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Reducing stock shortages, improving production processes and making organisations more sustainable. In the Industrial Engineering & Management programme, you learn how to tackle challenges like these by combining technology, data and business knowledge.

Combine technology and management to improve organisations and business processes

From your first year onwards, you work on projects with organisations in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and technology. As an Industrial Engineer & Manager you will be involved in designing, managing, optimising and improving business processes. You learn how to use technology, data, management, marketing, sales and finance to help organisations more efficient and innovative, minimise risks, improve production processes and maximise profitability.

A top-rated programme

Industrial Engineering & Management is a top-rated programme in the Netherlands, according to the Keuzegids 2026.

Programme overview

Discover how the programme is structured, from courses and projects to internships and extracurriculair activities.

In your first year, you explore how organisations operate in sectors such as manufacturing, shipbuilding and packaging industries. One day a week, you work at a company where you observe how products and services are delivered, map out workflows and identify bottlenecks. You learn how to analyse a small part of a business or production process and suggest practical improvements. Throughout the year, you develop skills in technology, data analysis, process improvement and innovation.

In your second year, you work on more complex projects in small teams. You investigate how different departments work together and resolve challenges such as improving inventory management, optimising production planning and making information flows between departments more efficient.

Start your own business

Ever dreamed of launching your own company? During the Student Startup Project, you’ll do exactly that. Together with students from Engineering and Logistics Engineering, you develop and produce your own product and gain experience in marketing, sales and business operations.

The third year of study is dominated by your minor and work placement abroad.

A minor allows you to deepen or broaden your knowledge and skills. You can take your minor at HZ or at another university of applied sciences in the Netherlands or abroad. View the full range of HZ minors here.

You will enter a work placement at a company in the Netherlands or abroad. For example, you might investigate the implications for price, quality and production speed if a company were to switch to biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic.

The fourth year consists of two major improvement projects.

Collaborating with other students

You work on a project that is based on a real company challenge. Companies bring their questions to HZ, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a realistic setting and prepare for your graduation project.

Graduation

You then complete an individual graduation project in the Netherlands or abroad. You analyse a company challenge, develop solutions, recommend the best option and create an implementation plan. Recent projects have included designing sustainable heating solutions for healthcare organisations and improving production capacity in manufacturing companies.

HZ Honours Programme

Looking for an extra challenge alongside your degree? The HZ Honours Programme is an optional programme that runs alongside your bachelor’s and gives you the opportunity to work on real-world social and technological challenges. Together with students from different study programmes, you develop innovative solutions for national or international issues related to sustainability, technology, business and society.

Previous Honours students have travelled to destinations such as Costa Rica, Zanzibar, Rio de Janeiro, Bali and the Philippines to conduct research and collaborate with local organisations. The Honours Programme is all about entrepreneurship, innovation and making a difference in an increasingly complex world. Completing the programme earns you an additional certificate alongside your bachelor’s degree. You can apply from your second or third year of study.

Career prospects

Our graduates have secured positions as:

  • (Asset) manager
    Assets are company resources, for instance machines, vehicles and other important ‘tools’. As an asset manager, it is your responsibility to make the right choice with respect to these (often) large, expensive and advanced assets. You will be responsible for the purchasing, complete life cycle and maintenance of these assets. To this end, you will outsource the research into the costs as well as the technical and commercial aspects, and the impact on the environment. You will give your advice based on this investigation.
  • Process engineer
    You are able to quickly scan a company of department and use a variety of tools to analyse, improve and (re)design a given process.
  • Quality or Health and Safety Engineer
    As a quality manager you assist in establishing systems to support an drive continuous improvements and minimise the costs. You plan, schedule, execute and coordinate the different activities related to quality, health or safety issues.

Sinan, Industrial Engineering & Management student

Industrial Engineering & Management: Sinan is building his future

The Netherlands is known for its innovative industry, advanced technology sector and strong focus on sustainability and smart manufacturing. International companies, engineering firms, production facilities and logistics organisations are constantly looking for professionals who can improve processes, manage operations and drive innovation.

Zeeland offers a unique environment where technology, industry, energy, logistics and sustainability come together. You will study in a region with close connections to international companies in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, energy and supply chain management, giving you valuable practical experience during your studies.

Many international companies in the Netherlands use English as their working language. Learning Dutch can further increase your career opportunities, especially in technical and managerial roles involving local teams, clients or operations. At HZ, you can follow free Dutch classes to support your professional development. Many international students start their careers through internships or graduate positions in the Netherlands and continue building their international careers here after graduation.

