Professional higher education (HBO) in The Hague

The Hague has 5 universities of applied sciences (HBO). Together they provide higher education to more than 30,000 students.

The higher education system in the Netherlands is based on a 3-cycle degree system: bachelor's degree, master's degree and PhD. There are 2 types of programmes:

  • research-oriented education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO), traditionally offered by research universities
  • professional higher education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO), traditionally offered by universities of applied sciences

    Below is a selection of HBO programmes found in The Hague region.

    The Hague University of Applied Sciences

    The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Haagse Hogeschool) is the largest HBO school in The Hague. It has more than 26,000 students and nearly 100 full-time and part-time programmes. Many of the programmes are in English and have an international focus. The Hague University has satellite colleges in The Hague, Delft and Zoetermeer. The main campus in The Hague is within walking distance of the city centre and close to Central Station and Hollands Spoor station.

    More information can be found on the website thehagueuniversity.com.

    Inholland University of Applied Sciences

    Inholland’s campus in The Hague is located on the Theresiastraat. Inholland The Hague provides full-time and part-time programmes in Business Studies, Communication, Creative Business (in English), Financial Services, Legal Services, Social Work and Teaching.

    More information can be found on the website www.inholland.nl/denhaag.

    Hotelschool The Hague

    Hotelschool The Hague, or the International University of Hospitality Management The Hague, was founded in 1929. The school offers a 4-year Bachelor Programme in Hospitality Management and an accelerated 2-year International Fast Track Programme. Both degree programmes are entirely in English. The school also has a campus in Amsterdam.

    More information on the website www.hotelschool.nl.

    Royal Academy of Art (KABK)

    The Royal Academy of Art (KABK) is the oldest art academy in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1682. Today the KABK educates students to become independent and self-aware artists and designers. The Royal Academy of Art and the Royal Conservatoire together form the University of the Arts The Hague.

    More information can be found at kabk.nl.

    Royal Conservatoire

    The Royal Conservatoire, the oldest conservatoire in the Netherlands, was founded by King Willem I as The Hague’s School for Music and Singing in 1826. The school offers courses in music and dance: from experimental jazz to classical ballet. Students are taught by leading Dutch and international musicians and dancers. The Royal Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Art together form the University of the Arts The Hague.

    More information can be found at koncon.nl.

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    Published: 6 May 2021Modified: 17 July 2023