Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (University of Groningen), the Netherlands

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, also known as the University of Groningen, is an institution which focusses on conducting high-quality research and international collaboration, as well as offering world-renowned education.

University of Groningen website

Applications

Students from the School of Classics and the School of Philosophy can apply to study at the University of Groningen. Find out more about who can go and the application process for each School below.

Who can go?

Postgraduate research students in the School of Classics.

You can study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. You should discuss precise periods with your St Andrews supervisor and host as periods may be flexible but must be at least 3 months in duration to meet Erasmus+ programme requirements.

How to apply?

In order to apply, you should submit the following to your School’s study abroad coordinator:
- cover letter explaining how the exchange will help your research and what activities you will undertake during your term in the host institution
- CV
- short description of the proposed research at the host institution (up to 500 words)
- letter from your supervisor approving the application and the proposed programme, and commenting on the progress of the student and the relevance of the proposed visit.
If demand exceeds the number of available places, the directors of postgraduate studies will convene a committee to review all applications and make a decision based on academic merit.

Current students can contact the study abroad coordinators to find out more.
Who can go?

Postgraduate taught students in the School of Philosophy.

There is currently a limit of two students per semester who can attend this programme per year.

How to apply

Students interested in studying at the University of Groningen will need approval from their supervisor. Students are selected on the basis of subject suitability with their own research programme.

If you are selected by the University of St Andrews for this programme, you will also need to complete the Groningen application form.

Please contact the School of Philosophy at philosophy@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

Current students can contact the study abroad coordinators to find out more.

Your studies

The academic year at the University of Groningen starts on the first Monday of September and is divided into two blocks:

Semester 1: September to late January, including a Christmas vacation
Semester 2: early February to mid-March.

Students are issued with a personal Groningen email address and have full access to the University student portal, library facilities, computer rooms and study areas.

Passports and visas

EU citizens can study in the Netherlands without a visa or a residence permit. If you are a non-EU citizen, please refer to the University of Groningen’s visa and residency permit information.

You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.

If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.

If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.

About the University

The University of Groningen has a rich academic tradition dating back to 1614. From this tradition arose the first female student and the first female lecturer in the Netherlands, the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Central Bank. Geographically, the University is rooted in the northern part of the Netherlands.

Students have access to Studium Generale Groningen, which organises lectures, debates and symposiums in which a wide range of subjects are examined from different points of view. Renowned academics frequently captivate audiences with their views on surprising, topical or controversial issues.

The University of Groningen Library is split over three locations; one general location and two faculty-specific locations. The main library, holds about three million books and journals for students to use. In addition, you can consult digital databases from any of the University libraries. Besides academic literature, the main library also has 1600 places to study with minimal distraction.

Finance

As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.

Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.

The University of Groningen provides information about estimated costs of living in Groningen. You will be responsible for meeting any additional costs accruing from accommodation, food, travel, etc.

Accommodation

The University of Groningen does not own staff or student accommodation, however the University has reserved accommodation for international students with the non-profit housing association SSH Student Housing.

Accommodation with SSH consists of single or double rooms and studios and rent includes utilities (room, heating, electricity, furniture, internet, etc).

Find out more about when, and how to apply for accommodation at Groningen.

Private accommodation is also available and the University of Groningen recommends the site ‘At home in Groningen’ for finding a place to live.

The University of St Andrews cannot guarantee housing at the University of Groningen.

Travel and transport

Groningen has excellent connections to all main airports and railway stations in the Netherlands.

The nearest airports to Groningen are Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Bremen Airport. From Schiphol, the easiest way to get to Groningen is by train from Schiphol Plaza. If you are travelling from Bremen Airport, the cheapest and easiest way is via the Flixbus.

Within the city of Groningen, several bus lines connect the outer districts with the city centre and the railway station. However, the best way to travel in and around the city is by bike. A vast network of bike lanes extends through the entire city and to many villages around.

The University of Groningen has an extensive guide on travelling to and around Groningen.

Student support

Students with queries are able to make use of Groningen’s Student Service Centre (SSC). The centre helps improve skills such as effective study methods, presentation advice and academic writing, and also provides assistance to students with learning disorders or disabilities. SSC can also help students with personal problems through their confidential counselling service.

Contact

Global Office
University of St Andrews
A11
Bute Building
Westburn Lane
St Andrews
KY16 9TS

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2245
Email: studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk