Utrecht University is a highly respected public research university located in Utrecht, Netherlands in the Utrecht metropolitan region. It is a large public university with approximately 31,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are competitive since Utrecht's acceptance rate is approximately 22%. Fields offered are Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Law, Humanities, and Medicine. The six-year graduation rate is around 80%, and Utrecht graduates have a median starting salary of approximately INR 41,90,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from €47,800 median earnings).
University of Amsterdam is a highly respected public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. It is an extremely large university with approximately 34,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are moderately competitive since the University of Amsterdam's acceptance rate is approximately 51%. Social Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Humanities, and Natural Sciences are typical majors. Six-year graduation rate is approximately 82%, and University of Amsterdam graduates still have a median starting salary of approximately INR 43,70,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from €49,800 median earnings).
| Utrecht University | University of Amsterdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.5 Out of 10 | 6.3 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 103 QS World University 2026 # 78 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 105 QS World University 2025 | # 53 QS World University 2026 # 62 Times Higher Education 2026 # 55 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 252 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 64 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 73 for Law by QS World University 2025 | # 173 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 36 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -8 PG Programs -57 | UG Programs -11 PG Programs -99 |
| Acceptance Rate | 22.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 10617.51 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 17695.85 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 1100 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 13200 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 19272 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 925 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The average salary recieved by graduates is around 55,555 Euros. Some programs and average salary is as follows: Bachelor of science: $69,000 LLM: $60,000 Doctorate: $89,000 Master of Arts: $62,000 | The University of Amsterdam has a team for career and employability that has won an award for their dedication to supporting the student throughout the process of placement. The university hosts fairs and events to provide students with a job. The students in the final year gain more work experience and are also placed in research institutions, museums, or private conservation studios. Avverage Salaries by Degree:
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| application requirements | Submit high school transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Applicants must have a minimum of 70% on average Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Submit resume |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.5/10 Read 2 reviews | 7.7/10 Read 10 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 44 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 # 69 for Sciences by Times Higher Education 2022 # 220 for Sciences by US News 2022 | # 49 for Finance by QS World University 2024 # 60 for Finance by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| why to opt? | Financial markets play a key role in the stability and prosperity of economies, governments and organisations, with profound effect on the individual and society as a whole. Are you fascinated by the dynamic context of today’s financial markets, and do you want to make a positive impact on the future of international finance and banking? Then the Master’s programme in Banking and Finance at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the programme for you. |
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| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 100/120 |
| Admission Criteria/Better to Have | A BSc of a research university in Economics or Economics and Business Economics, with substantial quantitative background, preferably with some degree of specialisation in Banking and Finance. | If you want to apply for this Master’s programme, you should hold an academic Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Finance, or a degree in Business Economics, Economics or Business Administration with a specialisation in Finance or Real Estate Finance. |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18332 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -20754 |
| application dates | Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) Feb 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake With Scholarship Consideration) | Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline) |
| ranking | # 143 for Economics by QS World University 2025 # 66 for Economics by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 64 for Economics by QS World University 2025 # 60 for Economics by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| why to opt? | Why are some countries rich and others poor? How can subsidies and taxes help reduce pollution? Why do people start a business? And how can we make health care affordable? These are just examples of some of the questions that will be addressed during the English-language Bachelor’s degree programme in Economics and Business Economics. The programme teaches you how economists think and how you can study current issues in businesses and society as effectively as possible. The approach of the subjects from the real-world perspective, mean that you not only work with abstract models and theories, but also apply them in a context relevant to actual society. | During the Bachelor's in Economics and Business Economics, you will gain in-depth knowledge of theories from the fields of economics and business economics. In addition, you will train your analytical, statistical and practical skills. You will also be trained in the research methods needed when applying your knowledge to current issues within the field. Furthermore you will be exposed to relevant real-world cases. |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
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| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -11523 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -11340 |
| application dates | Dec 1, 2024 (Early Round Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) Feb 1, 2025 (Regular Round Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) | Apr 1, 2024 (Application Deadline) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Utrecht University | University of Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1636 | 1632 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | :1 |
| Male:Female | 41% Male, 59% Female | 0% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Utrecht University locations concentrate in three main areas: Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof, the University Quarter in the city centre and the International Campus Utrecht (ICU). | The University of Amsterdam has always been housed in old and new buildings scattered throughout the capital. The university lies within the largest megalopolis in the Netherlands, the Randstad. The campuses are scattered across city center, science center, academic medical center and Roeterseiland campus. |
| Library | The Utrecht University Library, which was originally established in 1636, is located on the Uithof campus, a newly built area outside of the city center. The university library is house to more than 4.2 million books. | The university has libraries across its different campuses. The libraries provide various services to the students like study rooms, journals, e-books, databases etc. It normally houses around 750,000 items owned by the libraries of all the UVA schools, including Law, Health Sciences, and Darden. |
