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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is at the heart of today’s connected world. From apps and smart devices to AI and cybersecurity, IT drives innovation across every sector. Technology shapes how we live, work and communicate. And ICT professionals build that technology. Are you ready to use tech to make a positive impact on the world?

About studying ICT at HZ

Become a highly skilled ICT specialist

By studying ICT at HZ, you learn how to design, build and manage the systems that power our digital lives, and develop solutions that really matter for people, organisations and society. ICT is in almost everything we use every day: from smart device and translation tools to your fitness and payment apps. As an IT professional, you are the expert who devises, builds and continuously improves these technologies. To stay ahead, there is a high demand for highly skilled IT specialists in the Netherlands and worldwide. You will become an IT professional who offers more than just programming skills: you will learn to combine technology, creativity and problem-solving.

You will learn to:

  • Invent, code and build smart software solutions and applications.
  • Use data and AI to improve processes, provide insights and make predictions.
  • Create digital products that are logical, user-friendly and clear.
  • Respond to continuous innovations in programming languages, platforms, and techniques.
  • Collaborate agilely in multidisciplinary teams.

Understanding and applying AI

Increasingly, ICT tools make use of AI technology. Throughout the programme, you learn how this technology is developing and how to use AI in an effective, responsible and ethical manner. You don’t just use AI tools, you understand how they work and how they influence society and organisations.

Agile working on real projects

Throughout your studies, you work on projects of real companies and organisations. For example, you develop educational games for primary school pupils and help organisations with their IT challenges. You often work in multidisciplinary teams and use an agile approach: by listening to the needs of your client, you build, test and improve your product in short, and flexible steps, just like in today’s tech industry.

Programme overview

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

In the first year you develop a broad foundation in IT.

You discover the broad foundations of programming and learn how computers, systems and apps are constructed. You will be introduced to various programming languages and start coding with JavaScript, TypeScript and PHP. You also discover how software is designed and how different parts of an application fit together. By learning the basics of data science and AI, you make your work smarter and more effective.

You and your team will create an educational game for primary school children. Will you create a game that helps children improve their maths or language skills in a fun way? You also develop a smart software solution for a local organisation.

From your second year onwards, you will specialise in a study track: Software Engineering or Applied Data Science & AI.

You begin with the study track of your choice: Software Engineering or Applied Data Science & AI. Alongside your track, you learn how to work with cloud technology, design user-friendly digital products and understand what organisations need from IT.

In the first half of the year, you build a solution that helps a company improve its processes. In the second half, you develop a consumer product by building, testing and improving it in short development cycles.

Minor and internship

You choose a minor and complete an internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad. Your minor allows you to explore a subject that interests you, such as cybersecurity or game design. Your internship at a company is connected to your study track and gives you real professional experience.

Graduation research project

In the first semester, you continue working on practical projects within your chosen study track. At the end of the second semester, you conclude the ICT study programme with a graduation research project at a company in The Netherlands or abroad.

HZ Honours Programme

Want an extra challenge alongside your degree? The HZ Honours Programme is an optional programme running alongside your bachelor's that gives you the freedom to tackle a real-world social issue, one you choose yourself. Working with students from different study programmes, you can address national or international challenges, from sustainable production to community development.

Previous Honours students have travelled to destinations including Costa Rica, Zanzibar, Rio de Janeiro, Bali and the Philippines to work on impactful international projects. As an ICT student, you could contribute by building digital platforms, analysing data, developing apps, creating AI solutions or improving smart systems that help organisations and communities solve complex problems.

After completing the programme, you receive an additional Honours certificate alongside your Bachelor of Science degree.

Career prospects

High demand for highly skilled IT specialists

Both in the Netherlands and abroad, there is enormous demand for highly educated IT professionals. You can work for commercial companies such as banks, industrial companies, IT companies and start-ups, as well as in the non-profit sector, including healthcare, defence and local governments. You could work on the systems behind apps, analyse data that guides business decisions, or build cloud solutions used by thousands of users.

  • Data engineer
  • Software engineer
  • Cloud engineer
  • Web developer
  • Front-end or back-end developer

The Netherlands offers excellent opportunities for IT students, with a strong digital infrastructure, international tech companies and a growing focus on innovation and smart technologies. Zeeland is home to innovative companies and organisations in areas such as logistics, energy and smart industry, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from day one.

Many IT companies operate internationally, where English is the main working language. However, learning Dutch can significantly broaden your career opportunities, especially in roles involving local companies, public organisations or client-facing work. At HZ, you can follow free Dutch classes to support your career development.

Many international students start their careers through internships or graduate positions in the Netherlands and continue building their professional careers here after graduation.

With an HZ bachelor’s degree, you can enrol in a master’s programme at another university. If you want to do this outside of the Netherlands, 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 Information and Communication Technology. 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 be admitted to the Information and Communication Technology programme you need:

  • A qualification equivalent to a Dutch secondary education diploma, which gives you access to higher education.
  • 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 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 Information and Communication Technology 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 most of your classes take place at the Het Groene Woud building.

For practicals and research, you will work at the nearby Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), a modern facility where students collaborate with researchers and industry partners.

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 ICT programme? Read it in their own story.

About the programme
Daniils, Information and Communication Technology Student

The teachers will prepare me to be a good professional in programming.

Full story from Daniils
About the programme Study at HZ
Aadya, ICT Student

What stood out to me in the information session was the comfortable and helpful environment created by the teachers and senior students

Full story from Aadya

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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