At Wageningen University & Research (WUR), language requirements vary depending on the program’s language of instruction. The university offers programs in both English and Dutch, and international students must demonstrate proficiency in the respective language.

1. English-Taught Programs

Most master's programs and some bachelor's programs at WUR are taught in English. To enroll in these programs, students must provide proof of proficiency in English.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
  • Overall score: 6.5 (with no sub-score below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
  • Internet-based test (iBT): 92
• Cambridge English Qualifications:
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE): with a minimum score of 180.

Note: Some programs might have higher English language requirements, so it's important to check specific program details.

Exemptions from English Test Requirements:

You may be exempt from providing an English test score if:

• You have completed a previous degree in a country where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Your previous education was completed in an institution where the medium of instruction is English.

2. Dutch-Taught Programs

Some bachelor's programs and a few master's programs are taught in Dutch. Non-native Dutch speakers must demonstrate proficiency in Dutch to enroll in these programs.

Dutch Language Requirements:

• NT2-II (Dutch as a Second Language): Candidates must pass the Dutch NT2-II State Exam, which demonstrates proficiency at the B2 level.
• Dutch language courses: For students who need to improve their Dutch language skills, WUR offers preparatory Dutch language courses.

3. Preparatory Language Courses

• English Language Courses: WUR provides preparatory English courses for students who do not yet meet the language proficiency requirements.
• Dutch Language Courses: There are also Dutch courses available to help students reach the required level of Dutch proficiency before starting their program.

4. Programs Offered in Both English and Dutch

Some programs at the bachelor’s level may offer courses in both English and Dutch, providing flexibility for students based on their language proficiency.

How to Apply

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) offers a wide range of programs, with specific expertise in agriculture, life sciences, food technology, and environmental sustainability. Here are some of the university's course specializations:

1. Agriculture and Food Sciences

• Agrotechnology: Focuses on the application of technology in agriculture, including mechanization, robotics, and precision farming.
• Plant Sciences: Specializes in crop breeding, plant biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Animal Sciences: Emphasizes animal biology, livestock management, animal health, and sustainable animal production.
• Food Technology: A top-ranked program that focuses on food production, food processing technologies, and food safety.
• Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management: Concentrates on the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and the development of aquaculture systems.

2. Environmental and Sustainability Sciences

• Environmental Sciences: Focuses on understanding and solving environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource management.
• Organic Agriculture: Examines sustainable agricultural systems, organic farming practices, and agroecology.
• Forest and Nature Conservation: Studies the sustainable management of forests and conservation of biodiversity.
• Climate Studies: Specializes in understanding climate systems and developing solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

3. Life Sciences

• Biotechnology: A highly regarded program that explores innovations in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and industrial biotechnology.
• Molecular Life Sciences: Focuses on the molecular basis of life, including genetics, biochemistry, and cellular biology.
• Bioinformatics: Specializes in the computational analysis of biological data, crucial for advances in genomics and precision agriculture.

4. Social Sciences Related to Food and Environment

• Development and Rural Innovation: Addresses challenges in rural development, food security, and innovation in agricultural practices.
• International Development Studies: Focuses on global development issues such as poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable economic growth.
• Management, Economics, and Consumer Studies: Examines the economic, managerial, and social aspects of food production, environmental sustainability, and consumer behavior.
• Communication, Health, and Life Sciences: Focuses on communication strategies in health promotion, life sciences, and sustainable development.

5. Sustainability and Resource Management

• Sustainable Energy Technology: Focuses on renewable energy technologies, energy systems, and the transition to sustainable energy use.
• Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management: Studies the economics of environmental policy, resource use, and the development of sustainable economic systems.
• Water Technology: Specializes in water management, water quality, and the development of sustainable water systems.

6. Food and Nutrition Sciences

• Nutrition and Health: Studies the relationship between diet and human health, focusing on nutrition science, public health, and disease prevention.
• Food Safety: Addresses food quality management, risk assessment, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe food systems globally.
• Food Quality Management: Focuses on ensuring high-quality standards in food production, processing, and distribution systems.

7. Landscape and Spatial Planning

• Landscape Architecture and Planning: Studies sustainable land use, spatial planning, and the design of urban and rural landscapes.
• Geo-Information Science: Focuses on geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial data analysis to solve environmental and urban challenges.

