The best nursing schools in the Netherlands include Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Hogeschool Viaa, Avans University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, and several other established HBO nursing providers. For 2026, the most useful way to compare Dutch nursing programmes is not simply to copy a global university ranking. Dutch nursing education is strongly practice-oriented, and many professional nursing degrees are offered through universities of applied sciences rather than traditional research universities. Current Keuzegids HBO 2026 results identify several nursing programmes as Topopleidingen, while official programme information shows that most bachelor’s nursing programmes are four years and taught in Dutch. This language issue is crucial for international students because professional nursing registration in the Netherlands requires sufficient Dutch-language proficiency, even when you can communicate comfortably in English.
The Dutch healthcare system also continues to face substantial workforce pressure, with official projections showing significant future shortages among both level-4 and level-6 nursing professionals. [Source: Keuzegids-related institutional results, BIG-register, CBS and UWV.]
Best Nursing Schools in the Netherlands
| Nursing school | 2026 evidence | Typical degree | Duration | Main teaching language | International student note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanze University of Applied Sciences | Keuzegids HBO 2026 Topopleiding | BSc Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Dutch B2/Nt2 required |
| NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences | Keuzegids HBO 2026 Topopleiding | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Strong international opportunities |
| Hogeschool Viaa | Keuzegids HBO 2026 Topopleiding | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Nursing scored 81 in 2026 |
| Avans University of Applied Sciences | Keuzegids HBO 2026 Topopleiding | HBO Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Nursing Topopleiding in Breda and Den Bosch |
| HAN University of Applied Sciences | Established HBO nursing provider | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Practice-focused clinical education |
| Zuyd University of Applied Sciences | Nursing programme established | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Nursing is Dutch-taught |
| HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht | Major HBO nursing provider | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Also offers work-study routes |
| Windesheim University of Applied Sciences | Established Dutch HBO nursing provider | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Practice-oriented route |
| Saxion University of Applied Sciences | Established HBO nursing provider | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | International institution but nursing requires Dutch |
| Fontys University of Applied Sciences | Established HBO nursing provider | Bachelor Nursing | 4 years | Dutch | Large applied-science institution |
The table should be treated as a shortlist rather than an absolute league table. Keuzegids evaluates Dutch higher-education programmes using factors including student satisfaction, study success and other programme-level data. The 2026 edition is particularly useful because it reflects recent student and performance information rather than relying only on an old international ranking. Hanze and NHL Stenden both report that their nursing programmes received the Topopleiding designation in the 2026 guide. Viaa reports an 81-point score for nursing, while Avans reports its HBO Nursing programmes in Breda and Den Bosch among its 2026 Topopleidingen. These results give you a more realistic picture of Dutch professional nursing education than using a general university ranking alone. [Source: Hanze University of Applied Sciences nursing programme; NHL Stenden nursing programme; Viaa Keuzegids 2026 results; Avans Keuzegids 2026 results.]
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in the Netherlands
Choosing a nursing school in the Netherlands requires a different method from comparing American or British universities. A Dutch nursing student is normally preparing for a regulated healthcare profession, so the name of the institution is only one part of the decision. Programme accreditation, clinical education, professional competencies, language preparation and registration prospects can matter just as much as institutional reputation. The Dutch system distinguishes between research-oriented higher education and professional higher education, known as HBO. Nursing is heavily represented within the HBO sector because students need substantial practical preparation alongside theoretical knowledge. Zuyd, for example, explains the difference between HBO and research universities as a distinction between practice-oriented education and more research-focused academic education. That difference should remain central when you compare Dutch nursing programmes. [Source: Zuyd explanation of HBO and research universities.]
For this guide, the strongest evidence comes from four areas. First, I considered the Keuzegids HBO 2026 results where programme-specific evidence was available. Second, I examined official university and hogeschool information about programme length, teaching language, practical learning and progression. Third, I considered professional requirements from the Dutch BIG-register, because completing a nursing programme and being legally able to practise as a nurse are connected but distinct stages. Finally, I considered the wider Dutch labour market using official CBS and UWV information. This approach prevents a common mistake in study-abroad content: treating an institution’s marketing language as though it were an independent ranking. It also means a school can appear in this guide because of strong professional preparation even when it doesn’t have a flashy global ranking position. For nursing, that distinction matters.
1. Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen is one of the clearest choices to investigate when you search for the best nursing schools in the Netherlands in 2026. Its four-year Bachelor of Science Nursing programme is taught in Dutch and carries 240 ECTS credits. Hanze states that its HBO nursing programme received Topopleiding status in the Keuzegids HBO 2026, placing it among the programmes recognised as strong performers in the national guide. The curriculum combines theory, skills training, practical learning, medical knowledge and professional development. Instead of treating nursing as a purely classroom subject, the programme connects students with real healthcare problems and professional practice. That applied structure is exactly what you should expect from Dutch HBO nursing education. Hanze Bachelor Nursing programme
The structure of the programme is particularly relevant if you want a nursing degree that steadily increases your clinical responsibility. Hanze describes the first two years as a period in which students develop a broad understanding of nursing and the profession’s different areas of expertise. Students work through modules that combine expert teaching, practical learning, skills education, medical knowledge and communication. That combination matters because nurses rarely work from one discipline alone. A patient may need medication management, communication, family support, prevention, coordination and clinical observation at the same time. Hanze therefore frames the nurse as someone who connects patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals. For an international applicant, this practical orientation can be attractive, but you must first solve the Dutch-language requirement.
