A total of 10 universities in the Netherlands appear in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020, designed by HR consultancy Emerging and published exclusively by Times Higher Education. The ranking reveals the universities that recruiters at top companies think are best at preparing students for the workplace.
Delft University of Technology is the top Dutch university for graduate employability, followed by Erasmus University Rotterdam.
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Top three universities in the Netherlands for graduate employability 2020
1. Delft University of Technology
At Delft University of Technology, constructive partnerships with companies are valued just as much as in-depth knowledge and cutting-edge creativity. The university aims to transform technological innovations into practical applications that can be used by society.
To that end, academics cooperate with businesses, government and civic organisations, benefiting research projects, students and society generally.
There are two entrepreneurial clubs for students to get involved in and plenty of opportunities for employers to connect with students while they are on campus.
2. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Students and alumni of Erasmus University Rotterdam can take advantage of a wide range of career development support, including language training, masterclasses and career counselling.
Bachelor’s programmes span life sciences, medicine, business, economics, law, social sciences, humanities and art, while there is a wide range of master’s programmes and a handful of executive degrees for professionals.
The focus is on helping students achieve their ambitions, whether their aim is to improve healthcare in Africa or start a company within the private sector.
3. Leiden University
Graduates from Leiden University can get in touch with the alumni network for study advice, career opportunities and professional development.
Leiden University helps recent graduates by providing career coaching and networking opportunities. The institution also puts its students in touch with businesses and organisations for employment opportunities.
The university has a mentor programme where students are mentored by experts in their chosen fields. Leiden organises events, coaching cafes and workshops, and there is a specific Young Alumni Network for alumni up to the age of 35.
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Top universities in the Netherlands for graduate employability 2020
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2021 results
| Netherlands Rank 2020 | Employability Rank 2020 | Employability Rank 2019 | Institution | City |
| 1 | 52 | 53 | Delft University of Technology | Delft |
| 2 | 55 | 57 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | Rotterdam |
| 3 | 79 | 85 | Leiden University | Leiden |
| 4 | 97 | 91 | Utrecht University | Utrecht |
| 5 | 122 | 140 | Eindhoven University of Technology | Eindhoven |
| 6 | 123 | 138 | University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
| 7 | 183 | 205 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
| 8 | 229 | 236 | Radboud University Nijmegen | Enschede |
| 9 | 233 | 238 | University of Groningen | Enschede |
| 10 | 237 | 248 | Wageningen University & Research | Wageningen |
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