
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht is a large, interdisciplinary arts university in the vibrant city of Utrecht, offering Bachelor and Master programs with a strong focus on practical, project-based learning and creative entrepreneurship.
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht is one of the largest arts universities in the Netherlands, offering Bachelor, Master, and Associate Degree programs across fine art, design, music, theatre, game design, and media. Founded in 1947 and based in Utrecht, HKU operates nine specialized schools with strong links to the Dutch and international creative industries. The university emphasises individual initiative, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical project work, preparing graduates to be adaptable creative professionals.
HKU campus life is defined by creative energy and collaborative spirit. Students engage in studio work, performances, exhibitions, and collaborative projects with external partners. The university promotes social safety through a Code of Conduct, confidential counsellors, and student deans. Alumni meetups through the Creative Entrepreneurship program maintain a strong professional network. Utrecht's canals, festivals, and cultural venues provide an inspiring backdrop.
EU/EEA students pay the Dutch statutory tuition fee. Non-EU/EEA international students pay an institutional fee which varies by program. Scholarships and financial aid may be available. Check the HKU website for current fee schedules.
Accredited by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO). HKU is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) under Dutch law.
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.
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 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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

The Bachelor of Arts in Animation program at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht focuses on bringing 2D and 3D images to life. You will learn to develop your own unique style in animation concepts, designs, and narrative forms, with a strong emphasis on the nuances of timing and character acting. The curriculum covers the entire animation production pipeline, from initial concept development and storyboarding through to editing and sound post-production. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about creating animations, transforming ideas and stories into moving images, and have a keen interest in storytelling, visual composition, and design. It suits individuals with a broad cultural and societal awareness, who enjoy teamwork, effective communication, and the desire to convey information clearly. HKU offers a unique opportunity to work on short animations both independently and collaboratively. The 3D specialization, one of the few in the Netherlands, heavily emphasizes group projects and real-world industry experience, including collaborations with external clients. Students also have the chance to create films for the BNN-VARA television program ‘Twee voor Twaalf’ and potentially have their work featured in major film events like the Lowlands film program, the Netherlands Film Festival's student competition, and animation festivals such as Playgrounds and Kaboom.


The Associate Degree Connected Design is a two-year, full-time higher professional education program. It focuses on developing you as a Creative Connector, acting as a crucial link between spatial designers, clients, and end-users. You will learn to use various visualization techniques to help stakeholders understand design proposals, such as an exhibition. The program emphasizes developing your own creative and communicative style by applying new visualization and presentation techniques to address design challenges and create impact. You will consider the end-users' needs and integrate their input into design details. Through practical projects with clients, you will establish yourself as a creative connector within a broad professional field, honing your entrepreneurial skills.

The Associate Degree (AD) Design Digital Media is a two-year program for individuals who have completed vocational education at level 4 or higher and are passionate about digital media. This full-time program focuses on working with new technologies and collaborating with fellow students, businesses, and organizations on real-world projects. It's designed for creative and enterprising individuals who can work independently, enjoy creating digital products, and thrive in team environments with diverse designers. Graduates have the option to continue their studies and earn a Bachelor in Image and Media Technology in an additional two years.

The Bachelor of Music in Education program at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht is designed to train you into a versatile music teacher. You will learn to develop and deliver your own music programs, catering to all musical styles, from pop and jazz to classical and urban music. The program emphasizes your individual growth as both a musician and an educator, with a curriculum that encourages exploration and practical application. Internship opportunities begin in your first year, allowing you to gain valuable experience and build professional connections within the music education field. This program is recognized for its quality, consistently receiving high ratings in Dutch guides.

The Broad Preparatory Course is designed for individuals considering creative studies but are unsure of their specific direction. It serves as a bridge to Bachelor's programmes, helping you explore different artistic fields and build a portfolio. This course is ideal if you have a passion for visual arts, design, media, or games and want to develop your creative potential while discovering your strengths.
full fundingFor 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 fundingOpen 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
HKU offers Bachelor, Master, and Associate Degree programs across fine art, design, music, theatre, game design, and media. The university operates nine specialized schools catering to diverse creative disciplines.
Yes, HKU offers an English-taught Bachelor of Design program and several Master programs. These programs are designed for international students seeking to study in English.
EEA students pay approximately 2,314 EUR/year. Non-EEA students can expect fees ranging from 8,000–12,000 EUR/year, depending on the specific program. Scholarships may be available.
Admission typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent, a portfolio showcasing artistic work, and a motivational letter. Some programs also require an audition or interview.
Students can expect to spend approximately 900–1,200 EUR per month for living expenses in Utrecht. This covers accommodation, food, and other daily costs.