The language issue is one of the biggest barriers for international applicants considering Hanze nursing. The programme page states that the language is Dutch and that students with an overseas diploma must meet the required Dutch educational equivalence. Hanze also states that students can start with a Dutch Staatsexamen NT2 qualification at B2 level, including students whose previous education was conducted outside Dutch. That requirement is much more significant than simply being able to speak conversational Dutch. Clinical communication involves medication instructions, patient histories, consent, safety procedures and sensitive conversations. You therefore need language proficiency that works in a professional healthcare environment. Hanze nursing admission and language information
Hanze also gives you useful options after graduation. The school says graduates can work across settings including community care, hospitals, rehabilitation and mental healthcare. Students can continue into further study and may eventually specialise in areas such as intensive care, elderly care or mental-health nursing. This breadth makes the degree more than a route into one specific hospital job. It gives you a professional base from which you can develop a specialisation later. The Dutch healthcare labour market also gives nursing graduates a substantial employment context, although individual employment outcomes still depend on registration, Dutch language ability, location and employer demand.
From a ranking perspective, Hanze is easier to evaluate through Dutch programme-level evidence than through a conventional global nursing ranking. The Keuzegids HBO 2026 designation gives you a current national quality signal, while Hanze’s own programme information provides the details needed to judge the course itself. The university also reported that Hanze remained fifth overall in the 2026 Keuzegids, matching its position in the previous edition. That stability is useful context because it shows that the institution’s broader standing did not suddenly change between the two editions. Still, don’t mistake institutional position for a nursing-specific acceptance rate. Hanze does not publish a simple nursing acceptance percentage that can be responsibly used here.
2. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden offers another established four-year Bachelor of Nursing route. Its nursing programme is taught in Dutch and begins in September, with the degree designed to prepare students as broadly trained nurses. The programme has been recognised as a Topopleiding in Keuzegids HBO 2026, according to NHL Stenden’s current programme information. Students learn through conventional teaching, skills development, simulation education and practical cases. The school also highlights its use of virtual-reality technology to create realistic practice situations. That combination can be useful because nursing education is partly about learning how to respond before you are responsible for a real patient.
The programme’s first year illustrates the applied approach. NHL Stenden says students encounter areas such as prevention, acute care, intensive care and long-term care. They also complete practical placements early in the programme, giving them an opportunity to see how nursing works outside the classroom. The curriculum develops several professional roles, including communication, collaboration, evidence-based practice, health promotion, organisation and quality improvement. This matters because modern nursing is not simply about carrying out clinical tasks. Nurses coordinate information, identify risks, communicate with families and contribute to improving care systems. The programme therefore aims to develop both technical and interpersonal competence.
International students need to pay close attention to language before putting NHL Stenden on their shortlist. The nursing degree itself is listed as Dutch-taught, so strong English alone isn’t enough for someone planning to study and later practise as a nurse in the Netherlands. That requirement connects directly with the national professional environment. The Dutch BIG-register states that nurses are among the professions that require BIG registration and that professionals need sufficient Dutch-language proficiency for registration. In practical terms, the language question should be addressed before you pay an application fee or make relocation plans. A nursing degree taught in Dutch is fundamentally different from an English-taught general healthcare programme.
NHL Stenden also has an international dimension that may interest students who want experience beyond the Netherlands. The programme states that students can gain substantial international experience and potentially spend up to one and a half years abroad. That opportunity doesn’t remove the Dutch-language requirement for practising in the Netherlands, but it can broaden your educational experience. You might therefore view the programme as a Dutch professional nursing route with an international component rather than as an English-language nursing degree. The distinction is important for students comparing the Netherlands with English-speaking destinations such as Australia, Ireland or the United Kingdom. Your academic language and professional registration language are not necessarily the same thing.
NHL Stenden’s 2026 Topopleiding designation is a useful current indicator, but it should be read alongside the programme’s actual characteristics. The school offers a four-year route, practical learning, simulation education and international opportunities. Its 2026 result can also be compared with the wider Dutch programme landscape, where several other nursing schools received similar Topopleiding recognition. That means the label alone shouldn’t determine your choice. Instead, compare the programme’s language, location, clinical opportunities, admission route and future professional requirements. For an international applicant, those factors can make a larger practical difference than a small difference in a national programme score.
3. Hogeschool Viaa
Hogeschool Viaa in Zwolle deserves attention because its nursing programme has performed strongly in recent editions of Keuzegids. Viaa reported that its Bachelor of Nursing scored 81 points in Keuzegids HBO 2026 and received the Topopleiding designation. The same programme scored 86 points in the 2025 edition, meaning its published score decreased by five points while retaining Topopleiding status. That gives you one of the clearest previous-year comparisons available for Dutch nursing. Viaa also reports that the institution itself was named the best medium-sized university of applied sciences in the Netherlands for the fourth consecutive year in 2026. These results come from the institution’s reporting of Keuzegids rather than from a global university ranking.
