Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Zwolle
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences - top 3 in the Netherlands with a personal touch
Windesheim is consistently rated as one of the top 3 universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. Located in Zwolle - a beautiful, affordable city in the heart of the country - Windesheim offers English-taught bachelor programs in International Business and Global Project and Change Management (a unique sustainable business program). The university is known for its personalized approach, strong industry connections, and focus on sustainability.
What makes Windesheim special is its close-knit international community. All international students live together at Talentenplein - the Windesheim Honours College residence in the heart of Zwolle. This creates an instant community where you make friends from day one. Combined with Windesheim's top-rated education quality and Zwolle's affordable, charming character, it is an excellent choice for students who want quality education in a personal environment.
Is Windesheim the right university for you?
International students share their experience
Hear from international students about what it is like to study and live at Windesheim in Zwolle.
Why students choose Windesheim
Learn in groups of 15-20 students. Small classes create attention and active participation.
Treat lecturers as coaches. They develop your reflection, confidence and critical thinking.
Follow a personal growth plan. Track the skills needed for your chosen career.
Build useful competencies. Studies respond to employers and changing social needs.
Work with real organisations. Projects connect you with businesses and public institutions.
Choose a distinctive sustainability degree. GPCM combines change, projects and responsible business.
Study at a highly rated university. Windesheim regularly performs strongly in Dutch comparisons.
Live in affordable Zwolle. Enjoy a compact city with excellent national train links.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
Study programs at Windesheim
Windesheim offers 2 English-taught bachelor programs:
- International Business - a comprehensive business program with internships and international projects
- Global Project and Change Management - a unique program combining sustainability, business, and project management
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.
A wonderful place to build your future
Windesheim lecturer explains the personalized approach and how students work on real company projects.
Zwolle - your student city
Zwolle is a beautiful, historic city in the province of Overijssel. With its charming medieval city centre, canals, and vibrant café culture, Zwolle has been named one of the happiest cities in the Netherlands. The city is compact, bike-friendly, and affordable - perfect for students.
Zwolle has excellent train connections: Amsterdam (1 hour), Utrecht (45 min), and Groningen (1 hour). Despite being smaller than the Randstad cities, Zwolle has a lively cultural scene, good restaurants, and a welcoming community.
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) - Top 3 in NL |
|---|---|
| English bachelor programs | 2 (International Business + Global Project and Change Management) |
| Location | Zwolle (historic city, 1h from Amsterdam) |
| Housing | Talentenplein residence - all internationals live together |
| Key strength | Personal approach, sustainability focus, company projects |
FAQ
What is Talentenplein?
Talentenplein is the Windesheim Honours College residence located in the heart of Zwolle. All international students live here together, creating a close-knit community. You share the building with other international students, making it easy to make friends and settle in from day one. The residence is centrally located - close to the city centre, shops, restaurants, and public transport.
What is Global Project and Change Management?
Global Project and Change Management is a unique bachelor program that combines business, sustainability, and project management. You learn how to lead change in organizations and society - making businesses more sustainable, managing international projects, and creating positive impact. It is one of the few programs in the Netherlands that directly combines business skills with sustainability goals. Graduates are prepared for the growing demand for sustainability professionals.
Can I work while studying at Windesheim?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Zwolle has job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and through Windesheim's company network. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Combined with Zwolle's affordable living costs, studying at Windesheim 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.
Finding housing in Zwolle
Windesheim does not have housing on its university campus. Your housing support depends on your study program and year.
First-year GPCM students receive guaranteed housing support. Follow Windesheim’s instructions immediately after admission.
First-year International Business students find housing independently. GPCM students also search independently from their second year.
Start your search in April for studies beginning in September. Windesheim works with SSH, while private Zwolle platforms offer additional rooms.
Life at Windesheim as an international student
See what it is like to live and study at Windesheim in Zwolle - from housing to social life.
Your housing options
Talentenplein residence (for international students) - the Windesheim Honours College residence where all international students live together. Centrally located in Zwolle. Apply through Windesheim after acceptance.
SSHXL - student housing provider in Zwolle with rooms from 440-650 EUR/month.
Private housing - websites like Kamernet list rooms in Zwolle.
Practical details
Confirm your housing eligibility for your exact program and study year.
GPCM first-year students receive guaranteed housing support.
International Business first-year students search independently.
GPCM students search independently from their second year.
Start searching in April for a September move.
General Zwolle rooms often cost about 440-650 EUR monthly.
Keep several private platforms active until signing a contract.
Check rent, utilities, deposit and cancellation terms carefully.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
FAQ
Do all international students live at Talentenplein?
Yes! All international students at Windesheim live at Talentenplein, the Honours College residence in the heart of Zwolle. This creates a close-knit international community where you immediately have neighbours from around the world. The residence is centrally located, making it easy to reach the campus, city centre, and train station.
Is Zwolle affordable for students?
Very affordable! Zwolle is one of the cheaper student cities in the Netherlands. Housing costs 440-650 EUR per month, and daily expenses (food, transport, entertainment) are lower than in the Randstad. The city has many student-friendly cafés and restaurants. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at Windesheim in Zwolle is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
For complete information about housing at Windesheim, visit the official page.
