Erasmus guide HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
City
UtrechtCountry
the NetherlandsInternational
Applied, project-based international routes in business, communication, ICT and health
Enrollment
Over 35,000 students
Study abroad at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht: overview
Study abroad at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht means choosing a 35,000+ student applied-sciences university at Utrecht Science Park, good for project-based exchange in communication, business, ICT, health and engineering. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Over 35,000 students; international mix: Applied, project-based international routes in business, communication, ICT and health; academically it fits best around Communication and Media, Business and Economics, Information and Communication Technology, Health Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Enrollment
Over 35,000 students
International Mix
Applied, project-based international routes in business, communication, ICT and health
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Communication and Media, Business and Economics, Information and Communication Technology, Health Sciences in Utrecht, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Language of instruction: Dutch (primary for most programmes); English-taught exchange options in communication, business, and technology
Exchange & application at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
HU exchange depends on whether your partner agreement matches the right institute and semester package. Check course packages before housing, because Utrecht Science Park shapes the commute.
โ Requirements
Students normally need partner nomination, HU exchange application, programme selection, transcript, proof of English readiness where requested, passport/ID, insurance and Dutch immigration steps if they are non-EU.
๐จNomination Process
Your home university International Office submits a formal nomination by the applicable deadline; without nomination, the host university will not process your application.
๐Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa. Non-EU students must apply for a Netherlands MVV entry visa and residence permit; the host university initiates the IND procedure after acceptance.
๐งญOrientation Week
๐๏ธDeadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; confirm the current partner deadline with your home university. | Usually late spring or early summer after nomination; faculty pages can differ. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; spring-intake places and courses can be more limited. | Usually autumn after nomination; do not book housing or flights before acceptance. |
Arrival Checklist
- Check reserved housing windows immediately.
- Plan commute to Utrecht Science Park.
- Join ESN Utrecht or BuddyGoDutch for social onboarding.
Academics & courses at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Expect workshops, projects, professional assignments and group work. It is a strong fit if your home degree values applied credits and practical outcomes.
๐Course Registration
HU is more applied and project-focused than a classic research university; check programme fit carefully.
๐Credit System
ECTS
๐ฏGrading System
Dutch 1-10 scale: 5.5 is usually the minimum pass. HU applied programmes often combine project grades, portfolios, practical assignments and written tests.
โ๏ธExam Culture
Expect smaller blocks, group projects, workshops and applied assessments. Attendance can be important for labs, projects and skills sessions because many courses build towards portfolio or team deliverables.
๐Library Access
Libraries, study spaces and digital resources are included for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Exchange students usually pay the home university, not HU. Full-degree fees follow Dutch HBO statutory or institutional rules, and rent near Utrecht remains the hard part.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 / semester at host | Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA statutory fee | EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition) | Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA institutional fee | Programme-specific institutional fee | Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying. |
EUR 0 / semester at host
Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.
EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition)
Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply.
Programme-specific institutional fee
Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying.
Fees change annually โ verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Look early around Utrecht, Science Park connections and outer neighbourhoods. A cheaper room can still be a poor choice if the commute eats the semester.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Utrecht
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
HU support is practical: exchange office, programme coordinators, onboarding, student systems and campus services. Use them early because applied programmes can be tightly scheduled.
๐ก๏ธMandatory Insurance
Yes โ valid health insurance covering Dutch healthcare costs. EHIC alone is not sufficient.
๐ช๐บEHIC Accepted
Yes
๐ฅCampus Clinic
HU student support includes access to student psychologists and counsellors. Referrals to external healthcare available via STIP student information desk.
๐ง Mental Health
HU Student Support Centre (SSC) provides psychological support and wellbeing workshops. Student counsellors available for personal and study-related difficulties.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Emergency coverage for EU students โ supplement with Aon or equivalent for full coverage.
Aon Student Insurance
~โฌ39/month
Recommended by most Dutch universities; covers health, liability, and personal belongings.
InsureToStudy
Varies
Alternative international student insurance provider accepted in the Netherlands.
Campus services
Student Support & Guidance (HU)
HU University of Applied Sciences: study career coaches, impartial student counsellors, study psychologists, and specialist support for disability or chronic illness.
Why Study at HU
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht: international study programmes, student services, facilities, and practical information for prospective and current students.
Student life at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
The campus rhythm is more professional and project-led than classic old-university life. Utrecht itself gives the social balance: compact, bikeable and student-heavy.
Student Clubs
- Programme groups, applied-project cohorts, international networks, and Utrecht-wide student communities.
Buddy Program
ESN Utrecht and BuddyGoDutch help fill the wider social layer.
Sports & Recreation
- Utrecht Science Park and city sports options
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Utrecht - exchange events and trips.
BuddyGoDutch - buddy route.
HU student groups - campus and programme-specific community.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm programme location.
- Set up bike/bus route to Science Park.
- Join ESN Utrecht or BuddyGoDutch.
- Handle housing registration and BSN steps.
Key exchange dates at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Watch nomination, package selection, application, housing and arrival. Applied modules may have stricter start dates and attendance expectations.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for first semester; autumn for second semester
Your home university nominates first; the host application and Learning Agreement come after that.
-
2
Housing and course registration
As soon as acceptance and portal access arrive
Rooms in Utrecht move early. Check course approval before signing a long commute or private contract.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
Late August / early September or late January / early February
Use orientation for registration, campus systems, student associations, insurance and daily-life setup.
Campus events hub: Browse all events