The 2025-to-2026 change is worth explaining carefully. A score moving from 86 to 81 doesn’t automatically mean that the programme became academically weak or that teaching suddenly deteriorated. Keuzegids uses several types of evidence, including student satisfaction and study-success data, and scores can change as underlying cohorts and measurements change. The programme still received Topopleiding recognition in both years. This is a good example of why ranking comparisons should be treated as trend indicators rather than absolute judgments. For your own shortlist, the more useful question is what the programme teaches, where clinical learning takes place and what language you must master.
Viaa’s position within the Dutch applied-science system also makes it interesting for students who value a smaller institutional environment. The school says students rate areas such as teaching staff, atmosphere and career preparation positively across its programmes. Its nursing programme is therefore not being presented simply as a research-heavy degree. Instead, it is a professional programme designed to prepare graduates for healthcare practice. This aligns with the wider HBO model in the Netherlands, where practical learning and employment preparation are central. If you prefer a programme where classroom learning is closely tied to professional development, this model deserves serious consideration.
However, international students should not assume that a strong institutional result means the programme is available in English. Dutch nursing programmes generally require Dutch because students must communicate directly with patients during clinical education. The BIG-register reinforces this point at the professional level by requiring language proficiency for registration. That means an international applicant should treat Dutch as part of the academic plan rather than as an optional extra. You may be able to live in the Netherlands using English in everyday situations, but nursing requires a much more precise command of the local language.
Viaa also provides a useful example of why you should compare several years of evidence instead of relying on a single ranking page. The nursing score was higher in 2025, yet the programme remained a Topopleiding in 2026. That tells you the year-to-year number needs context. It also demonstrates why “acceptance rate” isn’t the right metric for most Dutch nursing schools. There is no reliable public percentage showing that a certain share of nursing applicants were admitted in each of those years. For applicants, the practical checklist is stronger: verify academic equivalence, Dutch-language requirements, application deadlines, programme capacity and the professional route after graduation.
4. Avans University of Applied Sciences
Avans University of Applied Sciences is another major name to consider when comparing Dutch nursing education. Avans reported that its HBO Nursing programmes in Breda and Den Bosch received Topopleiding status in the 2026 Keuzegids. The institution also performed strongly across the broader health field, stating that health and exact sciences were among its strongest areas. This makes Avans relevant for students who want a large applied-science environment with a substantial healthcare focus. Its nursing programmes follow the Dutch HBO model, which places significant weight on professional competence and practical preparation. That model is particularly relevant to nursing because graduates need to function safely in real clinical settings.
One useful feature of Avans is that nursing is offered in more than one location. Breda and Den Bosch therefore give prospective students different campus environments while remaining within the same broader institution. Location can matter more than it initially appears because nursing students spend substantial time moving between classroom learning and practice environments. Your commute, housing costs, clinical placement arrangements and access to healthcare employers can all affect your experience. A student who prefers a larger urban environment may evaluate the options differently from someone who values a smaller city. You should therefore compare the campus and placement ecosystem, not only the institution’s name.
The language challenge remains the same. Avans nursing is part of the Dutch professional nursing system, so international applicants need to examine Dutch-language requirements carefully. An English-speaking applicant cannot assume that an institution’s international office or English-language website means that the nursing degree itself is delivered in English. This distinction causes confusion among international applicants because many Dutch universities advertise English-taught programmes in other disciplines. Nursing is different because clinical placements require direct communication with Dutch-speaking patients and healthcare teams. Before applying, check the exact nursing programme page rather than relying on the institution’s general international admissions page.
Avans also illustrates why national programme comparisons can be more useful than global rankings for this topic. A university may have a strong general international profile but not appear near the top of a global nursing subject table. Conversely, a professional nursing programme can perform strongly in a Dutch programme-level assessment without having the same global research visibility as a large research university. For a student who intends to become a practising nurse in the Netherlands, the second question can be just as important as the first. You need an education that prepares you for the professional system you intend to enter. That means curriculum, clinical learning and registration should stay at the centre of your comparison.
Avans does not provide a simple nursing acceptance rate that can be responsibly quoted as a national benchmark. Therefore, previous-year comparisons should focus on programme recognition and admission rules rather than manufactured percentages. The 2026 Topopleiding result is current evidence that its nursing programmes performed strongly under the Keuzegids framework. If you are comparing Avans with Hanze, Viaa or NHL Stenden, ask the same questions for every school. What language is used? How long is the degree? What academic qualification do you need? How does clinical education work? Can you realistically reach the Dutch proficiency needed for registration?
5. HAN University of Applied Sciences
HAN University of Applied Sciences is one of the larger Dutch institutions with an established Bachelor of Nursing programme. Its HBO Nursing programme focuses on hospital care, elderly care and community nursing while also emphasising the human side of healthcare. The institution describes nursing as more than technical procedures such as wound care or catheterisation. Students also learn how to communicate with patients and understand the broader context of care. That is important because nursing decisions rarely happen in isolation. The programme therefore combines professional knowledge with practical and interpersonal skills.
