HZ University of Applied Sciences: Tuition, Programs & How to Apply (2027)

HZ University of Applied Sciences, in the province of Zeeland, is one of the cheapest public options in the Netherlands for non-EU students: the 2026/27 institutional fee is €9,893 per year for every bachelor's and master's program. It is a good fit if you want practical engineering, water, logistics or business studies in English in a smaller setting.

For September 2027, non-EU files must be complete by 1 June, and HZ recommends applying before 1 May. Below you'll find fees, programs, requirements, scholarships and an honest look at life in a small coastal city.

Why HZ is good value

HZ keeps it simple: one non-EU fee for all programs, including the two-year master's. Many universities charge more for engineering and science, but at HZ an engineering degree costs the same as business. Programs are practical and linked to the region's strengths in water, delta management, logistics and industry.

• Flat fee of €9,893 a year, also for the 2-year MSc River Delta Development
• Fast decisions: conditional acceptance within a week of a complete file
• Free Dutch classes for international students
• Entry at Dutch HAVO, VWO or MBO-4 level

HZ tuition fees and other costs

Non-EU students receive a tuition invoice in June and, without a SEPA bank account, must pay before 1 September. The 2027/28 fee was not yet published in October 2026. Plan your full budget with our cost of studying in the Netherlands guide.

English-taught programs at HZ

Bachelor's (4 years)

• Engineering: Civil Engineering (3-year track for VWO-level diplomas), Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, Logistics Engineering
• Science and environment: Chemistry, Water Management
• Business and ICT: International Business, Global Project and Change Management, Information and Communication Technology, Tourism Management

Master's

River Delta Development (MSc, 24 months) is HZ's English-taught master's. Admission includes a motivation letter, an intake interview and an elevator pitch; HZ bachelor's graduates have direct access.

Admission requirements

You need a diploma equivalent to Dutch HAVO, VWO or MBO-4; HZ states no fixed minimum grade. Some programs need specific exam subjects:

• Chemistry: chemistry and mathematics
• Civil Engineering: physics and mathematics
• Engineering, IE&M, Logistics Engineering: mathematics
• Water Management: good knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics or economics
• GPCM, ICT, International Business, Tourism: no subject requirements

English must be at IELTS Academic 6.0 level (TOEFL, TOEIC, PTE Academic, LanguageCert and Cambridge are accepted; home or online editions generally are not). Documents not in Dutch, English, French, Spanish or German need a sworn translation. A study choice check is compulsory, and applicants aged 21+ without a qualifying diploma can take an entrance exam.

Deadlines

Only a few programs start in February, so confirm that the English track of your program has a February 2027 start before applying.

Scholarships

HZ offers the NL Scholarship of €5,000, paid in two instalments, to non-EU students in eligible technical and sustainability bachelor's such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Engineering, GPCM, IE&M and ICT. You need IELTS 6.5 and an HZ letter of acceptance. Because the scholarship requires a higher English score than admission, book your test early. See our scholarships guide.

Living in Zeeland

HZ has campuses in Vlissingen and Middelburg. These are small cities compared with Amsterdam or Rotterdam, which suits students who want a quieter study life; check housing and part-time work options before you commit. Study in NL puts average student spending at €1,000–€1,500 a month. With your permit you may work up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June to August, once your employer has a work permit (TWV).

Your first weeks after arrival

Enter the Netherlands within the 90-day validity of your MVV. If you stay more than 4 months, register with your municipality (BRP) as soon as possible to get your citizen service number (BSN); you need it for a bank account, health insurance or a job. HZ receives a letter when your residence permit card is ready, and you book an appointment with the IND to collect it.

If your institution tells you a TB test is needed, book it with the GGD within 3 months of receiving your permit. Afghan nationals are not on the IND's exemption list, so they must take the test. Start your housing search before you travel: ask HZ first and never pay for a room you have not seen.

Honest pros and cons

How to apply to HZ

1. 1

   Choose a program

   Check subject requirements on HZ's bachelor's application page.

2. 2

   Apply in Studielink

   Register for the program in Studielink.

3. 3

   Upload documents

   Use the HZ International Application System (ias.hz.nl) for your diploma, transcript, passport and English test.

4. 4

   Do the study choice check

   A questionnaire and possibly an interview.

5. 5

   Get your conditional offer

   Usually within a week of a complete file.

6. 6

   Pay and start the visa process

   Pay your invoice, show proof of funds and follow our Netherlands student visa guide.

Keep 30 November and 1 June in your calendar: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath. Compare HZ with other options on the Netherlands country hub.