In the southwestern corner of the Netherlands lies a region known as the “youngest delta”—the province of Zeeland. Here, the North Sea meets the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers, epitomizing the Dutch way of “living in harmony with water.” HZ University of Applied Sciences is firmly rooted in this region. Netherlands University Degrees Are Highly Recognized
Top 3 in the Netherlands, a Family of 5,000
HZ University of Applied Sciences is one of the few comprehensive universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands and has consistently been ranked among the top three multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands since 2011. With approximately 5,000 students from over 50 countries, it has fostered a small yet diverse international community. One international student described it this way: “Because the university is a moderate size, it’s easy for everyone to get to know one another—it’s almost like a big family.”
Born of Water, Strengthened by Water
What makes HZ unique is its location. Zeeland is at the forefront of water management in the Netherlands, so HZ’s research and teaching naturally focus on three key themes: water, energy, and vitality.
The university’s flagship programs are almost all centered around the “delta”:
- Civil Engineering: Learn how to build massive ship locks, reinforce dikes, and address sea-level rise caused by global warming
- Water Resources Management: The world’s only undergraduate program of its kind, exploring how to ensure the safety of the 80% of the population living in delta regions
- River Delta Development: An English-taught master’s program focused on sustainable solutions for global delta regions
- Logistics Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, International Business, Tourism Management: Also taught in English
HZ’s research focuses on real-world challenges—coastal defense, water quality management, coastal tourism, and the bio-based economy. Here, you won’t just be theorizing on paper; you’ll be finding solutions for the real world.
Tuition and Application: A Cost-Effective Choice
HZ’s tuition is highly competitive among Dutch universities of applied sciences:
- Non-EU Student Tuition: €9,893/year (approx. 77,000 RMB)
- EU Student Tuition: €2,694/year
Admission Requirements:
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 or equivalent
- High school diploma equivalent to Dutch senior high school graduation (including grades in mathematics and physics)
- Application Deadlines: June 1 for non-EU students, August 1 for EU students
The university offers the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Netherlands Scholarship) to provide financial support for outstanding non-EU students.
Life in Zeeland: Much More Affordable Than Amsterdam
HZ’s two campuses are located in Middelburg and Vlissingen—two historic towns in the province of Zeeland. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and student housing is relatively easy to find. The university assists international students with housing arrangements.
If you are an EU student, you only need to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); non-EU students are required to purchase international student insurance.