HAN’s programme structure includes learning activities that move students from foundational nursing knowledge toward more advanced professional practice. The institution highlights partnerships and practice contexts connected to organisations such as Rijnstate, CWZ and Radboudumc. This gives students exposure to the type of healthcare environment where professional nurses eventually work. HAN also describes opportunities for selected students to participate in practice innovation projects during later stages of the degree. Those projects can connect nursing education with real healthcare challenges rather than keeping the student experience entirely theoretical.
The programme is also relevant when considering the national shift toward the BN2030 professional profile. Dutch nursing education is not static. The national professional profile is developed through collaboration between nursing programmes and the healthcare field, and the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences publishes the national nursing education profile. That standardisation helps explain why many Dutch nursing programmes share core professional expectations. You therefore shouldn’t assume that one school teaches an entirely different profession from another. Differences often emerge through educational style, local partnerships, student experience and specialisation opportunities.
For international students, the main obstacle is again language. HAN’s nursing route is designed for the Dutch healthcare environment, so you need to investigate the Dutch-language requirement before planning an application. This becomes particularly important during clinical placement. Reading a textbook in English is one thing. Understanding a patient’s symptoms, medication history and concerns in Dutch is another. A nurse must also document accurately and communicate with doctors, therapists, relatives and other professionals. That makes language competence a patient-safety issue rather than simply an admissions formality.
HAN therefore fits best into a shortlist based on professional preparation rather than a global ranking number. It is an established applied-science provider with substantial healthcare connections and a clear nursing curriculum. The school also provides an English diploma supplement after graduation, which can make international presentation of your qualification easier. However, the diploma supplement does not remove the separate requirements for professional recognition in another country. If you want to work outside the Netherlands later, you should check the destination country’s nursing regulator before assuming that your Dutch qualification transfers automatically.
6. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing programme in Heerlen. Its nursing programme is Dutch-taught and is built around the role of the nurse as a coordinator who understands both the physical and emotional needs of patients. Zuyd describes the nursing degree as part of its broader health and welfare domain, where students can work with other disciplines on practical healthcare problems. That interdisciplinary setting can be valuable because modern healthcare increasingly involves coordinated teams rather than isolated professionals. The programme therefore provides a practical route into Dutch nursing rather than a purely academic study of healthcare.
Zuyd’s wider international profile is useful to understand. The institution welcomes students from many countries and offers several programmes taught entirely in English. However, nursing is not among the English-taught bachelor’s programmes listed on its current English programme catalogue. The nursing programme itself is shown as Dutch-taught. This is one of the clearest examples of why international students should never equate “international university” with “English nursing degree.” Zuyd can be highly international as an institution while still requiring Dutch for its nursing programme.
The school’s admission information gives another useful comparison point. Zuyd says international bachelor’s applicants generally need a qualification equivalent to Dutch higher secondary education, although individual programmes can have additional requirements. For English-taught programmes, the university publishes English-language thresholds. For Dutch-taught programmes, however, Zuyd states that students need NT2 level II Dutch proficiency. This distinction is extremely important for international applicants. An IELTS certificate can help you enter an English-taught programme, but it doesn’t substitute for the Dutch-language requirement attached to a Dutch nursing programme.
Zuyd’s location in Limburg can also affect the financial side of your decision. The institution highlights Limburg as offering potentially lower living costs than some larger Dutch cities while maintaining access to an international student environment. Housing should still be researched carefully because affordability varies by neighbourhood, availability and timing. You should also remember that tuition and living costs are separate from the financial evidence required for immigration. The Dutch IND currently requires higher-education students to demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses, with the 2026 study norm set at €1,130.77 per month, excluding tuition. IND 2026 study income requirements
Zuyd is therefore a particularly useful example for students who want an international institution but are prepared to study nursing in Dutch. Its current nursing programme is four years, professionally oriented and connected to practical healthcare training. Its broader English-language portfolio can also make the institution attractive to international students, but you should not assume those English options include nursing. For a future nurse, professional language and registration should come before the convenience of an English-language application process. The Dutch system makes that distinction very clear.
7. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht is another major provider within Dutch higher professional education. Its nursing education includes routes for students who are already working in healthcare, including a dual programme that combines study with employment. HU states that the dual Bachelor of Nursing route can take around 2.5 to 3.5 years depending on prior education and experience. Students must already be employed by a healthcare organisation to enter that particular work-study route. That makes it different from a standard first-entry bachelor’s programme for someone coming directly from secondary school. Understanding these route differences is essential before you compare programme duration.
HU’s dual route illustrates how Dutch nursing education can accommodate different stages of professional development. Someone who already holds an MBO nursing qualification can potentially move toward the HBO level through an accelerated pathway. The institution says an MBO nurse can complete the HBO nursing degree in 2.5 years under the relevant route. Students therefore don’t always need to begin from the same starting point. Your previous education and work experience can change the structure of the programme significantly. International students should ask HU to assess their credentials rather than assuming that an overseas nursing diploma will automatically produce the same exemptions.
