Wageningen University and Research

Infrastructure of Wageningen University & Research

The university consists of a single campus located in Wageningen, Netherlands. The campus is divided into two major locations:

• The Wageningen University and Research buildings
• The Business and Science Park

In addition, the campus offers a range of facilities and amenities that cater to students. Some of the notable structures include the Expat Centre, various cafes and restaurants, and a wide range of sports facilities and shops. 

The university is at the forefront of tackling a variety of major social issues. Some of these include the world food problem, growing pressure on blue and green spaces, and the demand for sustainable production.

The institute is renowned for its dedication to application-oriented and field-based research. This research is commissioned by various sources, including the government, commercial businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Research Facilities at Wageningen University & Research

Some of the research areas present at Wageningen University and Research are:

• Bioveterinary Research
• Centre for Development Innovation
• Economic Research
• Environmental Research
• Food and Biobased Research
• Livestock Research
• Marine Research
• Plant Research
• Food Safety Research

The primary medium of instruction at the Wageningen University and Research is English. However, some Bachelor’s courses are taught in Dutch, they are:

• Agrotechnologie
• Bedrijfs- en Consumentenwetenschappen
• Biologie
• Biotechnologie
• Bos- en Natuurbeheer
• Communicatie en Life Sciences
• Economie en Beleid
• Gezondheid en Maatschappij
• Internationale Ontwikkelingsstudies
• Landschapsarchitectuur en Ruimtelijke Planning
• Moleculaire Levenswetenschappen
• Plantenwetenschappen
• Voeding en Gezondheid

Academics at Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, invite applications for its bachelor’s and Master’s programs. The application for the Master’s programs opens in September and in February.  

The applications for the Bachelor’s program begin in the month of May, inviting applications from all over the world. 

Academic Calendar of Wageningen University & Research

A typical academic year at Wageningen University and Research is divided into six periods. Out of these six periods, the Autumn terms make up the first three, and the Spring terms make up the next three.

The academic calendar for the year 2022-23 is explained as follows:

Orientation week – August

• Study period 1– 5th September – 28th October 2022
• Study period 2– 31st October – 23rd December 2022
• Christmas break– 26th December 2022 – 6th January 2023
• Study period 3 – 9th January – 3rd February 2023
• Resit exams– 6th February – 17th February 2023

Orientation week (for batch 2)– February

• Study period 4– 20th February – 17th March 2023
• Study period 5– 20th March – 12th May 2023
• Study period 6– 15th May – 7th July 2023
• Summer break–10th July- 1st September 2023
• Resit exams– 7th August – 18th August 2023

Extracurriculars and Diversity at Wageningen University & Research

The year 2021-22 marked a total of 13,676 students on the campus of Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands. Out of these figures, 3,186 students were from other countries. In addition, there were also 523 exchange students, imbibing the university with diversity.

Apart from academic endeavors, Wageningen University and Research also supports extra-curricular activities. The campus boasts 10 different traditional student associations, with members totaling over 3500.

Numerous small associations focus on a particular niche, but the significant associations generally organize many events. 

Diversity in organizations means that you can join an organization that caters to your interest. Some of the most popular student associations include:

• Choir and Orchestra Association: WSKOV
• Student Orchestra: De Ontzetting
• Vocal ensemble Wageningen: Het Wagenings Kleinkoor
• Wageningen Comedy Club Facebook
• Student Theater Wageningen (W.S.T.V.)
• International Student Organisation Wageningen (ISOW) website and Facebook
• International and Erasmus Student Network (IxESN) Facebook
• International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) website and Facebook
• Chinese Association of Students and Scholars Wageningen (CASSW) website and Facebook or contact CASSW via e-mail
• Indonesian Association (PPI) website and Facebook

Career and Professional at Wageningen University & Research

To emphasize the importance of research in society’s overall well-being, Wageningen University & Research has partnered up with a bunch of notable companies. The list of companies includes national and international Research & Development companies like:

• Friesland Campina
• Noldus
• Yili
• Kikkoman
• Keygene
• NIOO
• Aeres University of Applied Sciences

The university consists of a job board outside room 010 in Forum, where a student can find opportunities. In addition, there are various opportunities posted on the Career Platform interface of the university and Facebook.

Here are some employment opportunities available to students during their study period.

• Unipartners: Student organization offering consultancy jobs next to your study
• Studentwerk: Part-time and full-time jobs for students & starters
• Easy Eventcrew: Temp agency for events
• Tempo Team: temp agency; for catering jobs 
• Jobted: Vacancies for students
• SUSA: side jobs for students
• WURkForce

Post completion of their degrees, the student can be employed in one of the following roles:

• Finance and Grant Manager
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
• Program Development Manager
• Senior Project Officer
• Economist
• PME Specialist
• Public Officer

Wageningen University & Research consists of a Student Career Services department where the students are prepared to transition from education to the professional world. The department utilizes its network to provide a learning platform for students and employers.

The Student Career Services Team consists of the following members:

• Astrid van Noordenburg, Manager: Coordinator, contact person for employers and other internal and external stakeholders. 
• Elizabeth Oenema, Career Coach: Trained Career Coach who guides students during and after their studies.
• Hanneke van Keulen, Career Officer: Facilitates students along their journey to the labor market by giving career-oriented training and providing personal career support.

Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, consist of a list of notable alumni who have graduated from the university and have been quite accomplished in their respective professional spheres. 

Here are some of the known alumni the university is proud to have had:

• Jeroen Dijsselbloem– Politician and Economist
• Helga van Leur– Meteorologist
• Joris Voorhoeve– Retired politician and diplomat
• Gerrit Braks– Renowned Dutch politician
• Willie Smit – Forester, Microbiologist and Animal rights activist
• Louise Fresco– Scientist and Writer
• Frank Westerman- Writer and former Journalist

Wageningen University Acceptance Rate

Wageningen University & Research typically maintains a competitive admissions process with a low acceptance rate. It's important to note that acceptance rates may vary by specific programs and fields of study, with some programs being more selective than others. Prospective students are advised to check the specific admission requirements and acceptance rates for their intended program of study on the university's official website for the most accurate and program-specific information.

Top Courses Offered at Wageningen University 

Wageningen University & Research is renowned for its programs in the domain of healthy food and the living environment. Here are some of the popular courses offered at the university, along with their fees for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree levels:

Wageningen University Courses for UG (Bachelors)

Postgraduate Programs (Masters)

Placements at Wageningen University

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent placement opportunities for its graduates. The university's strong emphasis on research and practical application equips students with valuable skills and knowledge that are highly sought after by employers. Graduates from Wageningen University & Research find placement in a wide range of fields including agriculture, environmental sciences, biotechnology, food technology, and more.

Career opportunities for Wageningen graduates are diverse as listed below: