under the Dutch laws the University and the institutes had to remain separate legal entities.

In 2006, the university of applied sciences Van Hall Larenstein became part of Wageningen UR. The idea was to create better collaboration between applied teaching and research at Van Hall and the academic research at Wageningen University. This would also support students to continue with an academic program upon completing their applied degree. However, due to differences in organizational culture and incompatibility of procedures for the different types of higher education, collaboration between the two schools remained problematic. In 2012 it was decided that Van Hall Larenstein would leave Wageningen UR and continue as an independent school once more. In the spring of 2015 the separation was marked by the move of the final Wageningen-based Van Hall Larenstein studies back to Velp.

In 2009 it was decided that the University would consistently use the English name in its communication. In addition university research could be presented under the name of the university: Wageningen University (WU) (as an alternative of using the name of the holding Wageningen UR).

Accreditation

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

Rankings

International Rankings

• In the 2015 Shanghai Ranking Wageningen University was ranked in the bracket 100-150th best universities in the world overall  and 29th best in the domain of Life and Agriculture.
• In the 2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings Wageningen University was ranked 47th overall in the world.
• In the THE life sciences ranking, Wageningen was ranked 18th.
• In the more specialised Higher Education Evaluation & Accreditation Council of Taiwan, Wageningen University is ranked first in the field of agriculture.
• In the QS World University Rankings of 2014, Wageningen University was ranked 2nd out of 150 universities in the world in the field of Agriculture and Forestry

National rankings

• The Dutch ‘'Keuzegids’ ranking compares Dutch universities based on reviews by their own students. In 2015 Wageningen University is ranked as the best University of the Netherlands in full-time education for the eleventh time in a row.
• In 2015 Wageningen University was awarded as the most sustainable Dutch University by Morgen, for the third time in a row.

Student Life @Wageningen UR

Student activities and associations

• Aktief Slip is the study association for students participating in the study programmes Milieuwetenschappen (BMW), Environmental Sciences (MES), Climate Studies (MCL) and Urban Environmental Management (MUE). The name is in Dutch and originates from the bacteria containing material (active sludge), that is used to clean wastewater. It was founded in 1966.
• M.S.V. Alchimica is the study association for students Molecular Life Sciences. Since 1970 it has been organising different activities for its members.
• B.V.W. 'Biologica' is the study Association for all Biology Students.
• CODON is the study Association for all Biotechnology students. Established by the first students of Bioprocesstechnology on 16 September 1991. At that time the association carried the name "BiPS" which was later changed to CODON. The association's main language is English.
• Di-Et-Tri is the study Association for Nutrition and health students. The name is a play on words for the Dutch word for diet ('dieet').
• Genius Loci is the study Association for students Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning. The name reflects the atmosphere of a certain place. It was founded on February 15, 1990 after the merger of two older study programmes.
• Heeren XVII is the study Association for Agrotechnology students. It was founded on 1 April 1965.
• Ipso Facto is the study association for the students of International Development Studies and Communication Studies. It was created in 2000 when the study 'international culture techniques' split up in 'international land and water management' and 'international development studies'.
• Licere is the study association for the students of the MSc Leisure, Tourism and Environment. It was founded in 2006 and its name means 'Leisure time' in Latin.
• Mercurius is the study association for students of Management & Consumer studies, Economics & Governance and Health & Society. It was created in 2000 when several study associations merged, but the association celebrated its 50-year anniversary in November 2012, as it considers the Dies Natalis of the former separate associations to be its own Dies Natalis. The association has nearly 900 members, making it one of the largest study associations in Wageningen.
• Nicolas Appert is the study Association for Food Technology students. It was founded on 6 September 1962, and was named after the French food scientist Nicolas Appert.
• Nitocra is the study association for students International land and water management.
• Pyrus is the study association for students Soil, water and atmosphere.
• Semper Florens is the study Association for Plant Scientists and Plant Biotechnologists.
• StEL is the study Association for Organic Agriculture students.
• WSBV Sylvatica is the study Association for students Forest and Nature conservation. It is the oldest study association in Wageningen, founded in 1939.
• De Veetelers is the study association for Animal Sciences students. The name means "Animal Breeders". It was founded in 1962.

Why Wageningen University?

Facts

• Wageningen University is listed number 47 in the world by the Times Higher Education Ranking
• It holds a top five position in the worldwide publication index in the field of food, agriculture, plants, animals and environment
• Dutch students voted Wageningen University as the best university in the Netherlands for the eleventh year in a row
• The teacher-student ratio of 1:7 ensures personal student guidance

International Character

With 25% international students from over 100 different countries, Wageningen University is the first Dutch university with an international accreditation. This is given by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO), known for its education visitations. Through partnerships with numerous Dutch and international companies and governments, Wageningen University has become a major university in Europe and one of the best universities worldwide in the field of Life Sciences. As a result, students have no problems finding internships, challenging work experience posts and career opportunities around the world.

Wageningen Campus

Our campus is a centre where expertise and talent come together. Research, studying and business unite here and the iconic building in the middle of it all is called Forum. The main library is located here and is open 14 hours per day. 

There are several places on the campus where you can relax and have a drink with your fellow students. For example the ‘Grand Cafe’ at Forum, 'the Spot' in Orion, or you can have lunch at the ‘Restaurant of the Future’. 

Nearby sports centre ‘De Bongerd’ offers over 60 different sports ranging from tennis, squash and indoor biking to football, rugby and athletics. There are multiple student associations and each study programme has its own study association that organises a wide range of activities and services for students.

Wageningen city

Wageningen is situated centrally in the Netherlands. It takes 25 minutes by train from Utrecht Central Station to Ede-Wageningen and from there the Campus is a 12 minute bus ride away. 

There are historic and modern buildings, high-rise student flats, works of art and botanical gardens, adding to the diversity of Wageningen. About 10.000 students study at Wageningen University and they, accounting for 20% of the population, make Wageningen a university town. The many international students, professors and researchers contribute to the international atmosphere. 

Wageningen has a thriving cultural and social life. Theatres, cinemas, student clubs, bars, night life and restaurants create the elegance of a city, in a beautiful rural setting. The nearby floodplains of the river Rhine and national park ‘de Veluwe’ are ideal for those who enjoy nature or like hiking, running or cycling.