The programme also has a broad employment focus. HU lists possible work environments including hospitals, community care, rehabilitation, primary care, elderly care, disability services and psychiatry. That range reflects the broader nature of professional nursing in the Netherlands. It also shows why a nursing programme shouldn’t be judged only by hospital placement opportunities. Community and long-term care are important parts of the Dutch health system. A student interested in public health, elderly care or community nursing may value a programme’s exposure to those settings as much as traditional hospital experience.
International applicants should pay particular attention to HU’s admissions deadlines and language rules. HU explains that application deadlines can differ according to nationality and whether you need immigration services. The institution also distinguishes between different programme types and notes that some programmes have restricted capacity. These details matter because missing an application deadline can be more damaging than having a slightly lower academic score. For an international student, the application also interacts with residence-permit timing. Your school must have the appropriate recognition and sponsorship status for the Dutch immigration process.
HU’s current tuition information also shows how Dutch statutory tuition works for eligible students. For 2026–27, HU lists the statutory tuition fee as €2,694 per year for qualifying students, while students outside the statutory-fee category can face different rates. That distinction is particularly important for non-EU students. You should never assume that the Dutch statutory fee applies simply because you are studying at a Dutch public institution. Your nationality, previous Dutch degree history and programme circumstances can affect the fee category. Always check the university’s current tuition page before building your budget.
8. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Windesheim is another established provider within the Dutch HBO nursing system and is worth considering if you want a practical Bachelor of Nursing pathway. Dutch HBO nursing education generally combines classroom instruction, skills training and clinical learning, and Windesheim operates within that professional framework. The Association of Universities of Applied Sciences lists Windesheim among the institutions participating in the national Bachelor Nursing education profile. That means its programme operates within the wider Dutch professional education structure rather than in isolation. This national framework helps provide consistency in the competencies expected from nursing graduates.
The biggest advantage of looking at Windesheim alongside other Dutch providers is the ability to compare similar professional qualifications in different environments. Nursing students spend years developing practical competence, so campus culture and access to healthcare partners matter. You should examine the programme’s current clinical placement arrangements, simulation facilities and specialisation options. You should also consider the city itself because your daily environment can influence living costs, commuting and access to part-time work. These practical factors are often missing from generic “top nursing university” lists.
Windesheim should also be assessed through the Dutch language lens. The fact that the Netherlands has a large English-speaking population does not mean a nursing degree can be completed entirely in English. Patient-facing education requires professional communication, and Dutch registration rules require sufficient language proficiency. This is why students from countries where English is the primary language can still face a major additional requirement when they choose Dutch nursing. Learning Dutch before arrival can therefore strengthen your application and reduce the adjustment burden once clinical education begins.
The broader labour market makes this investment potentially relevant. Official Dutch projections show that healthcare and welfare face growing workforce shortages, with nurses among the occupations expected to contribute substantially to future shortages. CBS projections published in 2026 estimate that shortages in healthcare and welfare could rise significantly by 2034, while the largest shortages among healthcare occupations include level-4 and level-6 nursing roles. CBS healthcare and welfare labour-market projections That doesn’t mean every graduate will immediately obtain their preferred job. Employers, location, language, registration and specialty still matter.
Windesheim therefore makes sense as part of a broader Dutch nursing shortlist rather than as a school selected solely from a global ranking. The national nursing profile, applied teaching model and healthcare labour market create a useful framework for comparison. Your next step should be checking the current Windesheim nursing page for admission requirements and programme-specific Dutch-language rules. Compare those details directly with Hanze, NHL Stenden, Viaa and Avans. That side-by-side approach gives you a much more realistic picture than relying on one ranking number.
9. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Saxion University of Applied Sciences is another established Dutch HBO institution with nursing education within its professional programme portfolio. Like other Dutch nursing schools, the focus is on preparing students for practical healthcare work rather than creating a purely theoretical nursing qualification. The national Association of Universities of Applied Sciences lists Saxion among the institutions participating in the Dutch Bachelor Nursing framework. This provides an important quality-control context because Dutch nursing education follows a nationally developed professional profile. You are therefore comparing variations within a recognised professional system rather than completely different degrees.
Saxion can be useful for students who want to compare nursing education across multiple Dutch cities and institutional environments. When evaluating the programme, you should examine the clinical partners connected to your specific location. A programme’s healthcare network can affect the range of practice settings available to students. It can also affect commuting time and the types of patient populations you encounter. These details become particularly important during the clinical years when practical experience becomes a major part of your education.
