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University of Groningen

Most Groningen bachelors take no essay, but selective programs use a motivation letter and University College wants a video. Here is what to write.

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Application route

Studielink (Dutch national system), not the Common App

Writing required

None for most bachelors; motivation letter or video for selective programs

Admissions test

Only for some numerus fixus programs (e.g. Psychology selection test)

Interview

Not standard; some programs use a video instead

What Groningen rewards

The University of Groningen does not use the US Common App, and most of its bachelor's programs ask for no essay at all. You apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system, and for the majority of English-taught bachelors admission is open: meet the diploma and English-language requirements, apply on time, and you are in. There is no personal essay, no "Why Groningen," no list of activities. If you are an American used to the Common App, this is the single biggest mental shift. Groningen is a public Dutch university, and Dutch undergraduate admission is built around qualifications, not storytelling.

The writing only appears in two places, and both are easy to miss. First, the popular numerus fixus (fixed-quota) programs run a selection procedure, and several of them ask for a motivation letter (others, like Psychology, use a test; IRIO uses a lottery). Second, University College Groningen, the honors-style Liberal Arts and Sciences college, asks for a motivation video with four set prompts instead of an essay. So the real question is not "what is Groningen's essay" but "does my specific program have a selection step, and is it a letter, a test, a lottery, or a video." This page tells you how to find out and how to write the two pieces that do exist.

01Genuine, specific fit with the program. Groningen selectors want to see that you understand what this exact degree teaches and that it matches you. A motivation letter that names real courses, methods, or themes from the program reads as someone who did their homework. Vague enthusiasm for "the Netherlands" or "studying abroad" does not.

02Academic motivation over life story. This is not a US personal essay. The reward is for showing intellectual reason to study the subject: a question that interests you, a book or topic that pulled you in, a project you ran. Emotional backstory belongs only insofar as it explains an academic direction.

03Evidence, not adjectives. Saying you are "passionate, hardworking, and curious" earns nothing. Naming the statistics module you taught yourself, the model UN brief you wrote, or the experiment you designed earns everything. Concrete proof of capability is what a selection committee can actually rank.

04Clear, plain English. Most readers are Dutch academics reading hundreds of letters in their second or third language. Short sentences, clear structure, and a logical argument beat ornate prose. Groningen rewards a letter that is easy to follow and obviously sincere.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Groningen, each broken down with annotated examples.

Numerus fixus motivation letterVaries by program; commonly around 500-800 words

For selective (numerus fixus) bachelors that use a motivation letter, you submit a short letter explaining why you want this specific program and why you are a strong fit. The exact prompt and length vary by program, so check your program's selection page; many ask for roughly 500 to 800 words.

University College Groningen motivation video (four prompts)3-5 minute video; all four prompts required

University College Groningen asks for a 3 to 5 minute motivation video answering four mandatory prompts (verbatim): "Please introduce yourself." / "What are your academic interests and/or aspirations?" / "What motivates you to study Liberal Arts and Sciences and why are you drawn to UCG specifically?" / "What are you proud of and/or passionate about?"

See all 2 prompts and get a read

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Deadlines

Numerus fixus application deadline (Studielink)15 January

Most non-selective bachelors1 May (apply earlier; some faculties prefer earlier)

University College Groningen early bird15 January (final 1 May)

Psychology selection test7 March

Numerus fixus ranking / lottery results15 April

Cost

Sticker price$28,000

Avg net after aid$28,000

Read my essay for Groningen

Explore Groningen

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Groningen weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $28,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Groningen interview? Format, tips, and practice The Groningen Reader ProScore your draft against Groningen's exact prompts

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Groningen FAQ

What is Groningen's acceptance rate?

Most Groningen bachelors are open admission, so there is no headline acceptance rate. Selective numerus fixus programs are the exception and can be genuinely competitive: Psychology offers 250 English-track seats decided by a selection test, and IRIO offers 300 seats filled by unweighted lottery among qualified applicants. At Groningen, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Groningen require?

Groningen requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Groningen cost?

Groningen's published sticker price is about $28,000 per year, but the average family pays $28,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

When are Groningen's application deadlines?

Groningen's application deadlines are Numerus fixus application deadline (Studielink) 15 January; University College Groningen early bird 15 January (final 1 May); Psychology selection test 7 March; Numerus fixus ranking / lottery results 15 April. Add Groningen to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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