| Campus Life | Living on the University College Utrecht campus is part of your education. Living with people from all over the world, who are studying many different subjects is an enriching experience that enables you to develop valuable life skills. The university’s campus is modelled broadly on North American college campuses where student accommodation, classrooms, facilities for sports, cultural and social activities and staff offices are all located together on one site. Housing is guaranteed for all University College Utrecht students for the duration of the programme. The student accommodation is located in several residence halls on campus. The University College Student Association (UCSA) strives to enrich the non-academic life of all students with social and cultural activities. It consists of over 40 committees and clubs that organise activities, workshops, performances, parties and trips throughout the year. The campus has a café, social and cultural areas for students, a meditation room, and sports facilities (indoor sports centre, tennis/football court, volleyball court, basketball court, table tennis table). The UCSA College Bar, run by students, is a prime location for social gatherings. | The University of Amsterdam is a modern university with a rich history, providing a high-quality education in inspiring surroundings. The University is a world-class centre for research and teaching, and is committed to helping students think in an original, independent and academic way. The University is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam, overlooking the famous canals. Surrounded by history and culture, and within a short walk of the shops and restaurants in the city centre, the University of Amsterdam is the perfect base to enrich your student experience. The University of Amsterdam has many student associations catering to a variety of student needs including social clubs, career and study societies and cultural and sporting societies. ISN is an organisation run by Dutch students for international students studying in Amsterdam. Their goal is to optimize the social-cultural integration of international students into Dutch society. They organize weekly activities for students, provide information on housing and work, run a coaching and mentoring system and publish a magazine all about (student) life in Amsterdam. |
| Hostel | #Accommodation rent/month - $1100 | #Accommodation rent per month - $925 |
| Famous Alumni | Willem Einthoven (doctor and physiologist), Gerard ‘t Hooft (theorist physicist), Rutger Bregman (historian), Jan Terlouw (politician, physicist, author) | Khadija Arib (Dutch politician), Pim Fortuyn (businessman, author), Jesse Klaver (politician), Thierry Baudet (politician) |
| City Life | Known also as the “Small Amsterdam”, Utrecht is one of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with a compact medieval centre set out around canals unique to the Netherlands! Utrecht's student population of 40,000 is the largest in the country, making the city a very vibrant place. Utrecht is absolutely chock-full of must-see attractions. If you stroll between the lively docks of the historical Oudegracht and the city centre, you come across countless national monuments and world heritage. And if you jump on your bike, you'll be at impressive citadels, forts and castles within a half hour. he demand for student housing in and around Utrecht is extremely high. Many students find it difficult and time-consuming to look for accommodation. It is a good idea to anticipate the time and effort it may take you to find a room, and start your search several months in advance, even prior to your admission. | Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is situated in the heart of Europe. It is a real cosmopolitan capital and one of Europe's most beautiful, with an enormous number of attractions. Students have voted Amsterdam the 5th best city in the world to live in. It is also one of the safest capital cities in Europe. The city has around 850,000 inhabitants and is voted as the 11th best city to live in. There are around 50 world famous galleries and 16,000 performances per year. Bicycle is the most popular form of transportation. Amsterdam has more than 30 parks and public gardens. Various festivals are held across the city over the year. |
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Utrecht University vs University of Amsterdam
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam are among the most renowned institutions in the Netherlands, ranking top in Europe and internationally.Utrecht University ranks #103 in QS whereas University of Amsterdam ranks #53 in QS and 58th in Times Higher Education Amsterdam is strong by subject in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Communication, Law, and Psychology, often being in the global top 30 in these subjects. Utrecht University stands out in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Science, and Sustainability, often being in the top 50 in various scientific and environmental studies.
General Information
The University of Amsterdam, established in 1632, is the largest university in the Netherlands with around 40,000 students and a strong urban, international profile. With its location in central Amsterdam, it has strong links with industry, government, and cultural institutions. Utrecht University, established in 1636, has about 35,000 students and is situated in the city of Utrecht, which is old but student-oriented. It is campus-focused compared to Amsterdam and has a solid research and multidisciplinary study tradition. Amsterdam has a very cosmopolitan student population and a great variety of English-language programmes, while Utrecht is more research-oriented and traditionally academically structured.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both universities are competitive, although Amsterdam is more competitive for programs such as Communication, Psychology, Business, and Law because of international demand. Utrecht is equally demanding in sciences, medicine, and veterinary program areas, which are highly competitive for both international and Dutch students. For international students, Amsterdam tends to provide more English-taught program choices at the undergraduate and graduate levels, whereas Utrecht places great emphasis on graduate programs and select undergraduate streams.
Research Impact & Facilities
The University of Amsterdam is world-famous for social sciences, law, economics, and digital humanities with strong research centers associated with world policy and industry. Utrecht University is among the top research campuses in the Netherlands for environmental science, medicine, sustainability, and basic sciences. Both are part of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which provides powerful international research networks. Amsterdam's city setting provides direct access to cultural, political, and business hubs for students, whereas Utrecht allows for a more compact campus setting with specialized research centers.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both institutions are state universities, hence the fee levels are comparable. The Dutch/EU students pay between €2,530 per year, and the non-EU students pay between €8,000 and €15,000 depending on the course. Both universities offer scholarships such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship and Excellence Scholarships at Utrecht, as well as government-sponsored programs like the Holland Scholarship and Erasmus+. The bigger size of Amsterdam tends to translate into more dedicated international student funding, although both offer competitive scholarship opportunities.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
University of Amsterdam graduates gain from the international reputation of the university as well as the institution's robust connections to multinational corporations, NGOs, and government agencies in the Netherlands' capital. Alumni often pursue careers in law, economics, communication, arts, and policy-making, with excellent global employability. Utrecht graduates excel in academia, research, environmental policy, healthcare, and public administration. Its brand has a strong alumni base in sciences and international institutions, particularly in governance and sustainability. Amsterdam's global brand is more extensive, but Utrecht has a strong standing for scientific and cross-disciplinary excellence.
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