HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Utrecht
- biggest University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands;
- 88% of graduates find a suitable job within one year;
- practice-based education;
- work experience part of study;
- Student Career Coach - all students gets a coach (a person who has finished special Coaching training) and they have possibility to meet with the Coach every month (or more often if needed) and get trained for a career and future goals;
- exchange programmes with universities all over the world;
- international classrooms & teachers from all over the world;
- stimulating talent (Honours programme);
- Modern campus;
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht - impact your future
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht is one of the largest universities in the Netherlands with over 37,000 students. Located in Utrecht - the geographical heart of the country and one of the most popular student cities - HU offers English-taught programs that prepare you for a career with real impact. Utrecht is a vibrant, compact city with beautiful canals, a legendary student culture, and excellent connections to Amsterdam (25 min), Rotterdam (40 min), and everywhere else in NL.
Utrecht is consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in Europe. It combines the charm of a historic canal city with the energy of a modern student hub. With excellent train connections (Utrecht Central Station is the busiest in the Netherlands), you are perfectly positioned to explore the entire country. HU's campus is modern and well-equipped, offering everything you need for a successful study experience.
Campus tour at HU Utrecht
Why students choose HU
Prepare for employment. Around 90% of graduates find suitable work within one year.
Learn from working professionals. Most lecturers bring direct experience from their industries.
Complete two substantial internships. One lasts ten weeks and another lasts twenty weeks.
Gain experience abroad. One internship takes place with a company in another country.
Build your talent further. Join an Honours program recognised on your diploma.
Work on real company challenges. Projects and applied research connect studies with industry.
Study in central Utrecht. Major Dutch cities are easy to reach by train.
Enjoy a major student city. Utrecht combines canals, culture and bike-friendly daily life.
Eligible working EU students may receive Dutch financial support. Learn more here.
Study programs at HU
HU offers English-taught bachelor programs in fields including:
- International Business
- Creative Business
- Teacher Education
HU also offers master programs (including Sustainable Business Transition and Next Level Engineering) and exchange programs. 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.
Utrecht - your student city
Utrecht is a stunning canal city with a medieval centre, yet it feels modern and dynamic. The Dom Tower dominates the skyline, and the unique wharf cellars along the canals house restaurants and cafés at water level. With 70,000+ students, Utrecht has a vibrant student culture with hundreds of associations, festivals, and events.
The city is compact and perfectly designed for cycling. Everything is within a 15-minute bike ride. Utrecht is also one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands, with parks, gardens, and the beautiful Amelisweerd forest just outside the centre.
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| Total students | 37,000+ |
| Programs in English | Bachelor + Master + Online bachelor |
| Location | Utrecht (centre of the Netherlands) |
| Key advantage | Central location - 30 min to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague |
| Housing support | Reserved housing for exchange and non-EEA students; guidance for all |
FAQ
What is special about studying in Utrecht?
Utrecht is the geographical heart of the Netherlands - from here, you can reach any major Dutch city within 30-60 minutes by train. The city itself is beautiful: medieval canals, the iconic Dom Tower, unique wharf cellars with restaurants at water level, and a vibrant student culture. With 70,000+ students, Utrecht has an incredible atmosphere - festivals, nightlife, cultural events, and hundreds of student associations. It is consistently rated one of the best cities to live in Europe.
Can I work while studying at HU?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Utrecht has many part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and through HU's industry network. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students that can significantly help with living costs. Learn more about financial support for students in the Netherlands.
What makes HU different from Utrecht University?
HU is a University of Applied Sciences (HBO), which means the focus is on practice-based education. You work on real projects, do internships, and graduate with hands-on experience. Utrecht University (UU) is a research university (WO) with a more theoretical approach. Both are excellent - the choice depends on whether you prefer learning by doing (HU) or learning through research and theory (UU). HU graduates are immediately ready for the job market.
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: you may be invited to participate in a programme selection check. A short assessment designed to help determine whether the programme is a good match for your interests, skills, and expectations.
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.
Finding your home in Utrecht
Student housing in Utrecht is in limited supply and finding accommodation is a real challenge. HU University is transparent about this: the Netherlands has a nationwide student housing shortage, and Utrecht is one of the most competitive cities. However, HU provides guidance and support to help you through the process.
HU offers reserved housing for exchange students, non-EEA first-year degree students, and students who applied through HU's agents. For EEA degree students, HU provides tips and guidance for finding your own accommodation. The key advice: start searching as early as possible and be prepared for a competitive market.
HU University campus tour
Students show you around the HU campus in Utrecht - facilities, study spaces, and social areas.
Your housing options
Reserved housing (if eligible) - HU reserves rooms through SSH for exchange students, non-EEA first-year students, and students who applied via HU's agents. Check the reserved housing page for eligibility.
SSH (Student Housing Utrecht) - the main student housing provider in Utrecht. Register early on their website to get on the waiting list.
Housing platforms - websites like Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and Room.nl list available rooms.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Utrecht" or "Rooms in Utrecht" on Facebook.
Practical details
- Rent: 450-1,100 EUR per month (typical student room: 500-750 EUR)
- Most rooms are in shared student houses with shared kitchen and bathroom
- Room sizes: typically 7-20 m2
- Rooms near the city centre are smaller and more expensive
- Most rooms available from 1 September or 1 February
- HU strongly discourages coming without a confirmed room at least 1 month before studies start
- Contact HU housing office: housing@hu.nl or +31 88 481 99 99
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
Is it really that hard to find housing in Utrecht?
Yes, Utrecht has a competitive housing market. However, most international students do find accommodation - the key is to start early and use multiple search methods. Register on housing websites as soon as you apply, join Facebook groups, and contact the HU housing office for guidance. If you applied through one of HU's agents, you may be eligible for reserved housing, which makes the process much easier.
How do I avoid housing scams?
Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Never pay rent or deposit to a bank account outside the Netherlands. Never transfer money before seeing the room (in person or via a verified video call). Use established platforms like SSH, Kamernet, or HousingAnywhere. If unsure, contact the HU housing office at housing@hu.nl before making any payments.
When should I start looking for housing?
As early as possible - ideally when you apply to HU. The earlier you register on housing websites and start searching, the better your chances. HU recommends having a confirmed room at least one month before your studies start. If you cannot find housing in time, the university advises considering postponing your start until accommodation is secured.
For complete information about housing at HU, visit the official page.
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