Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Enschede/Deventer/Apeldoorn
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Saxion University of Applied Sciences - 87 nationalities, 15 English bachelor programs
Saxion University of Applied Sciences has campuses in Enschede, Deventer, and Apeldoorn in the east of the Netherlands. With 87 nationalities and 15 English-taught bachelor programs, Saxion is one of the most international and diverse universities in the country. The university is known for its practical approach to education, strong industry connections in the Twente region, and arranged housing for international students - making it easy to start your study adventure.
The east of the Netherlands offers something special: affordable living, beautiful nature, a welcoming community, and a thriving tech ecosystem (the Twente region is known as "Silicon Valley of the Netherlands"). Saxion combines big-university quality with small-city charm - you get personal attention, affordable housing, and a tight-knit international community.
International Business at Saxion
INTRO week at Saxion
See how new students explore the city and meet fellow students during Saxion's INTRO week.
Why students choose Saxion
- Arranged housing for international students. Saxion helps international students find furnished rooms in student buildings full of other international students. Apply by May 1 to secure your spot. The housing is affordable and conveniently located.
- 87 nationalities on campus. Saxion is incredibly diverse. You study alongside students from all over the world, building a truly global network from day one.
- 15 English-taught bachelor programs. One of the widest selections of English programs among Dutch universities of applied sciences - from business and IT to hospitality, engineering, and creative arts.
- 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.
- Affordable east Netherlands. Enschede and Deventer are significantly cheaper than Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Housing, food, and entertainment cost less, making your budget go further.
- Tech ecosystem in Twente. The Twente region is known as the "Silicon Valley of the Netherlands" with a thriving tech and startup scene. This means excellent internship and career opportunities, especially in IT and engineering.
Be Unique. Let’s Grow Together!
Explore how Saxion empowers students to take the next step towards their goals.
Study programs at Saxion
Saxion offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor programs including:
- International Business
- International Human Resource Management
- International Finance and Accounting
- Applied Computer Science
- Fashion & Textile Technologies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Hotel Management
- Physiotherapy
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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.
Enschede and Deventer - your campus cities
Enschede - a vibrant student city near the German border with a large international community (thanks to Saxion and the University of Twente). Known for its music scene, festivals (like Gogbot and Zwarte Cross nearby), and affordable living. The city centre has great cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.
Deventer - one of the most beautiful historic cities in the Netherlands, with a stunning medieval centre, the famous Deventer Book Fair, and a charming atmosphere. Smaller and quieter than Enschede, but with its own unique character.
Both cities are affordable, bike-friendly, and well-connected by train to the rest of the Netherlands.
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| Nationalities | 87 |
| English programs | 15 bachelor programs; 5 master programs |
| Campuses | Enschede, Deventer, Apeldoorn |
| Housing | Arranged for international students (apply by May 1) |
| Region | Twente ("Silicon Valley of NL" - tech hub) |
FAQ
Does Saxion help with housing?
Yes! Saxion arranges furnished student rooms for international students. These rooms are in student buildings full of other international students, making it easy to make friends and settle in. Apply for housing by May 1 to secure your spot. The rooms are affordable and conveniently located near the campus. After the deadline, Saxion still provides guidance for finding housing independently.
What is the Twente tech ecosystem?
The Twente region (where Enschede is located) is known as the "Silicon Valley of the Netherlands." It has a thriving ecosystem of tech companies, startups, and research institutes - partly thanks to the University of Twente and Saxion. For students in IT, engineering, and business, this means excellent internship opportunities, startup incubators, and career prospects in innovative companies right at your doorstep.
Can I work while studying at Saxion?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Enschede and Deventer have job opportunities in hospitality, retail, tech companies, and through Saxion's industry network. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Combined with the affordable living costs in the east, studying at Saxion is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
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.
Note: Saxion UAS will invite you to attend an online Meet & Greet with your chosen degree programme, where you will get to know future fellow students, the study programme, current students and teaching staff.
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.
Arranged housing at Saxion
Saxion University arranges furnished student rooms for international students. These rooms are in student buildings full of other international students, making it easy to settle in and make friends immediately. The housing is affordable and located in areas convenient for reaching the Saxion campus.
The east of the Netherlands (Enschede, Deventer, Apeldoorn) has a more accessible housing market than the crowded Randstad cities. This means better availability and lower prices - a significant advantage of studying at Saxion.
Saxion student housing review
Honest review by international students about their housing experience at Saxion in Enschede.
Your housing options
Saxion arranged housing (recommended) - furnished rooms in international student buildings. Apply by May 1 through Saxion's housing portal. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private housing - websites like Kamernet and HousingAnywhere list rooms in Enschede and Deventer.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Enschede" or "Rooms in Deventer" for additional options.
Practical details
- Saxion arranged housing: affordable furnished rooms in international student buildings
- Apply by May 1 for the best chance of getting arranged housing
- Enschede and Deventer are significantly cheaper than Amsterdam or Rotterdam
- Typical rent: 350-550 EUR per month
- Both cities are compact and bike-friendly
- Close to the German border - some students shop in Germany for lower prices
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
How do I apply for Saxion arranged housing?
After receiving your admission confirmation from Saxion, you can apply for arranged housing through the university's housing portal. The deadline is May 1 for September intake. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply as early as possible. The housing is furnished and located in buildings with other international students.
How affordable is living in Enschede or Deventer?
Very affordable! The east of the Netherlands has significantly lower living costs than the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht). Student rooms typically cost 350-550 EUR per month. Daily expenses (food, transport, entertainment) are also lower. Enschede is near the German border, so many students shop in Germany for even lower prices on groceries. Combined with the Dutch financial support system, studying at Saxion is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
What if I miss the housing deadline?
If you miss the May 1 deadline for Saxion arranged housing, the university still provides guidance and tips for finding accommodation independently. The housing market in Enschede and Deventer is more accessible than in bigger cities, so finding a room is still possible. Use platforms like Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and local Facebook groups. The international office can also provide support.
For complete information about housing at Saxion, visit the official page.
Student stories