Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Why choose Hanze University? 

Hanze University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in the north of Holland. It is ranked in the top 200 in Europe for Teaching (Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2018) and staff are committed to helping you prepare for career success.

Practical and career-focused teaching

The teaching at Hanze has an emphasis on practical experience, career-focused assignments and real-life case studies. Lecturers bring their own experience of working in international business and the University has a network of international partners. This hands-on approach prepares you for a career and gives you practical skills that will impress future employers.

Work placement opportunities in Holland 

Work placements are included in all courses at the International Business School. These are often paid and the placement co-ordinator can help you to find a suitable company in Holland or abroad. Past students have worked with leading multinationals like VW, Skoda, SEAT and Adidas. For some students, this leads to graduate careers and research project opportunities. As international graduates are welcome to stay and work in Holland after their degree, many students are offered jobs with their work placement company.

Your pathway to Hanze

You can progress to Hanze after successfully completing your programme at the International Study Centre. Once you successfully complete your programme and achieve the required academic grades, you can progress to your degree at Hanze.

Progression degrees
Progression from Business, Economics and Social Sciences International Foundation Year
Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
International Business BBA 55% 60%
Sport Studies BA 55% 60%
Progression from Science, Engineering and Computing International Foundation Year
Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Mechanical Engineering BSc 55% 60%

Explore Hanze and Groningen

Students walking on campus at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Students using technology to study at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Students socialising outside at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Students working together in a common room at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Picturesque canals and historic buildings in Groningen
Explore the city Groningen and visit The Martinitoren the highest church steeple

Student life

Student life is enriched with organisations, clubs and extra-curricular activities. Arts events take place at the ‘Usva’ Cultural Student Centre, and sports are provided at ‘ACLO’ – the largest student sports facility in Holland.

International students live in the centrally located The Student Hotel or in private accommodation. Find out more about what it's like living in Holland. 

Most university buildings are located 15 minutes’ cycle from the city centre.

Facilities include:

Library  Study areas 
Supermarket  Cafés 
Canteen  Sports facilities 

The University is located in Groningen, north Holland. It is one of Holland’s best student cities with students making up 25% of the population. Groningen has great nightlife, a historic Old Town and stunning modern buildings like the Groningen Museum. Cycling is very popular, especially in the traffic-free centre.

Things to do in Groningen
  • Groninger Museum – Architecturally striking and home to international artwork and exhibitions.
  • Eurosonic Noorderslag – A festival celebrating new music across Europe every year.
  • Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen – This annual event attracts 135,000 visitors every summer.
  • Lauwersmeer National Park – Perfect for a day trip and a beautiful location for walking and cycling, as well as canoeing, boating and water sports. 
Travelling around

Groningen is a compact city and easy to travel around by foot, bicycle or public transport. In Groningen, 57% of all journeys are made by bicycle; it’s safe and easy as the centre is completely car-free. 

  • Groningen Airport Eelde - This small airport serves European destinations including Poland, Denmark, Portugal, England and Greece.
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – the largest international airport in Holland is around two hours Groningen by train.

Hanze location

Top 200

Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2018

Jessica from China studied at Hanze University of Applied Sciences

I did my placement in Groningen for an online sports retailer. This was a good opportunity for me to gain practical experience. We have studied in Hanze and learnt a lot of theory, so this was a good chance to apply it in real cases.

Jessica from China
Studying International Business at Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Put theory into practice at Hanze

Study with other international students at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen
Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.