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Groningen supplemental essays
All 2 required prompts for 2026 entry, each with its own deep guide: what it is really asking, annotated examples, and what to avoid.
Before you write a single word, find out whether your program even has a selection step, and what kind. Go to your program's page on rug.nl and look for "numerus fixus" or "selection procedure." If it says nothing, your program is open admission and you write no essay at all, so spend your energy on the diploma and English-test requirements instead. If it is numerus fixus, check the exact method: Psychology uses an online selection test (no letter), IRIO uses an unweighted lottery (no letter), and several others ask for a motivation letter. University College Groningen is its own case with a motivation video. Do not write a letter for a program that does not read one.
Where a letter or video is required, treat it as an academic argument, not a personal essay. The winning move is roughly 80% about the subject and your reasons for it, and only the remainder about you as a person. Name specific parts of the curriculum, connect them to something you have actually done or read, and explain what you want to do with the degree. Keep it tight and well under any stated limit. For the University College video, the same logic applies: answer the four prompts directly, sound like yourself, and prioritize academic substance over performance.
Mistakes that sink Groningen essays
A Common App narrative about a formative childhood moment will feel off to a Dutch selection committee. They want academic motivation and fit with the program, not a coming-of-age story. Lead with the subject, not yourself.
Many Groningen bachelors are open admission and read nothing. Psychology decides by test; IRIO decides by lottery. Writing a heartfelt motivation letter for these changes nothing. Confirm your program's actual selection method first.
Lines about loving the Netherlands, wanting an international experience, or admiring Groningen's ranking are filler. Selectors have read them a thousand times. Replace them with specific program content and specific things you have done.
If the program gives a word or character count, a question set, or a 3 to 5 minute video range, follow it exactly. For the UCG video, answer all four prompts. Missing a required prompt or running long signals you did not read the instructions.
Groningen essay FAQ
Does the University of Groningen require an essay or personal statement?
For most bachelor's programs, no. The majority are open admission through Studielink, with no essay, no personal statement, and no activities list. Writing only appears for selective numerus fixus programs that use a motivation letter, and for University College Groningen, which asks for a motivation video.
What is Groningen's motivation letter and which programs need one?
Some numerus fixus (fixed-quota) bachelors ask for a short motivation letter as part of selection, explaining why you want that specific program and why you fit. Others decide differently: Psychology uses an online selection test and IRIO uses an unweighted lottery. Check your exact program's selection page to see which method applies.
What is the word limit for a Groningen motivation letter?
There is no single university-wide limit because it is set per program. Many programs that use a motivation letter ask for roughly 500 to 800 words, but you must follow the exact count and question set on your program's own selection page.
What are the Groningen application deadlines for 2026 entry?
Numerus fixus programs and the University College Groningen early-bird deadline close on 15 January 2026, with ranking or lottery results on 15 April 2026. Most non-selective bachelors accept applications until 1 May 2026, though applying earlier is wise. The Psychology selection test is on 7 March 2026.
Do American students apply to Groningen through the Common App?
No. There is no Common App or UCAS route. You apply through Studielink, the Dutch national system, and for non-Dutch diplomas you also complete document validation through the university's portal. The process is qualification-based, so a US-style personal essay is not part of standard admission.
Is University of Groningen hard to get into?
Most programs are open admission, so if you meet the diploma and English requirements and apply on time you are admitted. Only numerus fixus programs are competitive, where a fixed number of seats are filled by test score, motivation letter, or lottery.
Prompts and facts verified against Groningen: Bachelor's programmes with a selection procedure (numerus fixus), Groningen: BSc Psychology selection procedure 2026/2027, Groningen: IRIO admission, University College Groningen: application process and Groningen: Matching (University of Groningen, 2026 entry cycle). Supplements change yearly, re-verify each cycle.
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