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, Netherlands.
Snapshot
A practical, applied Utrecht exchange option for students who want project-based study, professional skills, and a campus rhythm at Utrecht Science Park.
Why students shortlist it
University of applied sciences in Utrecht with practical English-taught exchange routes in areas such as business, communication, technology and health. Best fit for students who prefer projects, workshops and applied learning over a traditional lecture-heavy research university.
Teaching languages: Dutch (primary for most programmes); English-taught exchange options in communication, business, and technology
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
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.
Nomination Process
Your home university International Office submits a formal nomination by the applicable deadline; without nomination, the host university will not process your application.
Visa 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Full year | Typically April 1–15 | Typically May 1 — confirm with host faculty |
| Spring | Typically October 1–15 | Typically November 1 — confirm with host faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Check reserved housing windows immediately.
- Plan commute to Utrecht Science Park.
- Join ESN Utrecht or BuddyGoDutch for social onboarding.
Academics
Course Registration
HU is more applied and project-focused than a classic research university; check programme fit carefully.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading 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.
Exam 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.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100) | Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 2,314/year | EU/EEA Dutch statutory ~€2,314/year. HU is applied sciences (hogeschool) — practical focus, strong placement. Non-EU pays €9,000–12,500. |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 9,000–12,500/year | HU Utrecht non-EU: Business/IT/Health ~€9,000–12,500/year. EU/EEA statutory ~€2,314. Applied university (hogeschool) — practical focus, strong placement rate… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100)
Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E…
EUR 2,314/year
EU/EEA Dutch statutory ~€2,314/year. HU is applied sciences (hogeschool) — practical focus, strong placement. Non-EU pays €9,000–12,500.
EUR 9,000–12,500/year
HU Utrecht non-EU: Business/IT/Health ~€9,000–12,500/year. EU/EEA statutory ~€2,314. Applied university (hogeschool) — practical focus, strong placement rate…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — valid health insurance covering Dutch healthcare costs. EHIC alone is not sufficient.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
HU student support includes access to student psychologists and counsellors. Referrals to external healthcare available via STIP student information desk.
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 — supplement with Aon or equivalent for full coverage.
Aon Student Insurance
~€39/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
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 & Erasmus 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 Dates
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.
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