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 HBO programmes, and graduates get the Zoekjaar year 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
Non-EU standard HBO. Amsterdam. Largest HBO in the Netherlands by student count.
- FebruaryNov 01
Some programmes offer Feb intake.
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 Zoekjaar orientation permit after graduation, 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 HBO programmes 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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Figures are indicative and change by academic year. Always confirm tuition, deadlines and visa requirements on the official institution and government sources before applying.