Upon graduation you can enroll in a master degree programme. If you want to do this abroad you can usually start straight away. If you wish to do this at a research university in the Netherlands, you may be required to follow a pre-Master’s programme.

Your degree

Bachelor's degree

After completing this programme, you will receive an internationally recognised Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Industrial Engineering & Management. This degree qualifies you to start your professional career or continue your studies with a master’s programme in the Netherlands or abroad. Did you participate in the Honours Programme? You will get an extra certificate with your bachelor's degree.

Admission requirements

Find out if you meet the admission requirements for this programme. Here you can check which diplomas are accepted, what additional requirements apply, and how your qualifications will be assessed.

To qualify for admission to the programme you need:

  • A qualification equivalent to a Dutch secondary education Diploma (HAVO/VWO).
  • A good knowledge of mathematics. Economics and/or physics would be an advantage.
  • In case you need to improve the level of Mathematics before starting the study programme, we offer an online mathematics course. This course will take about 80 study hours and will cost €200. You will study from home and will be supported by one of our lecturers online. Once you start with the study programme, €100 will be refunded to you. Please contact csa@hz.nl and they will inform you further about the possibilities.
  • A good command of written and spoken English. Your level of English should be equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.

Read more about the admission and language requirements.

To be admitted to this programme, you need a diploma equivalent to a Dutch secondary education diploma (HAVO, VWO, or MBO level 4).

If your diploma is listed on the recognised foreign diplomas list , you are admissible provided you meet the additional requirements. If your diploma is not listed, you are still welcome to apply, we will assess your qualification individually. To ensure a fair evaluation, we work with Nuffic, the Dutch organisation responsible for assessing international diplomas.

If you do not have the required secondary school diploma and are 21 years or older, you may still be eligible for admission. HZ offers the possibility to take an alternative entrance exam.

Apply for this study programme

Ready to start your future? Apply now for the Industrial Engineering and Management study programme and take the next step.

Apply here

Essential info

Application & deadlines

Planning to study at HZ as an international student? Apply on time to secure your place.

September intake

  • EU/EEA students: 1 August
  • Non-EU students: 1 June

We recommend applying as early as possible, especially if you require a visa or residence permit. Have you made your choice? Read more about the application procedure and apply now.

Guaranteed housing

Apply before 1 May and you are guaranteed housing for the entire duration of your studies. We work with a trusted housing partner, APV Housing, offering rooms in both Middelburg and Vlissingen.

Unlike many other places in the Netherlands, where finding student housing can be challenging, HZ is able to offer a reliable housing solution for international students. Read more about finding student accommodation

Fees and finances

When planning your studies, it’s important to consider both tuition fees and living expenses. In Zeeland, living costs are on average between €800 and €1,100 per month, including accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses. In addition, you should budget for study-related costs such as books, materials, and excursions.

We recommend preparing your finances in advance to ensure a smooth start to your studies. Read more about tuition fees, living costs, and financial matters.

Location

You will study at HZ’s campus in Middelburg, where your classes take place at the Groene Woud building.

Pre-arrival information

Preparing to study abroad involves arranging a few important things, such as your visa or residence permit, health insurance, accommodation, and a Dutch bank account. We will guide you through these steps to help you get ready for your arrival in the Netherlands.

Read more about preparing for your studies at HZ.

Student life

At HZ, you become part of a close-knit and welcoming community. You quickly get to know fellow students and lecturers, creating a supportive environment both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond your studies, you can enjoy student life in Middelburg and Vlissingen, with events, sports, and social activities throughout the year.

Discover what student life at HZ is like.

What our students say

Do you want to know how students experience the Industrial Engineering and Management programme? Read it in their own story.

About the programme
Caitlin, Student Industrial Engineering & Management

Every semester you work at a different company with a different group of students.

Full story from Caitlin
About the programme
Raquel, Industrial Engineering & Management

Later on I want to make an impact. I hope I can do something to make this world better.

Full story from Raquel
About the programme Study at HZ
Phillippe, Industrial Engineering & Management Student

Industrial Engineering & Management offers exactly the practical experience I was looking for

Full story from Phillippe

Meet us & events

Get to know HZ your way. Join an online information session, chat with current students, or connect with us to find out if this programme is right for you.

Online Information Sessions

Learn all about studying at HZ University of Applied Sciences from the comfort of your home!

Check our webinars

Chat with HZ students

HZ international students are more than happy to share their study experience with you!

Chat now

Talk to an advisor

A student advisor helps you with all kind of questions regarding studying abroad.

Contact them here

Have questions or want to visit us?

Our International Recruitment team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need more information about the programme or want to experience HZ yourself, feel free to get in touch.

Send us an email

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