Universities in the Netherlands

Originally founded in 1842 as a royal academy for civil engineers, TU Delft has grown into one of the Netherlands’ premier technological universities. TU Delft places great emphasis on science and engineering, and its faculties include Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, and Maritime and Materials Engineering, among others. TU Delft also works with Dutch and foreign educational and research institutions, government and industry.

Eindhoven University of Technology specialises in engineering science and technology, with an emphasis on translating results into real innovations that can be developed into new products, processes and businesses.

Named after the famous Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian, Erasmus University Rotterdam began as a school of commerce in 1913, later incorporating Law, Social Sciences, Humanities and Business Administration faculties before finally merging with the Medical Faculty Rotterdam. Erasmus University Rotterdam describes its core disciplines as health, wealth, governance and culture; and its principal task as "the generation and transfer of knowledge proceeding from a high degree of social engagement."

Leiden was the Netherlands’ first university, founded in 1575, and is one of Europe's leading research universities. Its faculties include Archaeology, Humanities, Medicine, Law, Social and Behavioural Science and Science. Within and across these, Leiden University has research themes that offer opportunities for high-level research while reflecting important social and global concerns.

Maastricht University, founded in 1976, has an international focus and specialises in three main areas: Life Sciences, Innovation and Governance. It also uses Problem-Based Learning, an education system focused on exchanging knowledge in a challenging and effective way.

The Open University offers Bachelor and Master programmes for distance learning, which is especially helpful for those who have trouble physically attending (e.g. work, family responsibilities, disability). Although a few courses are offered in English, the majority are still in Dutch. For those with a good command of Dutch, however, the Open University offers many flexible study options.

Radboud University is situated in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. It is an interdisciplinary research university with a focus on students as active participants in academic life and debate. Radboud University has faculties in Law, Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Medical Sciences and Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, as well as the Nijmegen School of Management.

Tilburg University specialises in social sciences and humanities, with faculties in Law, Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences and Theology. It is known as a specialist university as it offers a wide programme of interdisciplinary research streams and also houses one centre of the TiasNimbas Business School.

The University of Amsterdam began in the Golden Age as a school to train students in trade and philosophy, the Netherlands’ great specialities of the time. Now it is a large university with seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry.

As well as having the distinction of being 400 years old, Groningen University also produced the first female student and first female lecturer in the Netherlands. Groningen Univeristy offers programmes in a full range of academic areas, including in specialist faculties for Philosophy, Medical Science and Spatial Sciences.

The University of Twente has a focus on technology and behavioural and social sciences, a multidisciplinary approach that is designed to create scientific and social innovations. The University of Twente is also highly entrepreneurial: the university has generated more than 700 successful companies and even the campus is full of businesses.

Utrecht University is one of the highest-ranked universities in the Netherlands. A leading research institution, it also has the widest range of English-language programmes in the Netherlands and thousands of international students every year. The large mix of nationalities also feeds into the university’s international perspective, also seen in its 12 Nobel Prize winners.

The Free University Amsterdam, founded in 1880, was originally only for Reformed Christians, but is now known for its open organisation and its emphasis on social involvement. Its streams include Human Health and Life Sciences, Science for Sustainability, Connected World (technological and digital innovations) and Professional Services, which are designed to help students look beyond the boundaries of specific disciplines and make use of their knowledge beyond academia.

Wageningen University is the only university in the Netherlands that specialises in researching the links between healthy food and the living environment. It does this by looking at climate change, unhealthy lifestyles, pressures on the natural environment and animal welfare. A small but growing university, it offers programmes in Food, Earth and Environment, Technology, Health, Economics and Social Sciences, and Nature and Agriculture.

Amsterdam Fashion Academy is a progressive, creative fashion school located in the heart of Amsterdam. It prioritises small class sizes and individual attention for people wanting to study for a university-awarded fashion bachelor's degree programme. 

Founded in January 2004, Avans University of Applied Sciences is a well-ranked university of applied sciences with programmes taught in English in international business, international financial management, environmental sciences, engineering and arts. Avans is spread across three campuses in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg and Breda.

