NETHERLANDS · LEEUWARDEN
Stenden University
public · Founded 2008 · Languages: English, Dutch
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In short
Stenden University of Applied Sciences, now part of NHL Stenden, was a Dutch institution in Leeuwarden renowned for its international, practice-oriented programs in hospitality and business, with opportunities to study at global branch campuses. International students could expect English-taught degrees and a multicultural student environment.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2008
- Students
- 10,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–10k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH, DUTCH
- Location
- Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Stenden University of Applied Sciences was a Dutch university of applied sciences (hogeschool) based in Leeuwarden, known for its strongly international character and practice-oriented programmes. It offered English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees with particular strengths in international hospitality management, tourism, international business and education. With branch campuses in several countries, Stenden gave students the opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree. In 2018 it merged with NHL University of Applied Sciences to form NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Why study here
- Internationally oriented, English-taught degree programmes.
- Study-abroad opportunities at branch campuses in Qatar, Thailand, Bali and South Africa.
- Strong reputation in international hospitality and tourism management.
- Practice-based, hands-on learning with internships and real-world projects.
- Affordable, high-quality Dutch higher education in a student-friendly city.
Student life
Stenden offered a lively, multicultural student community in Leeuwarden, with students from many countries studying together on its English-taught programmes. Campus life centred on student associations, hospitality and event projects, and the on-campus training facilities used in its hospitality and tourism degrees. The compact, affordable city of Leeuwarden and the network of international branch campuses gave students a genuinely global experience.
Fees
InternationalAs a Dutch university of applied sciences, tuition for non-EU/EEA international students for English-taught bachelor's programmes typically ranged from roughly 7,500 to 9,500 EUR per year, with master's programmes broadly similar.
HomeEU/EEA students paid the lower statutory Dutch tuition fee (collegegeld), which was around 2,000 EUR per year.
LivingLiving costs in Leeuwarden and the northern Netherlands, including accommodation, food and transport, typically ranged from 800 to 1,100 EUR per month.
Fees and programmes are now administered under NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences following the 2018 merger; prospective students should confirm current tuition with NHL Stenden.
Admissions
Secondary school diplomaA recognised secondary school leaving qualification giving access to higher education.
English proficiencyProof of English language ability (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) for non-native speakers.
Programme-specific entrySome programmes required specific subjects, a motivation letter or interview.
IELTS6.0 (with no band below 5.5) for most bachelor's programmes
TOEFL iBT80 or equivalent
Rankings
Keuzegids (Dutch higher education guide)Well-regarded for hospitality and international business programmes
StatusMerged into NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in 2018
University scholarships
Holland Scholarship5,000 EUR (one-off)
Stenden / NHL Stenden Talent GrantVaries
Accreditation
Dutch government-recognised university of applied sciences; programmes accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders). Now part of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
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.
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 is Stenden University of Applied Sciences?
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Stenden University of Applied Sciences was a Dutch university known for its international focus and practical, hands-on degree programs. It offered English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees, particularly in hospitality, tourism, and international business. Following a merger in 2018, it now operates as NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Where was Stenden University located?
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Stenden was headquartered in Leeuwarden, a student-friendly city in the northern Netherlands. It also had international branch campuses in Qatar, Thailand, Bali, and South Africa, offering students opportunities to study abroad.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
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For most bachelor's programs, international students typically needed an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5) or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or equivalent. Specific program requirements may vary, and it's advisable to verify current details with NHL Stenden.
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students?
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For non-EU/EEA international students, tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's programs at Stenden typically ranged from approximately 7,500 to 9,500 EUR per year, with master's programs having similar fees. Prospective students should confirm current fees with NHL Stenden.
What kind of student life can I expect at Stenden?
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Stenden offered a vibrant, multicultural student community in Leeuwarden. Student life involved various associations, event projects, and using on-campus facilities for hospitality and tourism programs. The university's international branch campuses also contributed to a global student experience.
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