Being gifted at university: what does it mean and what support is available?
What is intellectual giftedness?
Intellectual giftedness is not easy to define and can be difficult to recognise, in yourself or in others. It is often associated with an IQ of 130 or above, but it goes beyond simply ‘being clever’.
Three commonly used characteristics to describe giftedness* are:
- High intellectual abilities: intelligence clearly above average, often measured with a performance or intelligence test
- Task focus and perseverance (motivation): the ability to keep going in order to complete a task
- Creative ability: the capacity to come up with original and inventive solutions to problems
* Renzulli model (1978, 1981)
Other frequently seen traits in gifted people are:
- A critical attitude
- High sensitivity
- Curiosity and broad interests
- A strong sense of justice
- Intense experience of emotions and interests
- Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
It is important to know: giftedness is not an official diagnosis. It is more a way of thinking, feeling and learning - with corresponding strengths and potential pitfalls.
Common challenges for gifted students
Although giftedness is often associated with learning easily, that is certainly not always what gifted or highly gifted students experience. You may, for example, encounter:
- Boredom or lack of challenge - you feel that the material is slow, superficial or not very stimulating.
- Perfectionism and fear of failure - your standards are high, which can make it difficult to start or finish tasks.
- Difficulties with planning and structuring - especially if you previously did not have to put in much effort at school.
- Overstimulation or mental fatigue - due to intense thinking, many responsibilities or social pressure.
- Doubt or insecurity - about your degree choice, your abilities or your identity (“am I really gifted?”).
- Underachievement - your potential does not fully show, for example because of procrastination, lack of motivation or limited connection with your degree programme.
Some of these themes overlap with what many students experience, but for gifted and highly gifted students they are often a bit more intense, persistent or complex.
What support does the university offer?
There are several routes for support within the university:
Study advisers
Some of the issues you may face as a (possibly) gifted student fall within the remit of the study advisers. They can help you look at:
- Study planning and structure
- A suitable study pace and options for choice within your programme
- Dealing with perfectionism, fear of failure or underachievement (for example through referral)
- Finding more challenge within your degree programme
Do not hesitate to explicitly mention in a meeting that you are, or suspect you may be, gifted or highly gifted – this can help them think along with you about what you need. You do not have to 'prove' that you are gifted before getting in touch. If you recognise yourself in (some of) the characteristics described above or notice that you are getting stuck, that is already a valid reason to seek support.
Workshops and guidance
You can make use of existing UvA workshops and guidance, for example on study skills, planning, dealing with stress and mental load. This kind of support can be especially useful for gifted students, for instance if you notice that your cognitive abilities are strong but your study skills or energy management are lagging behind.
Peer group
A peer group for students will start in 2026, so that you can talk with like‑minded gifted fellow students in a more regular setting.
More information
Would you like to know more about giftedness? Then please consult one of the websites below (only in Dutch):
- Instituut Hoogbegaafdheid Volwassenen (Institute Intellectual Giftedness Adults)
- Mensa
- Stichting Hoogbegaafd! (Intellectual Giftedness Foundation)