8. Interdisciplinary and Emerging Fields

• Data Science for Life Sciences: Combines data science techniques with life sciences to address challenges in biology, agriculture, and health.
• Circular Economy: A new field focusing on reducing waste and creating sustainable economic systems through recycling and innovative production processes.
• Global Food Security: Examines global food production systems, food distribution, and strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition.

Research@WUR

Education & Programmes - Wageningen - WUR

Scholarship information

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Career at WUR

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is home to several globally recognized professors who are leaders in their respective fields. These professors are known for their contributions to research in areas such as agriculture, food science, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology.

Top Professors at WUR

1. Prof. Dr. Louise O. Fresco

• Field: Food and Sustainability
• Role: President of the Executive Board of WUR
• Expertise: Louise Fresco is an expert in food production, global food security, and sustainable agriculture. She is a prominent voice in global discussions on how to feed the world’s growing population sustainably and has published extensively on the future of food.
• Contributions: Fresco has been involved in high-level advisory roles, including with the United Nations, and her work has influenced global food policy.

2. Prof. Dr. Marten Scheffer

• Field: Ecology
• Role: Professor of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management
• Expertise: Scheffer is internationally known for his research on ecological tipping points and the resilience of ecosystems. His work on regime shifts in ecosystems has had significant implications for environmental management and conservation.
• Awards: Winner of the Spinoza Prize, one of the highest scientific honors in the Netherlands.

3. Prof. Dr. Ken Giller

• Field: Plant Production Systems
• Role: Professor of Plant Production Systems
• Expertise: Giller specializes in sustainable agriculture in tropical regions, focusing on smallholder farming and food security. He is known for his work on improving crop production in sub-Saharan Africa and his research on legume crops.
• Contributions: He leads several international research programs aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture in developing countries.

4. Prof. Dr. Imke de Boer

• Field: Animal Sciences and Sustainability
• Role: Professor of Animal Production Systems
• Expertise: De Boer is known for her research on the sustainability of animal farming systems. Her work focuses on reducing the environmental impact of livestock production while ensuring animal welfare.
• Awards: Her research in circular agriculture is recognized internationally, and she won the NWO Stairway to Impact Award for her contributions to sustainable food systems.

5. Prof. Dr. Arnold van Huis

• Field: Entomology
• Role: Professor Emeritus of Tropical Entomology
• Expertise: Van Huis is a leading expert on insects as a source of food and their role in sustainable food systems. His research on insects as alternative protein sources has gained significant attention globally.
• Contributions: He is one of the authors of the FAO report on edible insects, which helped popularize the idea of insects as a sustainable protein alternative.

6. Prof. Dr. Evert van der Zee

• Field: Biotechnology
• Role: Professor of Industrial Biotechnology
• Expertise: Van der Zee is recognized for his work on bioprocessing and bio-based technologies. His research aims to develop sustainable industrial processes through biotechnology, particularly in the bioeconomy sector.

7. Prof. Dr. Maria Gerland

• Field: Environmental Policy
• Role: Professor of Environmental Policy
• Expertise: Gerland’s research focuses on environmental governance, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development policies. Her work has shaped how governments and organizations approach environmental sustainability.
• Contributions: She has been an advisor to multiple international environmental bodies and has worked extensively on the policy implications of climate research.

While Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is renowned for its contributions to life sciences, agriculture, and sustainability, it has not had a direct Nobel Prize-winning faculty member or alumnus. However, WUR's groundbreaking research has contributed significantly to areas recognized by the Nobel community, particularly in fields related to agriculture, food security, and environmental science.

Indirect Influence on Nobel-Prize-Winning Work

WUR's expertise in areas such as sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and food security has influenced global scientific advancements that align with the work recognized by Nobel Prizes. The university is known for its collaborative research with international organizations and researchers who have been recognized for innovations in these fields.

Key Contributions Related to Nobel Areas:

1. Green Revolution and Food Security: WUR's research on sustainable agriculture and crop sciences has indirectly supported the work of Nobel laureates like Norman Borlaug (Nobel Peace Prize 1970), who is known for his role in the Green Revolution, which increased agricultural production worldwide.

2. Climate Change and Environmental Protection: WUR has also made significant contributions to climate change research, which aligns with the work of Nobel laureates like Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Nobel Peace Prize 2007), recognized for their work on raising awareness about climate change.