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
- Study in the heart of the Netherlands. Utrecht is centrally located - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are all within 30 minutes by train. Utrecht Central Station is the country's main transport hub, making travel easy.
- One of the largest universities in NL. With 37,000+ students, HU offers a wide range of programs and facilities. Yet the international programs maintain small class sizes and personal attention.
- Utrecht - a top European city. Consistently ranked among the best cities to live in Europe. Beautiful canals, vibrant student life, excellent restaurants, and a rich cultural scene - all in a compact, bike-friendly city.
- 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.
- Practice-based education with industry connections. HU works closely with companies and organizations in the Utrecht region. Internships, company projects, and guest lectures are integral parts of every program.
- Strong research focus. HU conducts applied research that directly benefits education and society. Students can participate in research projects, gaining valuable experience.
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
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
For complete information about housing at HU, visit the official page.
Student stories