In the Netherlands, there is a university whose name you might not be able to pronounce, but whose track record has made it unforgettable—Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. In 2026, the institution was once again named the best large university of applied sciences in the Netherlands by *Studiekeuzegids*, the country’s authoritative education guide. This is not the first time. Zuyd has consistently ranked among the top five in Dutch university rankings for many years.
A “Small Community” of 13,000, Where No One Is Just a Number
Zuyd is one of the 10 largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with 13,000 students and 1,800 faculty and staff members. Yet what you feel here isn’t the hustle and bustle of a large institution, but the warmth of a close-knit community. An alumna named Chanaika recalls: “At Zuyd, I never felt like just a number. That close-knit atmosphere and the personal connections with classmates and teachers made me feel right at home from day one.”
This atmosphere is something Zuyd has deliberately cultivated. All courses employ project-based learning, with students working in small groups of no more than 15 people to complete real-world projects under the guidance of a mentor. During group discussions, everyone has a chance to speak; when working on projects, everyone has a role to play. The Right Choices Made by Those Who Earned a Netherlands University Degree
A “Borderless Classroom” in the Heart of Europe
Zuyd is located in the province of Limburg in the southeastern Netherlands, at the tri-border region where the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium meet—a true “borderless” zone. From any Zuyd campus, you can reach Maastricht, Aachen, Liège, or Brussels within an hour, and Paris, London, or Amsterdam within two hours. Students here often say, “My classroom is in the Netherlands, but my internship might be in Belgium, and my weekend might be spent in Germany.”
This geographical advantage translates directly into an educational advantage. Zuyd collaborates closely with multinational corporations, healthcare institutions, and cultural organizations, allowing students to participate in real-world projects while still in school.
5 English-taught Bachelor’s Programs + 7 English-taught Master’s Programs
Zuyd offers international students a wide range of options. With 5 English-taught bachelor’s programs and 7 English-taught master’s programs, the curriculum spans diverse fields from International Business and Hospitality Management to Interdisciplinary Arts and Facility Management. Popular programs include European Studies, Visual Communication, Design, Music, Theater, Midwifery, and Scientific Illustration.
International students make up approximately 12% of the student body, hailing from over 90 countries. Zuyd has also signed the E Code of Conduct for International StudentsE issued by the Dutch Ministry of Education, ensuring clear quality commitments across all services—from admissions and housing to academic support.
Tuition and Application: Affordable Study Abroad in Europe
For non-EU students, Zuyd’s undergraduate and master’s tuition ranges from €9,850 to €13,450 per year (approximately 77,000–105,000 RMB). In terms of living costs, Limburg Province is significantly more affordable than major western cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, yet offers a comparable quality of life.
Application Requirements:
- Language: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80
- Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or relevant undergraduate background (a relevant bachelor’s degree is required for master’s programs)
- Application Deadline: Non-EU students are advised to submit applications by April
Final Thoughts
Zuyd isn’t the kind of university you’ll find at the top of global rankings—because it doesn’t participate in the QS World University Rankings. But it has one achievement that even the Dutch admire: it has been named the best in the country twice. If you’re looking for a university that truly cares about you and treats you as “more than just a number”; if you want to study and explore the cultures of three countries in the heart of Europe—then Zuyd is definitely worth your serious consideration.
