Utrecht University School of Law

Photo by Steven Snoep

What about tomorrow?
Law touches everything. It is in constant motion, changing even as it sets off changes in the world. Every day, lawyers are focused on discovering answers to completely new questions; working with others, they are building tomorrow's society, today.

'What about tomorrow?' is the question that guides our teaching and research activities. The Utrecht University School of Law plays an active and significant role in innovative, multi-dimensional legal research that contributes to ongoing solutions for important societal issues. Through challenging academic programmes, we train our students to become excellent lawyers who can take the lead in creating just societal changes.

The Utrecht University School of Law offers six English-language Master's programmes and contributes to the Transnational Law Programme, an English-language Bachelor's programme. The LLM programmes have an outstanding reputation; will provide you access to international corporations and law firms, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and many other international judicial organisations located in The Hague, Brussels, Geneva and Strasbourg and allow you the flexibility to compose your own curriculum according to your interests and talents.

European Law (LLM)
Today's society and labour market needs lawyers who have a thorough mastery of European law. The European Union increasingly affects all areas of law. The legal systems of Member States of the European Union have reached a high level of integration. Our English-taught LLM programme in European Law takes you into this challenging and dynamic field. Unique features of this programme are that it combines both substantive and institutional knowledge of European law and also studies European law in connection to the Member States' legal systems. Even before you graduate, this LLM in European Law will have given you a good introduction to professional practice through moot courts, visits to major European organisations, and the chance to speak with top-ranking professional lawyers. As a result, you will be well prepared for a legal career either in your home country or internationally.
European Law has been named as the top programme in The Netherlands according to the annual peer ranking conducted by Elsevier (a leading Dutch current affairs magazine).
European Law (LLM)

Would you like to know more about studying European Law at Utrecht University? Have a look at our movie to get an impression.

Public International Law (LLM)
In today's globalised world, public international law addresses complex, challenging issues that touch the lives of everyone. In the Public International Law (PIL) programme the common themes of public international law can be studied in a broad general fashion, or a specialisation in Human Rights or Oceans, the Environment and Sustainability can be chosen for deep and specific focus. With the PIL programme, Utrecht University offers a stimulating general law programme. The highly regarded Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2018 ranked Utrecht University’s Public International Law as top rated master's programme in its field in the Netherlands.

Specialisation tracks; Oceans, the Environment and Sustainability or Human Rights
At this programme you can choose between two specialisation tracks; Oceans, the Environment and Sustainability or Human Rights. The courses of the Oceans, the Environment and Sustainability track will teach you significant knowledge of, and insight in the international environmental law and law of the sea. They will enable you to formulate informed opinions on, participate in and contribute to the debate concerning the future of environmental and oceans governance.
The courses of the Human Rights track will deepen your knowledge and skills on specific key challenges for human rights of your choice, including transitional justice and gender. By choosing this track within the wider public international law programme, studying human rights in Utrecht allows you to acquire both the broad overview and skills of a generalist and the in-depth knowledge of a specialist ? the combination is a key asset for your future!
Public International Law (LLM)

Would you like to know more about studying Public International Law at Utrecht University? Have a look at our movie to get an impression.

Legal Research (LLM)
Are you curious by nature, analytical and ready for a challenge in an attractive academic legal environment? Are you interested in writing academic texts or engaging in debate and prepared to tackle the more complicated aspects of legal issues? Than the two-year master's programme in Legal Research might be the right choice for you! This programme not only prepares you for a legal career as a practitioner in the commercial, public service or academic sector, it also offers an excellent foundation for further studies at PhD level. The highly regarded Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2018 ranked Utrecht University’s Legal Research programme as the best in the field in the Netherlands. 
Legal Research (LLM)

Would you like to know more about studying Legal Research at Utrecht University? Have a look at our movie to get an impression.

Law and Economics (LLM)
In the Master's programme Law and Economics you will focus on the economic and legal aspects of the regulation of various markets (banking, energy, telecom, transport, healthcare), private equity, hedge funds, competition and competition policy, corporate governance, and mergers. The programme is unique because all courses and term papers are taught in an interdisciplinary way by legal experts and economists that team up to provide both realistic and applicable knowledge. At all times it is the interdependence of economic and legal aspects that is the prime focus of the programme. Graduates will therefore be able to bridge the often existing gap between these disciplines easily.
Law and Economics (LLM)

Would you like to know more about studying Law and Economics at Utrecht University? Have a look at our movie to get an impression.

Global Criminology (MA)
There is a growing demand for qualified researchers, legal practitioners and policy makers who can address these and comparable issues. Are you a multidisciplinary expert or criminologist who wants to make a significant contribution to the field? Do you want to work in the field of law and social reform- or any sector dealing with growing forms of local and global crime control? Then the MA programme in Criminology at Utrecht University is the right choice for you!
Global Criminology (MA)

Would you like to know more about studying Global Criminology at Utrecht University? Have a look at our movie to get an impression.

European Governance (MSc)
The Master in European Governance is a unique double-degree programme offered in partnership with Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic) and the University of Konstanz (Germany). As a student in this programme, you will study and live in two different European locations. This will allow you to experience European governance from two different perspectives in the context of a unique personal experience. You will develop the skills to analyse complex problems of European governance from multiple perspectives, including economics, law, political science and public administration. You will also learn to apply abstract knowledge and theory to real-life problems through case studies, simulations and policy-oriented research projects. The challenging course content will train you to use academic knowledge to analyse and solve complex problems in different contexts and from different perspectives.
European Governance (MSc)

In september 2020 two new Master's Programmes will commence. Both Law and Technology in Europe (LLM) and European Criminal Justice in a Global Perspective (LLM) will start in September 2020. More information is to be announced soon. 

