Erasmus guide Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
City
MaastrichtCountry
the NetherlandsTuition
EUR 0 / year
International
International exchange and degree students present in selected English-taught and international programmes
Study abroad at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences: overview
Study abroad at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences means choosing a 14,000-student applied-sciences university across Maastricht, Heerlen and Sittard, useful for exchange in hospitality, arts, business, health and applied technology. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Around 14,000 students in Zuyd institutional material; international mix: International exchange and degree students present in selected English-taught and international programmes; academically it fits best around Hotel Management, Fine Arts and Design, International Business, Health. The part to check without romanticising it: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Enrollment
Around 14,000 students in Zuyd institutional material
International Mix
International exchange and degree students present in selected English-taught and international programmes
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Hotel Management, Fine Arts and Design, International Business, Health in Maastricht, 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, English in selected international and exchange programmes
Exchange & application at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Zuyd exchange depends strongly on programme and campus, so confirm whether your courses are in Maastricht or another Limburg city. That choice changes housing and transport.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, exchange application, learning agreement, transcript, and programme-specific language or portfolio requirements where relevant.
📨Nomination Process
The home university nominates the student to Zuyd; the student then follows Zuyd's incoming exchange instructions for the chosen faculty or programme.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines 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
- Confirm campus location before booking housing
- Register with Maastricht Housing and private backups early
- Check project/lab/studio timetable
- Join Maastricht student onboarding channels
Academics & courses at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Expect applied projects, professional assignments and close programme structures. It is a better fit for hands-on students than for those seeking a broad research-university semester.
📝Course Registration
Exchange routes are programme-specific, so students should confirm the exact module package and campus before arrival.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
Dutch 1-10 scale, with 5.5 or 6 often used as the minimum pass depending on programme.
✍️Exam Culture
Applied programmes often combine projects, presentations, practical work, portfolios, and written assessments.
📚Library Access
Library, digital systems and study spaces are normally activated after enrolment/orientation.
Tuition & fees at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Partner exchange students normally pay the home university. Full-degree fees follow Dutch HBO statutory or institutional rules, with programme variation for non-EU students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 / semester at host | Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. |
| 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 Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.
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 — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Maastricht is compact but pressured, while Heerlen and Sittard can be cheaper. Match housing to your actual campus before signing.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Maastricht
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Use Zuyd's exchange guidance and programme coordinator early. Applied programmes often have practical placements, attendance and schedule constraints.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
EHIC for eligible EU/EEA students
Private student insurance for non-EU students
Student life at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Student life is smaller and more regional than Amsterdam or Groningen. The upside is a cross-border Limburg base with Belgium and Germany close by.
Student Clubs
- ESN Maastricht
- Zuyd programme communities
- Maastricht student associations
Buddy Program
Programme and international office onboarding routes
Sports & Recreation
- Local gyms and Maastricht sports options
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Maastricht
MyMaastricht
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm campus and timetable
- Secure housing
- Attend Zuyd orientation
- Join Maastricht student groups
Key exchange dates at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Track nomination, programme placement, housing, arrival and orientation. Confirm the campus calendar before booking travel.
-
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 Maastricht 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.