In Amsterdam, there are two distinctly different academic paths: one leads to the University of Amsterdam (UvA), renowned for its theoretical research, and the other to the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), known for its practical focus. A former exchange student at HvA described his choice this way: “At UvA, you’re a student in the classroom; at HvA, you’re a practitioner in the city.”
From “Fachhochschule” to “Urban Laboratory”
For European students, the HvA’s positioning is easy to grasp—it’s similar to Germany’s Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences). But for students from North America or Asia, the concept may require some explanation: it means smaller class sizes, more project-based learning, and seeing the same group of classmates throughout a course.
HvA’s motto is straightforward: treat the entire city of Amsterdam as a laboratory. Students don’t just theorize on paper; they go into the community to solve real-world problems. Research projects here include using 3D scanning technology to help you find the perfect shoe size, developing bicycle tires that “never go flat,” and creating steel-fiber-reinforced concrete solutions to reinforce Amsterdam’s sinking historic buildings. The university focuses its research on four key areas: creative industries, urban management, urban technology, and urban vitality—each directly serving the city’s future. Adventages of a Dutch University Degree
The Netherlands’ Largest University of Applied Sciences
As the largest university of applied sciences in the Dutch capital, HvA boasts impressive figures: over 45,000 students and 4,800 faculty and staff, organized into seven faculties covering disciplines such as Design and Communication, Economics and Management, Education, Health Professions, Social Work and Law, Sports and Nutrition, and Technology. Here, you can study International Business and Management at the International Business School (IBS) or explore fashion creativity at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute.
International students can choose programs taught in English. The International Business School offers four English-taught bachelor’s programs: International Business and Languages, International Business and Management Studies, International Financial Management, and Asian Trade Management. In addition, the university has established partnerships with 250 institutions across 50 countries and is a founding member of the U!REKA Urban Research and Education Knowledge Alliance.
A “Tale of Two Cities” with the UvA
The relationship between HvA and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is somewhat like having two options under one roof. The two universities have maintained close collaboration for a long time, and there are even plans for a future merger. For students, this relationship offers flexible options—if you feel your current program isn’t the right fit, you can transfer between the two universities. They also jointly operate student support services and share resources.
Affordability and Application Requirements
HvA’s tuition is highly competitive: tuition for international undergraduate students is approximately €8,400 per year (about 65,000 RMB), with average annual living expenses of around €5,640. The English proficiency requirement is 6.0 on the IELTS or 80 on the TOEFL.
It is important to note that English-taught programs are primarily concentrated in the Business School and certain technical disciplines. Undergraduate programs taught in Dutch require a B2 level of Dutch proficiency (NT2 or CNaVT certification). The university’s admission rate is approximately 81.6%; it is welcoming to Chinese students, and its degrees are recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
