Students have named Wageningen University & Research (WUR) best university of the Netherlands for the twentieth consecutive time. Moreover, fifteen out of the twenty evaluated WUR programmes were awarded the 'top programme' label. It is, however, for the first time in two decades, a shared first position in the ranking.
The Keuzegids Universiteiten 2025 (guide for prospective students 2025) was published on Thursday. Together with the Open University, WUR takes first place in the "other universities" ranking. It is the twentieth time WUR is ranked first. Additionally, WUR scores highest among the technical universities and is thus also the Best Technical University in the Netherlands.
Top programmes
According to the Keuzegids, WUR has fifteen "top programmes", with exceptionally high scores for soil, water, atmosphere (90 points), marine sciences (87 points) and plant sciences (87 points). The high scores achieved by marine sciences are a great motivation; the BSc programme only launched in September of last year.
Programmes in behaviour and society, earth and environment, science and computer sciences, technology and design also scored above average. Top programmes are programmes that score 75 points or above in the quality assessment. These programmes are among the best in the Netherlands.
Milestone
Carolien Kroeze, WUR Rector Magnificus, is delighted with the outcome of the new Keuzegids. 'Being elected best university for two decades by our students… amazing! There is no greater compliment for our learning institute, teachers and staff. And, of course, congratulations to the Open University. This 20th first place does not mean we can take it easy. We will work hard to maintain this level of excellence in the coming year.'
Criteria
The Keuzegids bases its ranking on various criteria. The comparison is based primarily on the outcome of the National Student Survey, which was completed almost 268,000 times in 2024. The survey contains questions on student satisfaction with their programme and education institute.
The magic of WUR
Why are students so positive about WUR, and what makes the university so appealing? In the article 'The best university in the Netherlands for the 20th time in a row - What is the magic of WUR?' you can read what students, teachers, and study advisors have to say about the appeal. Lecturer Birgit Boogaard: "What really sets us apart is our student population."