Photo by Kees Rutten

Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities, recognised internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to both research and teaching. Every year, approximately 1,500 international students come to Utrecht University to take part in English-taught degree programmes and other courses. With some 118 nationalities working and studying closely together, students learn to work in an international environment from the start - essential for scientists and scholars in an increasingly globalised world.

Utrecht University is recognised as a leading research university across the globe, ranking number 1 in the Netherlands (Shanghai Ranking) on the universities table, which was recently published by the Shanghai University.

Photo by Steven Snoep

Established in 1636, the Utrecht University School of Law is one of the oldest and most beautiful law schools in the Netherlands. Today, our historic faculty buildings provide a supportive and inspiring work environment to around 500 lecturers and almost 4,000 students. Many of our alumni have gone on to hold prestigious positions with companies and institutions around the world. Based on the internationally recognised Shanghai Ranking 2018, Utrecht is ranked the best research university in the Netherlands. Utrecht University has been the best ranking Dutch university since the first ARWU ranking published in 2003. This year, Utrecht University is ranked 13th in Europe and 49th worldwide. According to the World University Rankings 2019 by subject law, Utrecht University School of Law occupies the 33rd place. Moreover, Utrecht University works closely together with over 80 leading international universities. Nearly four centuries after the School of Law first opened its doors, we are proud that we are still able to maintain our strong reputation as a centre of excellence.

The perfect location
Utrecht is more than just a well-established classical university: it is a vibrant town where Dutch history, a cosmopolitan population, and an active student network meet. Every year, students from all over the world come to Utrecht and have the experience of a lifetime. Why not join them?

Photo by Kees Rutten

Master's programmes within Utrecht University's School of Law are based on the multidisciplinary research conducted by the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Governance.
This research takes into account socio-economic and socio-political perspectives, as well as the impact of European and international law on national laws.

For all Master's programmes at Utrecht University, the Admission Committee of the programme decides whether your will be accepted. The Committee employs the following criteria:

Is your degree considered (at least) equivalent to a Dutch academic Bachelor's degree? The International Office assesses all international credentials according to the credential evaluation criteria of the Nuffic (the Netherlands Organisation for international cooperation in Higher Education), and advises the Admissions Committee on this subject.

Is your previous degree relevant to the Master's programme you are applying to, and do you meet the specific entry requirements for the Master's programme? See the website of the Master's programme:

European Criminal Justice in a Global Context (LLM)
European Governance (MSc)
European Law (LLM)
Global Criminology (MA)
Legal Research (LLM)
Law and Economics (LLM)
Law and Technology (LLM)
Public International Law (LLM)

Do you demonstrate talent and motivation?
Are you uncertain whether you qualify for admission? Discuss your situation in a timely manner with the contact person for your Master's programme. You will find the contact details on the website of the programme.

Apply as early as possible to maximise your chances of being admitted! After April 1, you should always check to see if it is still possible to apply for the programme of your choice. To apply follow these steps:

- Download the Instructions Applying for a Master's programme (pdf).
- Go to Studielink and apply online.
- Send in the required forms and documents in good time.
- Pay the application fee in good time.

Applicants from China please, here you can find for information about the Nuffic Certificate.

Going to university - and student life in general - costs money. It is hard to predict exactly how much money you will need, as spending habits and lifestyles vary. Please go to the programme of your choice to find detailed information about Tuition Fees and Financial Support.

Utrecht University, the Dutch Government and other organisations offer scholarships, fellowships and grants. You can begin your search for funding by reviewing this list, which contains some of the scholarships and loans available to international students.

Photo by Michael Kooren

Utrecht has a rich history going back almost 2,000 years and an architectural legacy that includes both ancient and thoroughly modern buildings. Utrecht's old city centre has remained largely intact, with its picturesque canals and elegant parks, cafes and cultural venues. The impressive Dom tower rises high above the city, surrounded below by international restaurants, cinemas, clubs and boutiques that give Utrecht its unique, dynamic atmosphere. And according to BBC Travel Utrecht is one of the happiest places in the world to live in.

Photo by Michael Brunek

Please know that Utrecht University does not own any accommodation for students. However, the university has an agreement with SSH Short Stay, a local housing corporation that offers temporary furnished housing. They reserve a range of furnished accommodation especially for international students and staff of Utrecht University.
We strongly urge students to register with SSH Short Stay, since this is the only accommodation option the university can help and assist you with.

For more information about SSH Short Stay and finding accommodation in and around Utrecht, please visit Housing in Utrecht. On this website you will also find detailed instructions on how to register with SSH Short Stay.

Photo by Michael Brunek

Utrecht University and the city of Utrecht offer a great environment for students to study in and live. Utrecht has a bustling student community, with plenty of extracurricular activities to get involved in, as well as many different student organisations and societies. At Utrecht University's Parnassos cultural centre you can explore your talents in the performing arts, take a creative workshop and lots more. Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof boasts excellent sports facilities at Olympos.

Check our international law students on Facebook! The page will keep you updated about all the (extra curricular) activities and allows you to contact our students directly.