Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
Groningen
- Great employability after graduation;
- practice-oriented education (valuable work experience through internships while studying);
- coaching and facilities to launch your own start-up;
- attention for personal and professional development;
- international programmes with students from around the world;
- modern campus with excellent study, culinary and sports facilities;
- study in Groningen, one of the best student cities in the world!
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Hanze University of Applied Sciences - study in the best student city of the Netherlands
Hanze University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in northern Netherlands, located in Groningen - consistently voted the best student city in the country. With 10,000 international students from over 90 countries, Hanze offers a truly global learning environment. The university provides English-taught programs in business, engineering, arts, communication, health, and life sciences - all with a strong focus on practical skills and real-world projects.
What makes Hanze special is the combination of high-quality education and an incredible student city. Groningen has the youngest population in the Netherlands - one in four residents is a student. This creates an unmatched atmosphere of energy, creativity, and fun. Add to that Hanze's practice-based approach, strong industry connections, and membership in the STARS European University Alliance, and you have the perfect place to start your international career.
Welcome to Hanze University
Student life in Groningen
Discover what daily life looks like for international students in the best student city of the Netherlands.
Why students choose Hanze
- Groningen - the best student city. Consistently ranked as the best student city in the Netherlands. One in four residents is a student, creating an incredible atmosphere with festivals, nightlife, cultural events, and a vibrant international community.
- 10,000 international students. Hanze is one of the most international universities in the Netherlands. You study alongside students from all over the world, building a global network from day one.
- Wide range of English programs. From International Business and Engineering to Fine Art and Music, Hanze offers programs across many fields - including unique options like Energy and Power Electronics, Mechatronics, and the Prins Claus Conservatorium.
- 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.
- STARS European University Alliance. Hanze is part of STARS EU, a network of European universities that gives you access to international exchange opportunities, joint research projects, and a broader European network.
- SSH housing support. Hanze works with SSH (the main student housing provider) to reserve rooms for international students, making it easier to find accommodation than at many other Dutch universities.
Study programs at Hanze
Hanze offers English-taught bachelor programs including:
- International Business (4-year and 3-year tracks)
- International Communication
- International Finance and Control
- International Facility Management
- Marketing Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Energy and Power Electronics
- Creative Media and Game Technologies
- Fine Art / Design (Minerva Art Academy)
- Classical Music / Jazz / Composition (Prins Claus Conservatorium)
Hanze also offers master programs including International Business and Management, Data Science for Life Sciences, Energy for Society, and more. 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.
Groningen - your student city
Groningen is a compact, bike-friendly city in the north of the Netherlands where everything is within cycling distance. With 60,000+ students in a city of 230,000 people, the student influence is everywhere - from the vibrant nightlife and hundreds of student associations to the festivals, markets, and cultural events that fill the calendar year-round.
The city centre is car-free and full of cafés, restaurants, vintage shops, and live music venues. Groningen is also one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands, with lower rent and living costs compared to Amsterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague. Despite being in the north, Groningen has excellent train connections to the rest of the country.
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|
| International students | ~10,000 |
| Programs in English | 25+ Bachelor and Master programs |
| Location | Groningen (best student city in NL) |
| Key strengths | Business, Engineering, Arts, Communication, Energy |
| European network | STARS EU Alliance |
| Housing support | SSH Short Stay rooms reserved for international students |
FAQ
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Note: If you apply for admission to certain degree programmes, you may be invited to participate in a Study Check – a short assessment designed to help determine whether the programme is a good match for your interests, skills, and expectations.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Finding your home in Groningen
Hanze University works closely with SSH (Student Housing Groningen) to reserve rooms for international students. SSH has several international student houses with furnished rooms, most with shared facilities. This is a significant advantage - Hanze actively helps you find accommodation through their Housing Manager and SSH partnership.
Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance from Hanze, you can book a room in one of the international student houses in Groningen. The university strongly recommends applying for housing as early as possible, as rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Finding accommodation in Groningen
Tips and advice for international students looking for housing in Groningen.
Your housing options
SSH Student Housing (recommended) - the main student housing provider in Groningen. SSH has 2,400 rooms and apartments, with around 550 specifically for international students under the "SSH Short Stay" program. Rooms are furnished and available for 12-month contracts. Contact Hanze's Housing Manager to apply.
Private housing platforms - websites like Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and Room.nl list available rooms in Groningen.
Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Groningen" or "Rooms in Groningen" on Facebook. Many rooms are posted by departing students, especially in summer.
Practical details
- SSH rooms: typically 400-600 EUR per month (furnished, shared facilities)
- Private rooms: 400-700 EUR per month depending on size and location
- Groningen is one of the most affordable student cities in the Netherlands
- Everything is within cycling distance - no need for public transport
- Contact Hanze Housing Manager: housing@org.hanze.nl or WhatsApp +31 6 33937505
Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
FAQ
For complete information about housing at Hanze, visit the official page.
Student stories