The University of Groningen (Dutch Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) is one of the oldest research universities in Europe boasting more than 100,000 graduates since its inception in 1614. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled in more than 160 bachelor's and master's programmes, and some 775 students are studying for their PhD. Every year, about 2,500 students graduate from the university, and some 250 PhD-students defend their doctorate thesis.
As the university's students and staff come from the Netherlands and from at least 90 other countries, the University of Groningen is truly international. The university has 5,000 employees and an annual budget of €445 million. It is one of the largest emplyers in the north of the Netherlands
The large number of students reduces the average age of the population of the city of Groningen; partly for this reason the city has a lively, dynamic character.
