NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Leeuwarden/Emmen/Meppel/Groningen
  • International character (Grand Tour and campus sites in the Netherlands and in Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar and South Africa);
  • an enterprising University of Applied Sciences;
  • practice-oriented study programs;
  • innovative teaching;
  • education tailored and flexible learning pathways;
  • design based education.
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Map

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences - design your own future

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is based in the north of the Netherlands, with its main campus in Leeuwarden - the capital of Friesland. The university offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor programs in hospitality, business, IT, media, and education. NHL Stenden is known for its innovative "Design Based Education" approach, where students work on real-world challenges from day one, and its unique Grand Tour concept that allows you to study at campuses in multiple countries.

What makes NHL Stenden truly special is its global network. The university has campuses not only in the Netherlands (Leeuwarden, Emmen, Meppel, Assen) but also in South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, and Qatar. Through the Grand Tour, you can study at multiple locations during your program - gaining international experience without changing universities. Combined with guaranteed housing for first-year students in Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden offers a unique and accessible international study experience.

 

 

Explore NHL Stenden University

Discover what makes NHL Stenden unique - from Design Based Education to the Grand Tour.

 

 

Why students choose NHL Stenden

  • Grand Tour - study on multiple continents. NHL Stenden's unique Grand Tour lets you study at campuses in the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, or Qatar during your program. You gain international experience without transferring to a different university.
  • Guaranteed housing in Leeuwarden. NHL Stenden's housing partner StudentStay guarantees accommodation for first-year international students under certain conditions. Rooms start from 510 EUR per month with own facilities.
  • Design Based Education. NHL Stenden's innovative teaching method puts real-world challenges at the centre of learning. You work on actual problems from companies and organizations, developing practical skills and creative solutions.
  • 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.
  • Affordable student city. Leeuwarden is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands, with lower rent and living costs compared to the Randstad. It was European Capital of Culture 2018 and has a vibrant cultural scene.
  • Part of RUN-EU European University Alliance. NHL Stenden is a member of RUN-EU, a European university network that offers additional exchange and collaboration opportunities across Europe.

 

 

Study programs at NHL Stenden

NHL Stenden offers English-taught bachelor programs including:

  • International Hotel Management
  • International Tourism Management
  • International Business
  • Creative Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Leisure Management
  • Media and Entertainment Management

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.

 

 

Leeuwarden - your student city

Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland, a charming city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing international student community. Named European Capital of Culture 2018, Leeuwarden has a vibrant arts scene, beautiful canals, and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is compact, bike-friendly, and affordable - making it perfect for students.

Friesland is known for its unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and the Frisian Islands. Despite being in the north, Leeuwarden has good train connections to Amsterdam (2 hours) and Groningen (30 minutes).

 

 

Quick facts

TypeUniversity of Applied Sciences (HBO)
Main campusLeeuwarden (Friesland)
Global campusesNetherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar
English programs7+ bachelor programs
Housing guaranteeYes - for first-year international students (conditions apply)
Unique featureGrand Tour (study at multiple global campuses)
European networkRUN-EU Alliance

 

 

FAQ

What is the Grand Tour?

The Grand Tour is NHL Stenden's unique concept that allows you to study at different campuses around the world during your program. You can spend a semester in South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, or Qatar - all while staying enrolled at NHL Stenden. This gives you genuine international experience, cross-cultural skills, and a global network. Not all programs offer all destinations, so check your specific program for available Grand Tour options.

What is Design Based Education?

Design Based Education (DBE) is NHL Stenden's innovative teaching approach. Instead of traditional lectures and exams, you work on real challenges from companies and organizations. You go through a design cycle: researching problems, generating ideas, creating solutions, and testing them in practice. This develops your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in teams - exactly what employers are looking for.

Can I work while studying at NHL Stenden?

Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Leeuwarden has job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and through NHL Stenden's industry network. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Combined with Leeuwarden's affordable living costs, studying at NHL Stenden is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support for students in the Netherlands.

Guaranteed housing in Leeuwarden

Great news: NHL Stenden's housing partner StudentStay can guarantee accommodation for first-year international students under certain conditions. This means you can secure a place to live before arriving in the Netherlands. Student dorms and shared apartments are available with prices starting from 510 EUR per month (with own facilities).

NHL Stenden also has housing agreements for students at its other Dutch campuses (Emmen, Meppel, Assen). Contact the university for specific information about your campus location.

 

 

Your housing options in Leeuwarden

StudentStay (guaranteed for first-year students) - NHL Stenden's housing partner offers student studios and rooms in Leeuwarden. Options include student dorms for two with own facilities (510-600 EUR) and shared apartments with shared facilities (more affordable). Apply through NHL Stenden after acceptance.

Private housing - websites like Kamernet and local housing platforms list rooms in Leeuwarden. The city is affordable with good availability.

Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Leeuwarden" or "Rooms in Leeuwarden" for additional options.

 

 

Practical details

  • Guaranteed housing via StudentStay: from 510 EUR/month (own facilities)
  • Shared options available at lower prices
  • Leeuwarden is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands
  • Housing also available for students at Emmen campus
  • Apply for housing through NHL Stenden after receiving your acceptance

Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.

 

 

FAQ

How do I get the guaranteed housing?

NHL Stenden's housing partner StudentStay guarantees accommodation for first-year international students under certain conditions. After you receive your acceptance from NHL Stenden, you will get information about how to apply for housing through StudentStay. Apply early to secure your preferred room type. The process is straightforward and managed through the university.

What does the student housing look like?

StudentStay offers modern student studios and rooms in Leeuwarden. Options include student dorms for two with own bathroom and kitchen facilities (510-600 EUR/month), and shared apartments where you share facilities with other students (more affordable). All housing is furnished and located conveniently for reaching the NHL Stenden campus.

Is Leeuwarden affordable for students?

Yes! Leeuwarden is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands. Housing costs are significantly lower than in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Daily expenses (food, transport, entertainment) are also lower. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying at NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden is very budget-friendly. Learn more about financial support here.

 

 

For complete information about housing at NHL Stenden, visit the official page.

Student stories

arrow
arrow