Wageningen University

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a public research university in Wageningen, Netherlands, specializing in life sciences with a focus on agriculture, technical and engineering subjects. It is a globally important center for life sciences and agricultural research.

The history of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) dates back to 1876, when the National Agricultural College (Rijkslandbouwschool) was founded in Wageningen, Netherlands. The college was established in response to the growing need for agricultural education in the Netherlands, as the country was rapidly industrializing and its population was growing.

The National Agricultural College was initially a three-year program that trained students in the basics of agriculture, including crop production, animal husbandry, and dairy farming. The college also offered a number of specialized programs, such as horticulture, forestry, and land surveying.

In 1918, the National Agricultural College was upgraded to a university and was renamed the Agricultural University of Wageningen (Landbouwhogeschool Wageningen, or LWH). The university offered a four-year program in agriculture and related sciences.

In 1945, the German capitulation in World War II was signed in the Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen. This event marked the end of the war in the Netherlands and the beginning of a new era for the university.

In the following decades, the university expanded its programs and research activities. In 1986, the name of the university was changed to Wageningen Agricultural University (WAU). In 1997, WAU merged with the DLO Research Institutes and the Institutes for Applied Research to form Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

WUR is a highly respected university with a strong reputation for excellence in research and education. It is a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the life sciences or in making a difference in the world through sustainable development.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Wageningen University is positioned as the #155 top university in the world, which makes it the #6 top university in Netherlands. The university's global rank decreased by 4 points from last year.