It focuses its research on scientific, social and commercial problems in the field of life sciences and natural resources.

Due to the development of the training to a higher educational level it changed in 1896 to the Hoogere Land- en Boschbouwschool (Agricultural and Forestry College) and in 1904 in Rijks Hoogere Land-, Tuin- en Boschbouwschool (National Agricultural, Horticulture and Forestry College).

In 1986 the research oriented "hogescholen" (comparable to scientific institute of technology or business schools) were renamed to University in a modification of the Academic Education Act.

Over the years the research and teaching branched out into life sciences in general, while interest for agriculture as a career opportunity waned.

In 2012 it was decided that Van Hall Larenstein would leave Wageningen UR and continue as an independent school once more.

In the spring of 2015 the separation was marked by the move of the final Wageningen-based Van Hall Larenstein studies back to Velp.

The university consequently applies this system, thus promoting the mobility of students within Europe and preventing study delay.

The programs are in the field of economy and society, health, life sciences and technology, nature and environment, animals and plants.

Most programs offer various specializations and possibilities for majors, as well as full or partial premaster tracks for candidates not fulfilling all entry requirements.

Such fully paid PhD candidates on a four-year contract can be asked to perform teaching tasks for a maximum of 10% of their time as part of their appointment.

[23] Research conducted by Tjeerd Blacquière on the topic has caused controversy due to funding received for the research from the German pesticide producer Bayer,[23] the world's biggest producer of neonicotinoid insecticides, a suspect factor for the colony collapse disorder.