The third-largest in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe
HU was established in 1995 through the merger of several institutions, though its history dates back to 1867. Today, it is the third-largest university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with approximately 40,000 students, including international students from over 100 countries. In the Netherlands, only Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Hanne University are larger. The university comprises six faculties covering fields such as media, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and social work.
Location: The “Heart” of the Netherlands
Utrecht is the hub of the Dutch rail network, with trains taking 30 minutes to Amsterdam and just over an hour to Rotterdam and The Hague. With 75,000 students, the city is a quintessential university town—featuring cafés, clubs, canal-side paths, and the iconic Dom Tower, which at 136 meters is the tallest church spire in the Netherlands.
HU’s main campus is located in Utrecht Science Park, one of the largest and most concentrated university campuses in the Netherlands. The campus is fully equipped with libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities, with lawns and bike paths connecting the academic buildings.
Top-Ranked in Media Studies, Business Pathway to Erasmus
HU’s Media Studies program is ranked number one in the Netherlands. A frequently cited statistic is that 80% of professionals in the Dutch media industry are alumni of the university. From journalism and editing to digital media, and from public relations to cross-media communication, HU graduates are found in virtually every corner of the Dutch media industry.
The business programs are equally outstanding. HU’s Bachelor’s graduates in International Business Management can apply directly to the master’s programs at the RSM School of Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam. RSM consistently ranks among the top 30 business schools worldwide. This means that after completing your bachelor’s degree at HU, you can proceed directly to the Netherlands’ top research-oriented business school for further study, without needing to take a preparatory master’s program.
“Binding Study Advice”: Dutch-Style Rigor
HU has a unique system called “Binding Study Advice.” Students are required to earn 60 credits each academic year. If you fail to earn 48 credits in your first year (i.e., a pass rate below 80%), the university will advise you to transfer to a program that better suits your abilities. This is not a punishment, but rather a screening mechanism in Dutch higher education—ensuring that every student can go further on a path that is right for them.
Application and Fees: A Cost-Effective Choice
HU’s tuition fees are highly competitive: Undergraduate tuition is approximately €8,000–8,500 per year (about 62,000–66,000 RMB). Monthly living expenses are around €1,000. The IELTS requirement for undergraduate programs is 6.0 (6.5 for some programs), and 6.5 for master’s programs. The university offers the HU Excellence Scholarship and Talent Scholarship; students admitted directly to undergraduate programs may be eligible for scholarships ranging from €2,000 to €3,500.
