Study in Nijmegen, Netherlands

Nijmegen Netherlands
Population:
Number of universities:	1
Study programmes:	Bachelors in Nijmegen Masters in Nijmegen PhDs in Nijmegen

Nijmegen

Looking for a city that’s green, friendly, and full of unexpected charm? Nijmegen might just surprise you.

As the oldest city in the Netherlands, it blends history with a laid-back student vibe and a modern, sustainable outlook. Think cosy cafés, riverside sunsets, and a campus that feels like its own little community, all without the hectic pace of bigger cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Home to a diverse student population and just a stone’s throw from Germany, Nijmegen is a place where it’s easy to feel at home and easy to get around.

Study in Nijmegen: Find Bachelors and Masters

Living in Nijmegen as a student

Student life in Nijmegen is chilled but never boring. It’s one of the more affordable university cities in the Netherlands, with monthly rent usually between €400 and €700, depending on where and how you live. Shared housing is common, and areas like Bottendaal or around Hatertseweg are popular with students.

Food-wise, you’ve got plenty of options: from budget-friendly Indonesian, Syrian, and vegan street food, to cosy pancake houses and trendy brunch cafés. And don’t skip the weekly markets for fresh produce and affordable snacks.

When the sun’s out, everyone heads to the Waal riverbanks or the lush parks like Kronenburgerpark.

50�Ȼ� tip: Want to get moving? Cycling is the go-to, and the city is super bike-friendly (naturally, it’s the Netherlands!).

Universities in Nijmegen

Nijmegen may be small, but it's mighty when it comes to education:

Radboud University: This research-intensive university is ranked among the best in the Netherlands and known for its strong international outlook. It offers a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in English, especially in fields like psychology, natural sciences, law, and international relations. The leafy campus feels like its own little world.
HAN University of Applied Sciences: If you’re looking for more practice-oriented studies, HAN offers English-taught programmes in areas like engineering, IT, health, and business.

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Work opportunities for students

Tuition fees and cost of living in the Netherlands are quite affordable, but still many international students choose to work part-time, often in cafés, retail, or as student assistants at the university. English-speaking roles aren’t as common as in Amsterdam, but they do exist, especially in customer service or international companies in the region.

There’s also a growing start-up and sustainability scene in Nijmegen, which means internship opportunities in tech, energy, and research.

EU/EEA students can work freely. Non-EU students can also work, but need a work permit and are limited to 16 hours a week during term or full-time in the summer.

Getting there and around

Nijmegen is well-connected without being chaotic. You can get to Amsterdam or Utrecht in under 1.5 hours by train, and you’re right by the German border (perfect for weekend trips to Düsseldorf or Cologne).

Public transport is solid, but you’ll likely do most of your commuting by bike. Trains and buses are reliable, and with an OV-chipkaart, getting around is super easy.

Bonus: The city hosts the famous Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse) every July which is a part walking event, part city-wide festival. Even if you don’t lace up your hiking boots, the vibe is unforgettable.