HZ in third position in 'best medium-sized universities of applied sciences' ranking

For the thirteenth year in a row, HZ is among the best universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The assessment of the Keuzegids hbo 2023 shows that HZ is again in third place of best medium-sized universities of applied sciences. The HZ has a nice institution score of 74.5 points. No fewer than 11 HZ bachelor's programmes - out of 21 assessed bachelor's programmes - were rated as 'top programmes'.

Top courses in the Netherlands
Once again, HZ scores well in the rankings. In their assessment, the editors named it as particularly striking that an above-average number of HZ students progress to year two and that the assessment is highly appreciated by the students. Seven programmes can call themselves the best in the Netherlands: these are Pedagogy, Social Work, Commercial Economics, International Business, Engineering, Maritime Officer and Sport Science has a shared first place.

Quality seal for top study programmes
In addition to the above scores, eleven HZ study programmes may also call themselves top study programmes in their category - i.e. of all universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands - this year. Top programmes have more than 75 points and may use a quality seal. They are:

- In the social domain, the Bachelor's programmes Teacher Basic Education, Pedagogy and Social Work.
- In the economic domain, the bachelor's programmes Communication, Human Resource Management and Sports Science.
- In the technical domain: Civil Engineering, Logistics Engineering, Maritime Officer, Technical Business Administration and Water Management.

Associate degrees
Associate degrees, two-year hbo programmes, are grouped separately in the Keuzgids. Of these, five were assessed, two in Vlissingen and four in Roosendaal. The HZ-licensed Associate degree Health & Social Work at the Associate degree Academy in Roosendaal, also earns the quality seal of excellence.

Proud of results
'We are on the podium again as one of the best medium-sized colleges in the whole of the Netherlands, out of 14 colleges in this category. We have wonderful ratings, which show well what we stand for as a personal university of applied sciences: an educational model that puts students at the centre, a lot of contact with practice and research as a common thread running through our education," said Barbara Oomen, president of the Executive Board. "I am proud of all those teachers and support staff who, with personal attention, ensure, among other things, that so many students pass their first year. Half of our programmes are top courses, which is also a special achievement and shows why more and more students choose HZ. We are very happy with the results of the National Student Survey and see all the input as valuable to strengthen our quality and student satisfaction even more." 

Treat for students and staff
HZ' Keuzegids rankings will be festively celebrated on Thursday 13 October. Between 10.00 and 13.00, students and staff will be treated at HZ locations in Vlissingen and Middelburg.