Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)
About
Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) is the largest University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, with around 50,000 students, teaching business, computer science, design, and social sciences for €9,500/year. IELTS 5.5 is among the lowest entry bars for Dutch applied-sciences programmes (HBO), and graduates get the one-year job-search permit after graduation (Zoekjaar) plus €5,000 Holland Scholarship.
Amsterdam feels like the city students come to reinvent themselves. The canals, bike culture, and multicultural energy mean you'll study alongside people from everywhere—truly international classes, real internationalism in practice. It's expensive by Dutch standards (budget €1,200–1,500/month for rent and living), but the city's cultural payoff is real: museums, live music, food scenes.
Application deadlines
- SeptemberApr 01
Standard non-EU deadline for applied-sciences universities (HBO). Amsterdam. Largest HBO in the Netherlands by student count.
- FebruaryNov 01
Some programmes offer Feb intake.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) is €9500 per year. Living costs in Amsterdam are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)?
English-taught programmes at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) typically require IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Netherlands?
For a student residence permit in Netherlands you must prove €13,569 per year (2026, Immigration service (IND) — required amounts: https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements).
Does Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) offer scholarships?
Holland/NL Scholarship available at most NL universities for non-EU/EEA students. BY eligibility uncertain due to EU restrictions.
Where is Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) located?
Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Wibautstraat 3B, 1091 GH Amsterdam, Netherlands
What can you study at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)?
Fields offered include: Business, Computer Science, Design, Social Sciences.
Accommodation
Extremely competitive market. Apply for SSH/DUWO waiting list at the moment of admission offer. Budget €1,000+/mo realistic in private market.
SourceScholarships
- 🏛Holland/NL Scholarship: €5,000 (non-EU/EEA, first year only)
Holland/NL Scholarship available at most NL universities for non-EU/EEA students. BY eligibility uncertain due to EU restrictions.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Netherlands grants a 1-year orientation permit after graduation (Zoekjaar), giving real EU job-search time.
- HvA is the largest University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands with around 50,000 students.
- IELTS minimum of 5.5 is among the lowest entry bars for English-taught applied-sciences programmes (HBO) in the Netherlands.
- Tuition of €9,500 per year is below the median for Dutch private and many international universities.
- Holland Scholarship of €5,000 one-time is available to RU, UA, KZ, and UZ applicants.
- Amsterdam location means direct access to one of Europe's largest graduate job markets, especially in business and tech.
What to check
- Amsterdam housing costs €1,200–1,600 per month — the highest in the Netherlands and a major financial burden.
- Russian students face SWIFT transfer blocks to the Netherlands; payment routing must be arranged separately.
- Financial proof requirement is ~€13,569 in a blocked account, which is a high upfront liquidity bar.
- Working during term is capped at 16 hours per week; exceeding it triggers a fine up to €10,000.
- HvA is an applied (HBO) degree, which may carry lower recognition than research universities in some CIS employers' eyes.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel