HZ University of Applied Sciences
Vlissingen/Middelburg
- A strong international student community orientation;
- A coastal location in the South Western part of The Netherlands;
- A strong relationship with companies during the study period;
- A strong buddy system of a student ambassadors team;
- Top study programmes such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering and Logistics Engineering;
- An extensive network of partner universities.
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
HZ University of Applied Sciences - study by the sea in Zeeland
HZ University of Applied Sciences is located in Vlissingen and Middelburg, in the beautiful coastal province of Zeeland. With 5,000 students from over 80 countries, HZ offers a personal, international study environment where professors know your name. The university provides 10 English-taught bachelor programs in fields like water management, chemistry, engineering, and business. HZ is unique: it offers on-campus housing and you study by the sea.
What makes HZ truly special is its unique combination of small-scale education, guaranteed housing, and an affordable coastal lifestyle. Unlike the crowded cities of the Randstad, Zeeland offers space, nature, and a relaxed atmosphere - while still providing high-quality education with strong industry connections. HZ is particularly known for its programs in water management and delta technology, leveraging Zeeland's unique position as a delta region.
It's your future at HZ
A day in the life of an international student at HZ
Follow student Anete through her day - from home to university, classes, and shopping.
Why students choose HZ
- Guaranteed housing for international students. HZ guarantees good and affordable housing for international students who apply by June. This is a huge advantage - most Dutch universities cannot offer this. Prices start from just 300 EUR per month.
- Small-scale and personal. With 5,000 students, HZ offers a personal learning environment where lecturers know you by name. Small class sizes mean more individual attention and better learning outcomes.
- Affordable living by the sea. Zeeland is one of the most affordable regions in the Netherlands. Housing starts from 300 EUR/month - significantly cheaper than Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. And you live near beautiful beaches!
- Financial support for working students. The Netherlands offers a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
- Unique programs in water and delta technology. HZ's Water Management program is unique in the Netherlands, leveraging Zeeland's position as a world-leading delta region. The Delta Academy connects students to cutting-edge research in water safety and climate adaptation.
- International community. Students from 80+ countries create a diverse, multicultural environment. The small scale means you quickly build close friendships with people from around the world.
Study programs at HZ
HZ offers English-taught bachelor programs including:
- International Business
- Water Management
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Vitality and Tourism Management
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- Information Technology
The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
Vlissingen and Middelburg - your campus cities
Vlissingen - a coastal city on the Westerschelde estuary with beautiful beaches, a historic boulevard, and a relaxed atmosphere. The main HZ campus is located here. You can literally walk from campus to the beach in minutes.
Middelburg - the capital of Zeeland, a charming historic city with beautiful architecture, cozy cafés, and a lively market square. Some HZ programs are located here.
Both cities are compact, safe, and affordable. The region is famous for its beaches, water sports, and seafood. Despite being smaller, Zeeland has good train connections to Rotterdam (1 hour) and Amsterdam (2 hours).
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| Students | ~5,000 from 80+ countries |
| English programs | 10 bachelor programs; 1 master programme |
| Campuses | Vlissingen and Middelburg (Zeeland) |
| Housing guarantee | Yes - for students who apply by June |
| Housing cost | From 300 EUR/month |
| Unique strength | Water Management, Delta Technology, coastal location |
FAQ
Is housing really guaranteed at HZ?
Yes! HZ guarantees good and affordable housing for international students who apply by June. This is one of HZ's biggest advantages. Prices start from just 300 EUR per month (all-inclusive), which is significantly cheaper than most Dutch cities. The housing is managed by APV Housing and other local providers, and is located close to the campus. You will receive all information about booking your room after acceptance.
What is student life like in Zeeland?
Zeeland offers a different student experience than big cities - more relaxed, closer to nature, and with a tight-knit international community. You can walk to the beach from campus, enjoy water sports (surfing, sailing, kiteboarding), and explore charming historic towns. The international student community is close-knit because of the smaller scale - you quickly make friends from around the world. For big-city experiences, Rotterdam is just 1 hour away by train.
Can I work while studying at HZ?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Zeeland has job opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and the port/logistics sector. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students that can help cover living costs. Combined with the low housing costs in Zeeland, studying at HZ is very affordable. Learn more about financial support for students in the Netherlands.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Guaranteed housing at HZ
Great news: HZ University of Applied Sciences guarantees housing for international students who apply by June. This is one of the biggest advantages of studying at HZ. While most Dutch universities struggle with housing shortages, HZ ensures you have a place to live before you arrive. And the prices are among the lowest in the Netherlands - starting from just 300 EUR per month (all-inclusive).
Student housing at HZ is managed by local providers like APV Housing and is located close to the campus in Vlissingen. The housing complexes host international students from HZ, creating a multicultural living community.
Housing at HZ - everything you need to know
Learn about housing options, prices, and practical details for international students at HZ.
Your housing options
HZ guaranteed housing (recommended) - apply by June and HZ guarantees you affordable student housing. Rooms are managed by APV Housing and other local providers. Prices start from 300 EUR per month (all-inclusive). You will receive booking information after acceptance.
Private housing - if you prefer to find your own accommodation, Zeeland has affordable options. Check local websites, Facebook groups, and the HZ housing page for tips.
Practical details
- Guaranteed housing: from 300 EUR/month (all-inclusive)
- Apply by June to qualify for the housing guarantee
- Housing is close to the HZ campus in Vlissingen
- International student houses with a mix of nationalities
- Zeeland is one of the most affordable regions in the Netherlands
- Available housing information online and on posters around campus
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Combined with HZ's low housing costs, studying here is very affordable. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
How do I get the guaranteed housing?
Simply apply to HZ by June, and you qualify for the housing guarantee. After your acceptance, you will receive information about how to book your room. The process is straightforward - HZ takes care of connecting you with the housing provider. No need to search independently or compete on the housing market.
What is the student housing like?
Student housing at HZ is managed by providers like APV Housing. The complexes host international students from various countries, creating a multicultural living community. Rooms are affordable (from 300 EUR/month all-inclusive) and located close to the campus. You will have your own room with access to shared facilities. The housing is modern and well-maintained.
Why is housing so affordable in Zeeland?
Zeeland is a beautiful but less densely populated province compared to the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague). This means less competition for housing and lower prices. You get the same quality of Dutch education at HZ, but with significantly lower living costs. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at HZ is one of the most affordable options in the Netherlands.
For complete information about housing at HZ, visit the official page.
Student stories