The municipality of The Hague has confirmed that a well-known American university is exploring the possibility of establishing a branch campus in the city. City officials have declined to name the institution but acknowledged that discussions are underway. The news was first reported by AD and subsequently covered by NL Times and other Dutch media outlets.
What We Know So Far
Details remain limited as negotiations are still in early stages. No formal announcement has been made about which university is involved, what programs would be offered, where a campus might be located, or when it could open. Media coverage has included broad speculation about top-tier US schools, but nothing has been officially confirmed by either the municipality or any university.
Why The Hague Appeals to American Universities
The Hague positions itself as the international city of peace and justice, hosting major institutions including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and The Hague Academy of International Law. This ecosystem of international law and diplomacy organisations, combined with strong English-language infrastructure and proximity to government ministries, embassies, and NGOs, makes the city an attractive location for US universities seeking a European presence.
The city already has experience with international education. Current institutions include Leiden University's Hague campus, TU Delft's international programs, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and Webster Leiden, an existing accredited American campus. The Hague Academy of International Law has long hosted specialised programs for legal professionals from around the world.
Broader Context
Dutch media outlets note growing European interest from American universities amid shifting political and funding climates in the United States. A high-profile US branch campus in The Hague would build on years of shorter programs and student exchanges already run in the city by American law schools and colleges, but would represent a more substantial and permanent commitment.
Dutch authorities have been actively encouraging foreign universities to establish branch campuses in the Netherlands, emphasising opportunities for high-quality education and research collaboration in globally relevant fields.
Potential Benefits
If finalised, such a development would create several opportunities. Dutch and international students could enrol in US-accredited degree programs without leaving Europe, gaining access to American educational networks and credentials. The campus could foster global research partnerships in fields like international law, policy, security studies, and technology governance.
The move would also create new jobs in education and support sectors, draw international talent to The Hague and the broader Netherlands, and support local economic growth. Many stakeholders, including existing Dutch universities, have welcomed the possibility of a prestigious US institution joining the city's educational landscape, viewing it as an opportunity for collaboration and academic exchange.
What Happens Next
If the plan advances, expect announcements about program scope—likely focusing on areas such as international law, public policy, security studies, or tech governance—along with details on student capacity, research partnerships, physical campus location, and accreditation arrangements. Legal requirements for operating in the Netherlands will need to be addressed, involving the Dutch education ministry, local agencies, and university leadership on both sides of the Atlantic.
For now, the city says only that discussions are ongoing, with more information to follow if an agreement is reached. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months as negotiations progress.