The language requirement again deserves special attention. Saxion’s international profile should not be confused with an English-taught nursing programme. International students should verify the exact language of the nursing curriculum and the Dutch proficiency required before applying. This is especially important if your long-term plan is to work as a nurse in the Netherlands. The BIG-register explicitly states that healthcare professionals need proof of sufficient language proficiency for registration. It also explains that foreign qualifications can require additional recognition procedures. BIG-register registration requirements
The professional-registration issue becomes even more important if you already have a nursing degree from another country. In that situation, starting a second Dutch bachelor’s degree may not always be the correct route. The BIG-register has separate procedures for foreign nursing diplomas, including recognition routes and additional conditions. Some designated European qualifications can use an automatic-recognition procedure, while other foreign qualifications require a different assessment. The correct route depends on the country where you qualified, your diploma and your circumstances. You should therefore check the BIG-register before deciding that another four-year degree is necessary.
For a student starting nursing from the beginning, Saxion remains part of the wider Dutch HBO landscape. For an already-qualified nurse, however, the recognition route may be much more relevant than the bachelor’s programme itself. That distinction can save you years of unnecessary study. It also demonstrates why a good study-abroad article must separate first-degree applicants from internationally qualified professionals. The admission question is not the same for both groups. Always identify your starting qualification before comparing Dutch nursing schools.
10. Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences is one of the larger applied-science institutions in the Netherlands and belongs on a broad shortlist of Dutch nursing providers. Like other HBO institutions, Fontys places professional preparation at the centre of applied higher education. The national Association of Universities of Applied Sciences includes Fontys among the institutions involved in the national Bachelor Nursing education profile. That means students can compare Fontys against other established providers using the same broad professional framework. The more useful question is therefore which programme environment suits your learning style, location and career plans.
Fontys can be particularly relevant when you want a large institution with a broad applied-science ecosystem. Larger institutions can provide access to multiple professional disciplines, which can create opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and broader healthcare exposure. Nursing increasingly involves collaboration with physiotherapists, doctors, social workers, pharmacists, psychologists and other specialists. A multidisciplinary educational environment can help you understand how those professions interact. However, the existence of a large institutional ecosystem doesn’t automatically mean a specific nursing programme is better for every student.
The Dutch-language requirement remains the critical consideration for international students. Before applying to Fontys nursing, verify the programme’s current language and Dutch admission requirements. Don’t assume that an English-language university website means that the nursing curriculum is available in English. The professional environment requires Dutch communication, and BIG registration requires sufficient language proficiency. If your objective is eventually to practise in the Netherlands, language planning should begin before your application. Waiting until clinical placement starts can leave too little time to develop professional fluency.
Fontys should also be considered in the context of the Dutch labour market. Healthcare remains one of the sectors experiencing significant recruitment pressure, even though the overall Dutch labour market cooled between 2025 and 2026. UWV reported in 2026 that many occupations remained tight, with healthcare and welfare among the areas where shortages were particularly visible. Specialized nurses were specifically identified among occupations experiencing very tight labour-market conditions. UWV labour-market analysis This creates a favourable employment context, but it shouldn’t be interpreted as a guaranteed job or automatic immigration pathway.
Finally, Fontys demonstrates why the phrase “best nursing school” needs context. There isn’t a single official Dutch ranking that can settle the question for every student. A programme may be attractive because of its location, clinical network, educational style or specialisation opportunities even when another programme scores higher in a student-satisfaction table. You should therefore build a shortlist based on your own priorities. Once you have identified the programmes you can realistically enter and study in Dutch, compare their curriculum, clinical placements, cost, housing environment and professional pathways.
Why QS rankings are different for Dutch nursing
International students often expect a QS list to provide a neat top-10 nursing ranking for every country. That approach works better for large research universities with internationally visible nursing research departments. However, many Dutch bachelor’s nursing programmes sit within universities of applied sciences, and their educational mission is strongly professional. As a result, the most useful evidence for a prospective nursing student can come from national programme comparisons and official institutional data. QS remains useful for understanding research reputation when a Dutch institution or related academic department appears in a subject ranking, but it shouldn’t be treated as an admission ranking or professional-registration ranking. In other words, a high global research position doesn’t automatically mean a programme is easier to enter, better for clinical preparation, or available in English. Your decision should start with the actual nursing programme you can enrol in.
Nursing Tuition Fees in the Netherlands
Tuition costs vary according to nationality, programme and whether you qualify for the Dutch statutory tuition fee. For eligible students, the statutory fee for higher education is considerably different from the institutional fees often charged to non-EU international students. HU, for example, lists a statutory tuition fee of €2,694 for 2026–27. That figure should not be treated as the universal price of a Dutch nursing degree for every international student. Non-EU students can face substantially different institutional tuition rates, and nursing programmes can have their own fee structures. Always check the specific institution before converting the cost into your home currency.
