NETHERLANDS · UTRECHT
Hogeschool Utrecht
public · Founded 1987 · Languages: nl, en
In short
Hogeschool Utrecht is a leading university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, offering practical, collaborative learning experiences within the vibrant Utrecht Science Park. It focuses on preparing students to address societal challenges through its dedicated expertises.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1987
- Students
- 38,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–10k/yr
- Languages
- NL, EN
- Location
- Utrecht, Netherlands
Hogeschool Utrecht (HU) is a leading university of applied sciences in Utrecht, Netherlands. It focuses on collaborative learning, bringing together students, professionals, and researchers to address societal challenges. HU believes in combining personal ambition with global needs, offering various programs including full-time, part-time, and dual learning pathways. The university is deeply involved in practical research and innovation, structured around four key areas: 'Samen duurzaam' (Together sustainable), 'Samen gezond' (Together healthy), 'Samen lerend' (Together learning), and 'Samen digitaal' (Together digital). These expertises highlight HU's commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable, and digitally inclusive society. Located within the Utrecht Science Park, HU collaborates with partners like the RIVM and UMC Utrecht. This environment fosters hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and direct engagement with real-world problems, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their fields and society.
Why study here
- Work on solutions for tomorrow's challenges while developing your talents.
- Benefit from a focus on practical application and real-world problems.
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration within the Utrecht Science Park.
- Contribute to a healthier, more sustainable, and digitally inclusive society through dedicated expertises.
Student life
Hogeschool Utrecht encourages an active student life where you can develop your talents and make an impact. The university's location within the Utrecht Science Park provides a dynamic environment with opportunities for collaboration and engagement beyond academics. Recent reports indicate an increase in student satisfaction across all themes.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA students pay the institutional tuition rate, which for bachelor's programmes at HU typically ranges from approximately EUR 8,000 to EUR 9,500 per year depending on the programme. EU/EEA students pay the lower statutory tuition fee set annually by the Dutch government.
HomeEU/EEA students pay the statutory tuition fee (wettelijk collegegeld), around EUR 2,500 per year for 2025/26.
LivingStudents should budget approximately EUR 900-1,200 per month for accommodation, food, insurance, transport and other living costs in Utrecht.
Exact tuition rates and any first-year discounts are published on HU's website and are subject to annual revision by the Dutch government and the institution.
Admissions
Prior educationA diploma equivalent to the Dutch HAVO/VWO or a recognised secondary or vocational qualification for the chosen programme.
ApplicationRegister via Studielink and complete the programme's study-choice check (studiekeuzecheck).
IELTS6.0 (academic)
TOEFL iBT80
Rankings
Keuzegids HBO (Dutch higher professional education guide)Consistently rated among the larger Dutch universities of applied sciences
University scholarships
Holland ScholarshipEUR 5,000 (one-off, first year)
HU institutional and programme fundsVaries by programme and availability
Accreditation
Hogeschool Utrecht is a government-funded university of applied sciences (hogeschool) whose degree programmes are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionHogeschool Utrecht · Netherlands
Master Pedagogiek (Master of Arts)
Develop yourself and others with this Master of Arts in Pedagogy program, offered full-time in Amersfoort. This program focuses on understanding children, adolescents, and their environments from an ecological perspective. You will deepen your knowledge, strengthen your professionalism, and learn to effectively contribute to education, upbringing, and youth care. As a pedagogue in this program, you will learn to respond to the needs of children, adolescents, and their broader ecosystems. Each child grows within a network of involved individuals, including parents, teachers, sports clubs, and online environments. The program's focus on ecological pedagogy equips you to understand this wider context, develop skills to sustainably address pedagogical challenges, and optimally guide children and adolescents in a complex society, always keeping the child's best interest at the center.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
Hogeschool Utrecht · Netherlands
Master Teacher Computer Science
This master's program is designed for individuals holding a second-degree teaching qualification who wish to specialize in teaching computer science and digital literacy. The program aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to teach technology-related subjects effectively, integrate digital literacy into the curriculum, and prepare students for the havo and vwo examination programs in computer science. You will delve into subject matter, pedagogical approaches, and ethical considerations related to digital literacy and computer science, exploring themes like programming, game development, hardware, robotics, data science, AI, networking, and cybersecurity. The curriculum also focuses on developing master's projects that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational content.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Hogeschool Utrecht?
+
Non-EU/EEA students can expect institutional tuition rates ranging from approximately EUR 8,000 to EUR 9,500 per year for bachelor's programmes. EU/EEA students pay the statutory tuition fee, around EUR 2,500 for 2025/26.
What are the living costs for students in Utrecht?
+
Students should budget approximately EUR 900 to EUR 1,200 per month for living expenses in Utrecht, covering accommodation, food, insurance, and transportation.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
For English-taught programmes, Hogeschool Utrecht typically requires an IELTS score of 6.0 (academic) or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.
What prior education is needed for bachelor's programmes?
+
Applicants need a diploma equivalent to the Dutch HAVO/VWO or a recognised secondary or vocational qualification relevant to their chosen programme.
What is the learning approach at Hogeschool Utrecht?
+
Hogeschool Utrecht focuses on collaborative learning, practical application, and real-world problem-solving, preparing students to address societal challenges.
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