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 canals attracts many foreign nationals. For international students, the country’s education system offers both research universities and professionally oriented universities of applied sciences.
The universities in the Netherlands offer accredited study programs within an internationally oriented community. However, the cost of higher education in the country varies by institution, program, nationality, and city. Prospective students should compare current tuition options in the Netherlands with those in the UK and the US rather than assume that one destination is always less expensive.
In this article, we’ll look at the top universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands!
Top Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
| INSTITUTION NAME | HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAM AREAS |
|---|
| Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences | Business, Engineering, and Health Care |
| The Hague University of Applied Sciences | Applied Data Science and AI, Business, and User Experience Design |
| Windesheim University of Applied Sciences | International Business and Global Project and Change Management |
| Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | Business, Digital Technology, and Design |
| Avans University of Applied Sciences | Business, Engineering, and Art and Design |
| Fontys University of Applied Sciences | Dance, Engineering, and Finance |
| Breda University of Applied Sciences | Hospitality, Tourism, and Logistics |
1. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences was founded on January 1, 1988, through the merger of 19 boards of educational institutions in Rotterdam, Delft, and Dordrecht. Its organization includes schools covering business, engineering and applied science, the built environment, and health care.
English is not the language of instruction for every exchange, bachelor’s, and master’s program at the university. Rotterdam Business School offers programs in Dutch and English, while other schools also list Dutch-taught programs. International applicants should check the language of instruction and degree type on the current program page.
2. The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Operating across campuses in The Hague, Delft, and Zoetermeer, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is an internationally oriented institution. Its current catalog includes programs such as Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, International Business, and User Experience Design.
The university offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees, modules, exchange programs, and other courses. However, the language of instruction, study level, and campus differ by program, so prospective students should use the official program filters to confirm current availability.
3. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences placed third among the Netherlands’ large, broad-based universities of applied sciences in the Keuzegids HBO 2026. Its Global Project and Change Management program was also recognized as a Top Program in that edition.
Windesheim currently offers two bachelor’s degree programs in English: International Business and Global Project and Change Management. The university’s official international website states that it does not offer master’s programs in English. Psychomotor Therapy is listed among its Dutch-taught programs.
4. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences operates at locations across Amsterdam and organizes its education and applied research within six faculties. These cover business and economics, digital media and creative industries, technology, health and sports, education, and the social sciences and law.
The university’s English-language catalog includes full-time and part-time bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as short courses. Current options cover areas such as international business, fashion and design, digital and data-driven business, and health. Applicants should check each listing to confirm the study level and teaching language.
5. Avans University of Applied Sciences
Avans University of Applied Sciences has locations in Breda, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Roosendaal, and Tilburg. In the Keuzegids HBO 2026, Avans ranked second among the Netherlands’ large universities of applied sciences, and 20 of its programs received the guide’s Top Program distinction.
Avans offers bachelor’s, master’s, and exchange programs. Its international catalog lists Aerospace Engineering & Maintenance as a full-time exchange minor rather than a standalone aerospace engineering degree. Students should distinguish between complete degree programs, exchange programs, and minors when comparing their options.
6. Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences currently advertises more than 50 programs in several Dutch cities. Its catalog includes bachelor’s, master’s, associate degree, and short-term study options, with filters that allow prospective students to identify programs taught in English.
Examples of English-taught degree programs include Dance – Dance Arts in Context, Mechanical Engineering, and Finance & Control. Degree programs in the Netherlands are assessed through the Dutch quality-assurance system, and applicants should verify the current accreditation of an individual program through its official page or the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.
7. Breda University of Applied Sciences
Breda University of Applied Sciences is an internationally oriented higher education institution with a specialist focus on fields such as hospitality, tourism, leisure, logistics, media, games, and the built environment. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, BUas ranked 35th for Hospitality and Leisure Management.
BUas offers bachelor’s and master’s programs related to hotel management, tourism, and logistics. The institution’s catalog shows that the available teaching language can vary by program or study track, so applicants should confirm whether their chosen option is taught in English, Dutch, or both.
The Netherlands offers international students a range of academic and professionally oriented study paths. Its universities of applied sciences can be a suitable choice for students seeking practice-based education, but program availability, language, accreditation, tuition, and career outcomes should be evaluated individually.
We hope this article has helped in your search for schools in the Netherlands. For more study options, head over to our Study in the Netherlands and Available Courses for International Students!
