NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Leeuwarden/Emmen/Meppel/Groningen
- International character (Grand Tour and campus sites in the Netherlands and in Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar and South Africa);
- an enterprising University of Applied Sciences;
- practice-oriented study programs;
- innovative teaching;
- education tailored and flexible learning pathways;
- design based education.
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences - design your own future
NHL Stenden is a university with campuses on 4 continents - the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, and Qatar. Based in Leeuwarden (one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands), it offers guaranteed housing for first-year students and a unique Grand Tour concept that lets you study at multiple international campuses during your program. NHL Stenden is known for its innovative "Design Based Education" approach, where you work on real-world challenges from day one.
What makes NHL Stenden truly special is its global network. The university has campuses not only in the Netherlands (Leeuwarden, Emmen, Meppel, Assen) but also in South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, and Qatar. Through the Grand Tour, you can study at multiple locations during your program - gaining international experience without changing universities. Combined with guaranteed housing for first-year students in Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden offers a unique and accessible international study experience.
Explore NHL Stenden University
School tour NHL Stenden Leeuwarden
Tour guides show you around the NHL Stenden campus in Leeuwarden.
Why students choose NHL Stenden
Study across several continents. Grand Tour campuses include South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia and Qatar.
Learn in groups of 10-14 students. Small teams create discussion and personal attention.
Work on real problems. Design Based Education turns company challenges into practical projects.
Build international work experience. Choose exchanges or placements abroad; many internships are paid.
Meet a diverse community. Around one quarter of students come from other countries.
Connect with global employers. Graduates join Hilton, Booking.com, Nike, Marriott and Volkswagen.
Grow beyond classes. Toastmasters develops communication; Enactus offers social impact projects.
Access guaranteed first-year housing. Eligible students can reserve StudentStay accommodation.
Expand your European network. RUN-EU adds exchanges, courses and collaborative projects.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
Study programs at NHL Stenden
NHL Stenden offers English-taught bachelor programs including:
- Leisure and Events Management
- Tourism Management
- International Business
- Creative Business
- Information Technology
- European Studies
- International Human Resource Management
- Communication & Multimedia Design
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.
Leeuwarden - your student city
Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland, a charming city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing international student community. Named European Capital of Culture 2018, Leeuwarden has a vibrant arts scene, beautiful canals, and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is compact, bike-friendly, and affordable - making it perfect for students.
Friesland is known for its unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and the Frisian Islands. Despite being in the north, Leeuwarden has good train connections to Amsterdam (2 hours) and Groningen (30 minutes).
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| Main campus | Leeuwarden (Friesland) |
| Global campuses | Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar |
| English programs | 20 bachelor programs; 4 master programs |
| Housing guarantee | Yes - for first-year international students (conditions apply) |
| Unique feature | Grand Tour (study at multiple global campuses) |
| European network | RUN-EU Alliance |
FAQ
What is the Grand Tour?
The Grand Tour is NHL Stenden's unique concept that allows you to study at different campuses around the world during your program. You can spend a semester in South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, or Qatar - all while staying enrolled at NHL Stenden. This gives you genuine international experience, cross-cultural skills, and a global network. Not all programs offer all destinations, so check your specific program for available Grand Tour options.
What is Design Based Education?
Design Based Education (DBE) is NHL Stenden's innovative teaching approach. Instead of traditional lectures and exams, you work on real challenges from companies and organizations. You go through a design cycle: researching problems, generating ideas, creating solutions, and testing them in practice. This develops your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in teams - exactly what employers are looking for.
Can I work while studying at NHL Stenden?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Leeuwarden has job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and through NHL Stenden's industry network. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Combined with Leeuwarden's affordable living costs, studying at NHL Stenden is very budget-friendly. 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.
Depending on the programme, the following may be required as part of the application process:
- CV/Resume in English
- Motivation Letter in English
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 in Leeuwarden
Great news: NHL Stenden's housing partner StudentStay can guarantee accommodation for first-year international students under certain conditions. This means you can secure a place to live before arriving in the Netherlands. Student dorms and shared apartments are available with prices starting from 510 EUR per month (with own facilities).
NHL Stenden also has housing agreements for students at its other Dutch campuses (Emmen, Meppel, Assen). Contact the university for specific information about your campus location.
Grand Tour - study on multiple continents
Discover the unique Grand Tour concept - study at NHL Stenden campuses around the world.
Your housing options in Leeuwarden
StudentStay (guaranteed for first-year students) - NHL Stenden's housing partner offers student studios and rooms in Leeuwarden. Options include student dorms for two with own facilities (510-600 EUR) and shared apartments with shared facilities (more affordable). Apply through NHL Stenden after acceptance.
Private housing - websites like Kamernet and local housing platforms list rooms in Leeuwarden. The city is affordable with good availability.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Leeuwarden" or "Rooms in Leeuwarden" for additional options.
Practical details
- Guaranteed housing via StudentStay: from 510 EUR/month (own facilities)
- Shared options available at lower prices
- Leeuwarden is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands
- Housing also available for students at Emmen campus
- Apply for housing through NHL Stenden after receiving your acceptance
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 get the guaranteed housing?
NHL Stenden's housing partner StudentStay guarantees accommodation for first-year international students under certain conditions. After you receive your acceptance from NHL Stenden, you will get information about how to apply for housing through StudentStay. Apply early to secure your preferred room type. The process is straightforward and managed through the university.
What does the student housing look like?
StudentStay offers modern student studios and rooms in Leeuwarden. Options include student dorms for two with own bathroom and kitchen facilities (510-600 EUR/month), and shared apartments where you share facilities with other students (more affordable). All housing is furnished and located conveniently for reaching the NHL Stenden campus.
Is Leeuwarden affordable for students?
Yes! Leeuwarden is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands. Housing costs are significantly lower than in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Daily expenses (food, transport, entertainment) are also lower. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.
For complete information about housing at NHL Stenden, visit the official page.
Student stories