You should also budget for costs beyond tuition. Nursing students may need uniforms, clinical equipment, books, transportation and other learning materials. HU’s dual nursing information, for example, estimates approximately €900–€1,000 for books and learning materials across the programme in that specific route. Living expenses then sit on top of those educational costs. Housing can become one of the largest expenses in Dutch student cities, and availability can be more important than the headline monthly rent. Start accommodation planning early rather than assuming you can find a room after arrival.
| Cost category | What to budget for |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Depends on statutory or institutional fee status |
| Housing | Varies substantially by city and room type |
| Food | Monthly personal budget required |
| Transport | Depends on location and placement |
| Books/materials | Programme-specific |
| Health insurance | Depends on residence and employment status |
| Immigration financial evidence | IND study norm applies to relevant non-EU students |
For immigration purposes, the Dutch IND currently states that higher-education students need to demonstrate financial resources equivalent to €1,130.77 per month in 2026. The amount is intended to cover living expenses and does not include tuition. That means you should not calculate your visa budget by looking only at the university invoice. The immigration requirement is a separate financial test. IND 2026 study norm
Nursing Admission Requirements in the Netherlands
Admission requirements depend on the institution and the exact nursing programme. Study in NL explains that Dutch institutions set their own programme-specific requirements, although there are general qualification and language principles across higher education. International students normally need to demonstrate that their previous education is comparable with the required Dutch level. Nuffic provides qualification-comparison information used by Dutch higher-education institutions. That makes diploma evaluation one of the first steps you should complete. Study in NL admission requirements
For Dutch-taught nursing, the language requirement is usually the biggest additional hurdle for international applicants. Hanze states that its nursing programme requires Dutch and refers to the Dutch State Examination NT2 at B2 level. Zuyd likewise states that Dutch-taught programmes require NT2 level II. These requirements make sense because nursing students enter patient-facing clinical environments. You need to understand spoken Dutch quickly and communicate clearly in situations where mistakes can have serious consequences. In other words, Dutch is not simply another admission subject.
For English-taught programmes in the Netherlands, institutions commonly accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson or Cambridge English, but the required score varies by programme. Study in NL specifically warns students to check the institution’s own score requirements. That guidance is particularly important because general university language rules don’t necessarily apply to nursing. If a programme is Dutch-taught, an English test may not satisfy the professional language requirement. Check the exact nursing programme page before booking a language examination.
Is Nursing in the Netherlands Good for International Students?
The Netherlands can be attractive for international students because it combines a strong higher-education system with a substantial healthcare sector. CBS recorded 130,190 international students in Dutch higher education in 2025/26, including students in both universities and higher professional education. That shows the country has a sizeable international education environment. However, nursing is different from many English-taught business or technology degrees because professional practice requires Dutch. Your experience as an international nursing student will therefore depend heavily on how quickly you can become professionally fluent.
The Dutch healthcare labour market provides another reason to consider the country. CBS projections show that healthcare and welfare could face a growing workforce shortage through 2034, with nursing occupations among the groups expected to experience significant shortages. UWV also reports continued labour-market tightness in healthcare and identifies specialised nursing among occupations facing particularly strong demand. These figures support the view that nursing remains an important occupation within the Dutch labour market. Still, labour demand doesn’t override professional registration rules. You need the right qualification, language proficiency and registration before you can work independently as a nurse.
International students should also understand the difference between studying nursing and becoming a registered Dutch nurse. The BIG-register lists nurses among the professions that must register. It states that BIG registration is mandatory to work in the regulated profession and use the protected professional title. For graduates of Dutch programmes, completing an approved professional programme is part of the pathway, but registration still has its own requirements. For internationally qualified nurses, the recognition process can be more complicated. BIG-register professional registration information
BIG Registration: What Happens After Nursing School?
The Dutch BIG-register is one of the most important official resources you should understand before choosing nursing in the Netherlands. It regulates several healthcare professions, including nurses, and explains the requirements for registration. The register states that people with foreign qualifications may need their qualifications officially recognised before registration. It also requires proof of language proficiency. This means that an international nursing degree isn’t automatically equivalent to permission to practise in the Netherlands.
If you graduate from an approved Dutch nursing programme, you still need to understand the registration process and any applicable requirements. If you already hold a foreign nursing qualification, the process is different. BIG provides separate routes depending on the country of qualification and the nature of the diploma. Some specifically designated European nursing diplomas can qualify for automatic recognition with BIG registration through a combined process. Other international qualifications follow different recognition procedures.
Language remains central throughout this process. The BIG-register explicitly says that healthcare professionals working in the Netherlands need sufficient Dutch-language proficiency. That requirement explains why Dutch-taught nursing programmes are so common. It also explains why studying nursing in English elsewhere doesn’t necessarily make working as a nurse in the Netherlands straightforward. Professional mobility depends on both academic recognition and communication competence.
Can International Students Work While Studying Nursing?
Non-EU students with a Dutch student residence permit can work under specific conditions. The IND currently states that students may work for up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or work full-time during June, July and August, but an employer needs the appropriate work permit. Dutch IND student residence permit rules This means you shouldn’t build your entire study budget around unlimited part-time employment. Nursing programmes can also be demanding because clinical placements and coursework take substantial time.
The rules become especially important when you plan your clinical placement. A traineeship that forms part of your study programme can be treated differently from ordinary employment. You should follow your institution’s instructions because the legal treatment depends on the nature of the placement. Your school will also be involved in the immigration process if you are a non-EU student. Only recognised sponsors can apply for the relevant student residence permit. The IND also requires students to make adequate study progress, currently defined as obtaining at least 50% of the credits in each study year.
What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in the Netherlands?