Aeres University of Applied Sciences is a professional education institute situated in the centre of the Netherlands, with a particular research and study focus on the fields of agriculture, food, nature and green living. It has three campuses in Almere, Dronten and Wageningen.

CHE is a Christian vocational univeristy located in Ede and offers courses in business administration, human resource management, communication, journalism, nursing, information and communications technology, and more, with a Christian focus.

Located in the south of the Netherlands, Fontys University of Applied Sciences has three campuses in Eindhoven, Tilburg and Venlo. It offers courses in international business, communications, engineering, phsyiotherapy, ICT and medical imaging.

Spread over Arnhem and Nijmegen, HAN University of Applied Sciences combines theory with practical learning experiences in an international setting. HAN offers programmes in several fields of interest, including Engineering, Business, Biosciences, Health Studies and Education.

One of the oldest and largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen offers a wide range of study programmes, including those in Arts and Culture, Behaviour and Society, Business and Economics, and Exact and Information Sciences, among others. Hanze focuses on entrepreneurship, encouraging students to start their own businesses while also having a positive global impact on energy and health.

Focusing on urban and societal challenges, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences educates students in a large selection of fields and disciplines. With digitalisation, sustainability and diversity central in all activities, HvA offers the chance to be a part of creating a smarter, greener and fairer future. 

Hogeschool Leiden offers small-scale education that supports students on their learning journey. Centering around themes such as youth, healthcare, education and science and technology, the institute in Leiden offers studies in areas of interest such as Economics, Law and Organisation, Psychology and Behaviour, and more.

Offering programmes in the fields of Communication and Media, Economics and Management, Education and Pedagogy, among others, the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht provides personalised learning and coaching with its small classes. Internships and plenty of practical experience also help prepare students for a career after graduation.

Are you professional, ambitious and do you want to work in an international business environment? Join Hotelschool The Hague for the Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, ranked top 5 worldwide! At our campuses in The Hague and Amsterdam you join a community with students from over 50 nationalities. 

Collaborating closely with businesses and research centres, HZ University of Applied Sciences aims to be a valued institute in the areas of water, energy and vitality. HZ has locations in Vlissingen and Middleburg and offers study programmes in Engineering, Chemistry, International Business, Tourism Management and more.

InHolland University of Applied Sciences has eight campuses spread over six cities in the Randstad area, namely Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Haarlem and Rotterdam. The programmes on offer vary from Electronic Music and Applied Mathematics to Aeronautical Engineering and Business Innovation.

As a specialised college in the field of education, the Marnix Academie is a training and knowledge institute for professionals in childcare, primary education, secondary education and MBO. Also known as the University of Applied Sciences for Education Professionals in Utrecht, the Marnix Academie also contributes to research on relevant themes in education. 

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences has several campuses in the northern part of the Netherlands, including Leeuwarden, Emmen, Meppel and Terschelling, with international partners in countries such as Thailand and South Africa. Not only does NHL Stenden offer courses in various areas of interest, including Communication, Media and Design, Management and Technology, but it also provides step-by-step assistance with choosing between them.

Formerly known as the National College for Tourism and Traffic (NHTV), Breda University of Applied Sciences is an international higher education institute that is an expert in closely interrelated fields such as Tourism, Leisure and Events, Hotel and Facility, Logistics and Built Environment, and Media and Creative Business, among others. Located in Breda, BUAS offers a wide range of degree programmes and research themes.

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has multiple campuses spread throughout the city of Rotterdam and offers a wide range of courses taught in English in the areas of Economics, Behaviour and Society, Healthcare, Art, Media and ICT, Education and Technology. 

Saxion University of Applied Sciences has locations in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, and offers a large variety of study routes, from Ad Software Development and Creative Media and Game Technologies to Innovative Textile Development and International Finance and Accounting. 

The Hague University of Applied Sciences does its part in working towards change with research in areas of expertise, including cyber security, digital operations, global and inclusive learning, and more. THUAS has locations in The Hague, Delft and Zoetermeer and has study programmes in Business, Finance, Engineering and Computer Science, among others.

