The Rich Heritage of a Century-Old Institution
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen (Dutch: Hanzehogeschool Groningen), founded in 1798, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and the largest university of applied sciences in the northern part of the country. In 1986, in accordance with higher education reform guidelines, the Groningen municipal government merged 16 vocational colleges within the city. Among them, the Academy Minerva was the oldest, dating back to 1798, and thus the current Hanze University was born. Today, the university has grown into an institution with approximately 28,000 students and 3,200 faculty and staff members. Students and faculty hail from more than 90 countries worldwide, fostering a unique multicultural campus learning environment. Obtaining a Dutch university diploma can transform your life
International Rankings and Reputation for Excellence
In the 2026 edition of the Dutch E KeuzegidsE , Hanze was ranked third among large universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, making it one of the country’s leading universities of applied sciences. In the EU’s U-Multirank global university rankings, the university’s applied research category ranks among the top 25 worldwide. The proportion of graduates founding new companies ranks sixth in the world and first in the Netherlands, while regional co-authored publications rank seventh globally and first in the Netherlands. These accolades reflect the university’s excellence in applied research, entrepreneurship and innovation, and academic impact.
Groningen: The Netherlands’ Youngest and Most Beloved University
The university is located in the city of Groningen, which is one of the cities in the Netherlands that students find most appealing. The city has a population of approximately 170,000, of whom about 35,000 are students, and more than half of the population is under 35 years old. the city is filled with youthful energy and vitality. The main campus is situated within the modern Zernike campus complex, just a 15-minute bike ride from the city center. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated study and discussion areas, student cafeterias, and research spaces.
Practice-Oriented Teaching Approach
Hanze University is a university of applied sciences whose primary mission is to train professionals ready to enter the workforce directly, rather than conducting academic research. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical application and industry collaboration. Students participate in corporate projects from the moment they enroll. The university houses advanced applied research institutes, such as the EnTranCe Institute, which specializes in energy technology, and the UMCG Institute, which focuses on healthy aging. These institutes create a cutting-edge research atmosphere and a dynamic environment for students. Additionally, the university provides an ecosystem to support students interested in entrepreneurship, helping them turn their ideas into reality. The city of Groningen itself is a vibrant place, with students making up about a quarter of the population. It is young, safe, and innovative—an excellent place to study and live.
The value of the Hanzehogeschool Groningen diploma lies in its official recognition. As a public university of applied sciences funded by the Dutch government, every course it offers is officially accredited by the Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organization (NVAO), granting its degrees global academic validity and industry recognition.
