Somewhere between a lecture on coastal resilience and a bike ride to the beach, you’ll realise that HZ is unlike any university you’ve heard of before. We’re small enough for your lecturers to know your name, and ambitious enough to offer world-class applied research, 11 international programmes and partner universities in over 50 countries.
Located in Zeeland, the sunniest province in the Netherlands, HZ gives you the space to focus, a community to belong to, and the practical education to start your career anywhere in the world.
"Since HZ is a mid-size university, you get to know each other quite easily, and it’s almost like one big family"Read the full story
Why students choose HZ
HZ University of Applied Sciences is a mid-sized university in Zeeland, the Netherlands, with around 5,000 students across two campuses in Middelburg and Vlissingen. We combine personal attention with practice-oriented education, preparing students to make an impact from day one.
High-quality education
At HZ, you'll graduate with more than a degree—you'll graduate ready for your next step. According to the Hbo-monitor 2025, 83% of our graduates start their careers immediately after graduation, while 22% continue their studies with a master's programme. For 13 years, HZ has ranked among the top three medium-sized universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, reflecting our commitment to high-quality education and student success.
Research with impact
The world's biggest challenges can't wait. That's why, depending on your programme, you'll work on real-world issues from your very first year. Our applied research focuses on three themes that will shape the future: water, energy and vitality. Together with businesses, government organisations and research partners, you contribute to practical solutions in laboratories, on project sites and in the communities where they matter most.
Life in Zeeland
Studying at HZ means enjoying the best of both worlds. Zeeland offers a safe and welcoming environment where everything is within easy reach. Cycle to class, spend your afternoons at the beach, and become part of a close-knit international community. Here, you'll have the space to focus on your studies while enjoying a balanced student life.
