Top Universities for PhD Study in the Netherlands in 2024

Written by Ben Taylor

Despite its relatively small size (both in terms of area and population), the Netherlands has long had a reputation for research excellence, which is reflected by the strong performance of its universities across the main ranking systems. As the birthplace of the renaissance scholar Erasmus, who lends his namesake to the European exchange programme, the Netherlands is also extremely well-connected to international research networks.

This page summarises the best universities in the Netherlands according to three of the main ranking systems, showing how they stack up against institutions around the world.

Top ranked Dutch universities for PhD study

These are a selection of the top Dutch universities, according to global rankings. For more information on how they work, check out our guide to PhD rankings.

Top Dutch Universities in 2024
University	THE 2024	QS 2024	ARWU 2023
Delft University of Technology	48	=47	151-200
University of Amsterdam	61	53	101-150
Wageningen University and Research	=64	=151	151-200
Leiden University	77	=126	101-150
University of Groningen	79	139	76
Erasmus University Rotterdam	=99	=176	88
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	125	207	151-200
Maastricht University	=138	=256	201-300
Radboud University Nijmegen	=140	=222	101-150
Eindhoven University of Technology	=168	=124	401-500
University of Twente	184	210	401-500
Tilburg University	201-250	=371	701-800
Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information.

So, how good are universities in the Netherlands for PhD study?

Dutch universities represent an excellent choice for international PhD students. The Netherlands has seven institutions in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which is testament to the quality of research its universities produce. This is extremely impressive given the size of its higher education sector.

Research universities in Holland benefit from advanced facilities and generous government investment, making them a great destination for researchers.

Search for a PhD in the Netherlands

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in the Netherlands on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in the Netherlands.

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Last Updated: 04 December 2023

Netherlands Rankings Europe International Study

Top Universities for PhD Study in the Netherlands in 2024

Top ranked Dutch universities for PhD study

So, how good are universities in the Netherlands for PhD study?

Search for a PhD in the Netherlands

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