Radboud University has specific language requirements for its programs, depending on whether you're applying for an undergraduate (bachelor's) or graduate (master's) program. The requirements also depend on whether the program is taught in English or Dutch.

1. English-Taught Programs:

For most English-taught programs (both Bachelor's and Master's), Radboud University requires proof of proficiency in English. Accepted language tests include:

• IELTS:
  • Minimum overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum subscores: 6.0 in each section (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
• TOEFL iBT:
  • Minimum overall score: 90
  • Minimum subscores: 18 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 22 in writing
• Cambridge English:
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
  • Minimum score: C (for CAE), or a score of 180 overall (for C2 Proficiency)

Exemptions:

You may be exempt from providing an English test if:

• You are a native English speaker from countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
• You completed your previous education in English, especially if your high school or undergraduate studies were in an English-speaking country.

2. Dutch-Taught Programs:

For Dutch-taught programs, non-native speakers need to demonstrate proficiency in Dutch by passing one of the following exams:

• NT2-II (Dutch as a Second Language, Program II): This is the standard exam required to demonstrate sufficient Dutch language skills for university studies.

• CNaVT (Certificate of Dutch as a Foreign Language): The required level is often Educatief Startbekwaam or Educatief Professioneel, depending on the specific program.

Additional Notes:

• Language Preparation: If you don't meet the language requirements yet, you can take a language preparation course before applying. Radboud offers pre-university language courses that help students meet the necessary language standards.

• Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs may have higher language score requirements, so it’s important to check the specific language criteria for the program you are applying to.

Make sure to check the specific program's requirements, as they may vary slightly depending on the faculty or department.

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Radboud University offers a wide range of courses, but it has a strong reputation in several specialized areas, especially in the following fields:

1. Medical Sciences:

• Medicine: Radboud University Medical Center is one of the top academic hospitals in the Netherlands, offering cutting-edge medical training and research. Specialties include oncology, neurodevelopmental disorders, and rare diseases.
• Biomedical Sciences: This program is highly interdisciplinary, linking biology, chemistry, and medical research.
• Dentistry: The Faculty of Dentistry (Radboudumc) is known for its high-quality education and focus on clinical and research skills.

2. Neuroscience and Psychology:

• The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour is a globally recognized center for neuroscience research. It offers specialized courses in cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, and behavioral sciences.
• The Master's in Cognitive Neuroscience is especially well-regarded for its focus on brain function and cognition.

3. Natural Sciences:

• Physics and Astronomy: Radboud University is well-known for its research in high-energy physics, quantum computing, and astrophysics. The university's contribution to graphene research, which won a Nobel Prize, solidifies its reputation in this field.
• Mathematics and Computing: The university offers strong courses in applied and theoretical mathematics, as well as in artificial intelligence and data science.

4. Law:

• Radboud’s Faculty of Law is one of the largest and oldest in the Netherlands. It offers courses in international and European law, human rights law, business law, and comparative law.
• It also emphasizes interdisciplinary legal studies, combining law with social sciences.

5. Humanities:

• Philosophy: The university has a strong tradition in philosophy, offering courses that focus on continental philosophy, ethics, and philosophy of mind.
• History and Arts: Radboud has notable programs in Dutch and European history, art history, and cultural studies.
• Religious Studies and Theology: Radboud offers one of the most respected programs in theology and religious studies, with a particular focus on Catholicism and religious diversity.

6. Environmental and Life Sciences:

• Biology and Environmental Science: Radboud has a strong reputation for research and courses related to biodiversity, ecology, and environmental management.
• Sustainability Science: Radboud is a leader in sustainability research, offering courses that focus on sustainable development, climate change, and conservation.

7. Social Sciences:

• Political Science and International Relations: Radboud has a well-respected program in international politics, focusing on European governance, global conflicts, and diplomatic studies.
• Cultural Anthropology: The university’s cultural anthropology program emphasizes globalization, migration, and cultural diversity.
• Economics and Business: The university offers degrees in business administration, economics, and international business with a focus on sustainability and ethics.

8. Artificial Intelligence:

• Radboud is also known for its AI program, which is one of the leading courses in the Netherlands, focusing on machine learning, robotics, and data analysis.

These specialties make Radboud University a leading institution, attracting students and researchers from across the globe for both undergraduate and graduate-level education.

Research at Radboud University

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Radboud University is home to many distinguished professors across various fields of study. Some of the most prominent professors are internationally recognized for their contributions to science, medicine, law, and the humanities. Here are a few of the top professors at Radboud University:

1. Prof. Dr. Peter Hagoort (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science)

• Director of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour.
• Hagoort is a leading figure in the field of cognitive neuroscience, focusing on the neural basis of language and cognition. His work on how the brain processes language is widely recognized.
• His research combines insights from psycholinguistics, neuroimaging, and computational models to study how language functions in the brain.

2. Prof. Dr. Heleen A. Slagter (Cognitive Neuroscience)

• Specializes in the relationship between attention, perception, and consciousness. Her work focuses on how neural processes underlie cognitive functions and how they change with practice, such as mindfulness.
• Slagter is one of the leading researchers at Radboud’s Donders Institute.

3. Prof. Dr. Mads Thomsen (Biophysics)

• A prominent researcher in the field of biophysics, he focuses on understanding protein structure and dynamics using advanced imaging techniques.
• His work has implications for drug design and disease treatment, particularly concerning neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Prof. Dr. Cornelis Kees van den Bos (Law)

• A leading professor in the Faculty of Law, specializing in European Union law, human rights, and constitutional law.
• Van den Bos is a key figure in European legal studies and frequently contributes to international discussions on human rights law and democratic governance.

5. Prof. Dr. Mike Jetten (Microbiology, Environmental Science)

• An expert in microbiology and environmental biotechnology. Jetten’s research focuses on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), a process crucial for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment.
• His work has had a major impact on environmental sustainability and understanding global biogeochemical cycles.

6. Prof. Dr. André Aleman (Psychiatry and Neuroscience)

• Aleman is a leading professor in psychiatry and neuroscience, researching cognitive dysfunction and brain disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.
• His work has contributed to understanding how brain function is linked to mental health and aging.

7. Prof. Dr. Ingrid van Engelshoven (Public Policy and Political Science)

• Known for her work in public administration and political science, she focuses on governance, policy analysis, and social change in the context of the European Union and Dutch government.
• She has had an influential role in shaping discussions around social policy and administrative law.

Radboud University has a notable connection to the Nobel Prize through its research, particularly in the field of physics. The most famous instance is the recognition given to Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, who conducted part of their research at Radboud University.

1. Nobel Prize in Physics 2010:

• Awarded to: Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov
• For: Their groundbreaking work on graphene, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene has exceptional properties, including being the strongest material known, an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, and extremely thin and flexible.
• Connection to Radboud: Both Geim and Novoselov carried out significant portions of their graphene research at Radboud University before moving to the University of Manchester, where they continued their work. The magnetic properties of graphene were explored during their time at Radboud.

This Nobel Prize was a significant milestone not only for the two researchers but also for Radboud University, as it highlighted the university’s strength in physics research and contributed to its international reputation in the field.

Radboud's involvement in innovative research continues, and it remains a hub for cutting-edge scientific studies in fields like physics, chemistry, and medicine.