Have you ever wondered why the Netherlands is so popular among international students? For one, the country’s evocative picture of cozy cities and shimmering streams attracts many foreign nationals. Then, as far as international students are concerned, the country’s education system is exceptional on many fronts.
The prestigious universities in the Netherlands that offer world-recognized study programs against the backdrop of an open-minded, diverse, and language-savvy community make the Dutchland a haven for international students. Besides, higher education in the country is relatively cheaper compared to other countries like the UK and the US.
In this article, we aim to provide a list of the country’s top universities of applied sciences for international students. Stick around till the end.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
This list comprises the top applied universities in the Netherlands that could get you industry-ready in no time.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences |
Business, Engineering, and Healthcare |
| The Hague University of Applied Sciences |
Data Science, Business, and Design |
| Windesheim University of Applied Sciences |
International Business and Global Project and Change Management |
| Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences |
Business, Computing, and Design |
| Avans University of Applied Sciences |
Finance, International Business, and Aerospace Engineering |
| Fontys University of Applied Sciences |
Dance, Engineering, and Finance |
| Breda University of Applied Sciences |
Hospitality, Tourism, and Logistics |
1. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
As a result of a merger in 1988 between several large-scale institutions, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences was established as a vocational university. The university is well-recognized with programs especially catered to international students. As one of the prominent education providers in the country, the university has 11 schools offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
All exchange programs and B.A. and M.A. programs at the university are taught entirely in English. Programs are offered in a wide range of disciplines including business, built environment, engineering, and health care.
2. The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Spread across several locations in The Hague, Delft, and Zoetermeer, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is also a popular pick among international students. The public university founded in 1987 offers over 100 degree programs in highly technical fields like data science, business, and design.
The university is also very welcoming of international students with almost 26,000 students in the university coming from over 140 different nations. The university continues to attract international attention as an innovative and practical education provider that is well-integrated into the industry.
3. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences is one of the three best universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The Dutch school is a vocational institution for higher education and research that is specifically known for its smaller classes and a more personal approach to teaching.
At the Applied University of Windesheim, there are two English-taught bachelor’s degree programs: International Business and Global Project and Change Management. The university also offers a Master’s in Psychomotor Therapy in the English language.
4. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
The breathtaking architecture and canals you often see online of the Netherlands are likely from the beautiful capital city of the Netherlands. The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is located in Southern Amsterdam and is one of the largest institutions in the country for job-oriented education.
There are several programs taught at bachelor’s and master’s levels conducted entirely in English. The university’s programs offered in design, business, health, and computing are some of the best courses offered at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
5. Avans University of Applied Sciences
Even though getting into Avans University of Applied Sciences might not be very difficult, the standard of education and training provided at the reputed institution is relatively high. Avans University of Applied Sciences was established in 2004 and has made it among the top-ranked universities in the Netherlands.
The university’s programs offered in finance, international business, and aerospace engineering are some of the recognized courses offered at Avans UAS.
6. Fontys University of Applied Sciences
With a massive student body of 46,000 students and 10 campuses in the southern Netherlands, Fontys University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest of its kind to offer English-taught programs. From short programs to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, there are around 40 English-taught programs offered by the university.
Among the programs offered in English are subjects like dance, engineering, and finance. Programs at this esteemed institution are deemed to be challenging and well-organized reflecting a high standard of education. These programs are accredited by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO) or other equivalent British accreditation bodies.
7. Breda University of Applied Sciences
Ranked as one of the top schools for hospitality and leisure management, Breda University of Applied Sciences is among the prominent universities of applied sciences in the country. The university is well-recognized across the world thanks to being continuously ranked by multiple prominent ranking bodies.
At the Breda UAS English-taught, bachelor’s and master’s programs are offered in fields like hospitality, tourism, and logistics. With most programs offered in the English language, the university can be considered a highly international-facing institution.
FAQs: Studying in the Netherlands’ ‘University of Applied Sciences’
What is the Difference Between a ‘University’ and a ‘University of Applied Sciences’?
The term “university” draws images of books, lectures, and theoretical education – which is pretty accurate. Universities are more focused on theoretical research and teaching offering programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With an emphasis on subject matter, these universities might have an exhaustive list of programs they offer.
Universities of applied sciences, applied universities, or polytechnics on the other hand are more pragmatic, dealing with industry collaborations and training students for industry jobs. Learning is more hands-on and extra emphasis is placed on application rather than theory. Applied universities may be limited to a few practical disciplines like engineering, business, healthcare, and applied arts.
The Netherlands is a great place for international students to pursue higher education. Its high living standards and architectural magnificence are apart, and the country’s education and vocational training facilities are among the most highly acclaimed. Enrolling at one of these applied universities is sure to have you trained to tackle today’s market in no time.
We hope this article has helped in your search for schools in the Netherlands. For more study options, head on over to our Study in the Netherlands and Open Courses sections!
