Dutch research universities established their University Colleges in response to a growing demand for a more holistic type of education. Students at University Colleges would not only study Liberal Arts and Sciences, they would live them, quite literally, by studying, living and working together with students from different cultural backgrounds and different disciplinary interests. This creates a learning environment which helps students develop their talents and discover themselves and the world through an exciting and challenging journey.
University Colleges are intended for highly motivated students who have a diverse interest, know what they want, and do not want to limit themselves to the perspective of one academic discipline. Such students are academically strong, intellectually curious, and passionate to acquire new knowledge in various fields of study. These students have a desire for both intellectual challenge and personal growth, and are interested in getting socially involved and contributing to the student community. Students are openminded and excited to live amongst international peers and learn from exchanges with various cultures.
Source: https://www.studyinnl.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/University%20Colleges%20in%20the%20Netherlands.pdf (accessed on 23 January 2024)