One of the most sustainable universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, Van Hall-Larenstein University of Applied Sciences focuses on building a future-proof world with locations in Leeuwarden and Arnhem. With subject areas related to animals, climate and environment, food and agribusiness, green business, laboratory sciences, and water and nature, students can contribute to sustainability with their careers after graduation.

Known for its personal approach, small classes and working closely with the business community and public institutes, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences is one of the top Dutch universities of applied sciences. With locations in Zwolle and Almere, Windesheim offers a wide variety of courses in areas such as Journalism and Communication, Logistics, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Technology and Education, among others.

Training students for the international world of art, culture and heritage, the Amsterdam University of the Arts is made up of several academies, including the Netherlands Film Academy, the Academy of Architecture and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, among others, all in the Dutch capital. From cinematography and music to dance and theatre, AHK supports talented students in the development of their artistic identity.

ArtEZ University of Arts has locations in Arnhem, Enschede and Zwolle where students can take courses in visual art, architecture, fashion, design, music, theatre, creative writing, dance and art education. It also offers study try-outs where potential students can trial a part of the curriculum of their chosen course to see whether it is a good fit.

Codarts Rotterdam is a university of the arts in the Netherlands where talented students study their chosen craft in an international environment. Dance, musical theatre, circus arts, and education in dance and music are just a few of the programmes on offer at Codarts in Rotterdam.

One of the world’s leading design schools, Design Academy Eindhoven is known internationally for its renowned professors and alumni. After experimenting with different materials and ideas during their studies, selected graduates of DAE showcase their designs during Dutch Design Week, from metal and wood to digital and 3D designs.

Specialising in fine arts and design in Amsterdam, Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a small-scale university of applied sciences in the Netherlands that offers full-time and part-time programmes. Students can specialise in various crafts, from architectural design and ceramics to photography and fashion design.

The oldest conservatoire in the Netherlands, the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague is an institute of music and dance. Not only does it offer higher education to students from all around the world, but the Royal Conservatoire also welcomes children from the age of five to develop their budding talent from a younger age. 

HKU University of Arts in Utrecht is a higher education institution focusing on the arts and media. It has a varied selection of courses divided over nine schools, including those for fine art, design, games and interaction, art and economics, media, music and technology, theatre and more.  

Nyenrode Business University offers degree and executive education courses in business, management, accountancy, controlling and tax law, with locations in Amsterdam, The Hague and Breukelen.  

TIAS School for Business and Society offers online learning as well as on-site classes at its campuses in Utrecht and Tilburg. The common themes of its programmes are business and society, with courses in management, leadership, innovation and change, public management, human resources, real estate and more.  

Webster Leiden is one of the international campuses of the American institute, Webster University. Webster University in Leiden offers a wide range of programmes including Management, Psychology, International Relations and Business Administration, among others. 

Teaching entirely in English, Amsterdam University College specialises in a Liberal Arts and Sciences programme that leads to a joint Bachelor’s (Honours) degree issued by the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit with majors in Science, Social Sciences or Humanities. 

Leiden University College The Hague is the international English-language Honours college of Leiden University. Located in The Hague, it offers a Liberal Arts and Sciences programme to international and local students, focusing on global challenges. 

Formerly known as Roosevelt Academy, University College Roosevelt is the small, honours undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences college of Utrecht University located in Middleburg. Students do not have to follow a set theme and can choose from a variety of courses on offer to construct a personalised programme. 

A Liberal Arts and Sciences Honours college of Maastricht University, University College Maastricht provides small-scale and personalised Bachelor’s education. Not only can students design their own curriculum from more than 150 courses taught in English, but they will also become a part of the international academic community in Maastricht.

The first university college of the Netherlands, University College Utrecht is an English-language Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s degree programme. Located in Utrecht, the university college offers studies consisting of a three-year Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social and legal sciences, and science and medical studies. 

University College Venlo is the second Liberal Arts and Sciences Honours college of Maastricht University. This English-language programme allows students to specialise in social sciences or life sciences and is taught in Venlo. 

Tio Business School is a private educational institution with campuses in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, Hengelo, Rotterdam and Utrecht, as well as headquarters in Hilversum. Tio offers a variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in the fields of hotel management, event management, tourism, business and marketing.