Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
Arnhem (Velp)
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Van Hall Larenstein - study on a beautiful estate where nature meets innovation
Van Hall Larenstein (VHL) is a unique university of applied sciences specializing in food, nature, sustainability, and the green economy. The main campus in Velp (near Arnhem) is located on a beautiful historic estate surrounded by nature - your classroom is literally a park, a greenhouse, and a laboratory combined. VHL offers English-taught programs in fields where the Netherlands is a global leader: agriculture, food technology, animal management, and sustainable development.
With campuses in Velp and Leeuwarden, VHL is small and personal - you know your professors by name, and the international community is tight-knit. The university works with an accommodation partner to offer furnished rooms to first-year international students, with rent typically between 300-450 EUR per month - among the most affordable in the Netherlands.
Tour of VHL campus in Velp
Study at VHL The Netherlands
Discover what it’s like to study at Van Hall Larenstein and become part of an international learning community focused on real-world impact.
Why students choose Van Hall Larenstein
Study at a sustainability leader. VHL earned first place in the SustainaBul assessment.
Learn inside a global green economy. Explore food, nature, agriculture and sustainable business.
Get personal attention. Small groups create more direct time with your lecturers.
Build independent judgement. Programs train you to make professional decisions yourself.
Gain international work experience. Complete placements with companies outside the Netherlands.
Meet leading organisations. Join company visits and lectures from working professionals.
Learn by doing. Use laboratories, greenhouses, fieldwork and real industry projects.
Study on a historic estate. Nature forms part of your daily learning environment.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
Study programs at VHL
VHL offers 5 English-taught bachelor programs:
- Animal Husbandry - Animals, Society and Business
- Animal Husbandry - Equine, Sports and Business
- Food Technology
- International Agribusiness and Trade
- International Development Management
The exact list of bachelor and master programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
Velp and Leeuwarden - your campus locations
Velp (near Arnhem) - the main campus for English-taught bachelor programs. Located on a beautiful estate with gardens and nature. Arnhem (10 min by bus) is a vibrant city with culture, nightlife, and good train connections. The area is known for its beautiful nature (Veluwe national park nearby).
Leeuwarden - campus for some programs. The capital of Friesland, known as an affordable, charming student city (European Capital of Culture 2018).
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| Specialization | Food, Nature, Sustainability, Green Economy |
| Campuses | Velp (near Arnhem) and Leeuwarden |
| Housing | Furnished rooms via accommodation partner (300-450 EUR/month) |
| Campus style | Historic estate surrounded by nature |
| Key strength | NL is world's #2 food exporter - learn from the best |
FAQ
Why study food and agriculture in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is the world's second-largest food exporter (after the USA) despite being a tiny country. This is because of its incredibly advanced agricultural technology, food processing industry, and logistics. Studying food, agriculture, or agribusiness at VHL means learning from a country that leads the world in these fields. You get access to cutting-edge knowledge, industry connections, and internship opportunities that are simply not available elsewhere.
What is the campus in Velp like?
The VHL campus in Velp is on a beautiful historic estate - think green gardens, old trees, modern buildings, and greenhouses. It is not a typical concrete university campus. You study surrounded by nature, which is fitting for programs focused on food, sustainability, and the environment. The campus has labs, a library, study spaces, and a canteen. Arnhem (a vibrant city) is just 10 minutes away by bus.
Can I work while studying at VHL?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. The Arnhem area has job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and the food industry. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Combined with VHL's very affordable housing (300-450 EUR/month), studying here 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.
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.
Affordable furnished rooms for international students
VHL works with an official accommodation partner to offer furnished student rooms to first-year international students and exchange students. Monthly rent is typically between 300-450 EUR - among the most affordable student housing in the Netherlands. Almost 50% of students find their room through VHL's housing support.
The Velp/Arnhem area has a much more accessible housing market than the overcrowded Randstad cities. Combined with VHL's accommodation partner, finding affordable housing is significantly easier here than at universities in Amsterdam or Utrecht.
The VHL campus and surroundings
See the beautiful estate campus in Velp and the modernized facilities where you will study.
Your housing options
VHL accommodation partner (recommended) - furnished rooms for first-year international students. Rent: 300-450 EUR/month. Apply through VHL after acceptance.
Private housing in Arnhem - Arnhem (10 min from Velp) has more housing options. Use Kamernet and HousingAnywhere.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Arnhem" or "Kamers Arnhem/Velp" for additional options.
Practical details
- Furnished rooms via VHL's accommodation partner: 300-450 EUR/month
- Among the most affordable student housing in the Netherlands
- Velp is a small, quiet town - Arnhem (vibrant city) is 10 min by bus
- Beautiful nature surroundings (Veluwe national park nearby)
- Almost 50% of students find housing through VHL's support
- Apply for housing through the university after receiving admission
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
How affordable is living near VHL?
Very affordable! VHL's accommodation partner offers furnished rooms for 300-450 EUR per month - among the cheapest student housing in the Netherlands. The Velp/Arnhem area also has lower daily living costs than Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at VHL is extremely budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
Where do VHL students live?
Most international students live in Velp (close to campus) or Arnhem (larger city, 10 min by bus). Velp is quiet and green, while Arnhem offers more nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. Both are affordable and well-connected. The area is surrounded by beautiful nature - the Veluwe national park is right at your doorstep for cycling, hiking, and outdoor activities.
How do I apply for VHL housing?
After receiving your admission confirmation from VHL, you will get information about how to apply for housing through the university's accommodation partner. The process is straightforward - VHL helps you find a furnished room before you arrive. Apply as early as possible for the best options. Almost half of all students find their room through this service.
For complete information about housing at VHL, visit the official page.
Student stories