The Dutch nursing labour market has substantial long-term demand. CBS projections estimate that shortages in healthcare and welfare could rise from roughly 54,000 workers in 2024 to more than 265,000 by 2034 under the projection methodology used in its analysis. Within healthcare occupations, the projections identify substantial shortages among level-4 nurses and level-6 nursing professionals. These figures should be interpreted as labour-market projections rather than promises to individual graduates. Economic conditions, healthcare policy, demographic change and productivity can alter future outcomes.
UWV’s current labour-market analysis adds another useful perspective. In early 2026, UWV reported that healthcare and welfare remained among the occupational areas with strong labour-market pressure. Specialised nurses were specifically included among occupations where employers faced tight recruitment conditions. At the same time, the overall Dutch labour market was cooling compared with the extraordinary tightness seen during the previous few years. That distinction matters. Nursing can remain a shortage occupation even while the general labour market becomes less overheated.
For international students, the major barrier may therefore be professional integration rather than simply finding a vacancy. Dutch-language proficiency is crucial. Employers need nurses who can communicate with patients and colleagues safely. Your qualification must also support the required professional registration. Immigration status can then determine what type of employment you can accept. These requirements mean that a student who plans to remain in the Netherlands should think about language, registration and immigration from the beginning of the degree.
Netherlands Nursing Schools Rankings
| School/programme | 2025 evidence | 2026 evidence | What changed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hogeschool Viaa | Nursing: 86 points, Topopleiding | Nursing: 81 points, Topopleiding | Score decreased, status retained |
| Hanze | Nursing Topopleiding | Nursing Topopleiding | Continued recognition |
| NHL Stenden | Nursing Topopleiding | Nursing Topopleiding | Continued recognition |
| Avans | Strong nursing programme recognition | Nursing Topopleiding in Breda and Den Bosch | Current recognition confirmed |
| Hanze overall | #5 hogeschool in Keuzegids 2025 | #5 in 2026 | Position unchanged |
The most important lesson from these comparisons is that ranking movement isn’t the same as acceptance-rate movement. Dutch institutions generally don’t publish enough programme-specific admissions data to calculate a reliable annual nursing acceptance rate. A five-point change in a Keuzegids score, for example, doesn’t tell you that the programme admitted five percent fewer students. It measures something different. You should therefore avoid websites that turn programme scores into invented acceptance probabilities.
How to Choose the Best Nursing School
Start with the language question. If you don’t already have strong Dutch, determine how long it will take you to reach the level required by your chosen nursing programme. Don’t choose a nursing school first and investigate Dutch later. That reverses the order of importance. For many international students, Dutch proficiency will determine whether a Dutch nursing bachelor’s programme is realistic.
Next, examine professional recognition. Confirm that the exact programme is appropriately accredited and leads toward the professional qualification you need. The IND requires an accredited programme for a student residence permit, while the BIG-register governs professional registration. These are two different systems, but both matter. A school can have a good reputation while still being unsuitable for your particular immigration or professional objective.
Then compare clinical education. Ask where students complete placements, when practical education begins and what healthcare settings are available. Nursing is learned through repeated exposure to real clinical situations. A beautifully designed campus cannot replace meaningful patient-facing experience. Look at hospitals, community care, elderly care, mental-health services and other settings connected with the programme.
Finally, compare the total cost rather than tuition alone. Housing, transport, insurance, books and immigration financial requirements can significantly change the final budget. A programme in a smaller city may have different living costs from one in a major Dutch urban centre. You should also investigate scholarship eligibility and whether your nationality places you in the statutory or institutional tuition category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best nursing schools in the Netherlands?
Strong 2026 options include Hanze, NHL Stenden, Viaa, Avans, HAN, Zuyd, HU, Windesheim, Saxion and Fontys. Several have strong current programme-level evidence through Dutch higher-education comparisons.
What is the number-one nursing university in the Netherlands?
There isn’t one universally accepted national number-one nursing university based on a single official ranking. Dutch nursing is primarily delivered through universities of applied sciences, so programme-level evidence is more useful than forcing a research-university ranking onto the field.
Is nursing taught in English in the Netherlands?
Most bachelor’s nursing programmes highlighted in this guide are Dutch-taught. International programmes may be taught in English in other disciplines, but you must check the exact nursing programme.
Do I need Dutch to study nursing in the Netherlands?
Usually, yes for Dutch-taught professional nursing programmes. Hanze and Zuyd both identify Dutch-language requirements, while BIG registration also requires sufficient Dutch proficiency.
What level of Dutch do I need?
Requirements vary, but institutions such as Hanze and Zuyd refer to NT2 level II/B2 for Dutch-taught study. Check the current programme-specific requirement before applying.
Do Dutch nursing schools publish acceptance rates?
Generally, no reliable nursing-specific acceptance percentage is publicly available for most programmes. Entry qualifications, selection procedures and programme capacity are more useful indicators.
How long is a nursing degree in the Netherlands?
A standard HBO Bachelor of Nursing commonly takes four years and carries 240 ECTS credits. Some routes can be shorter for students with previous nursing education or relevant work experience.
Can international students study nursing in the Netherlands?
Yes, international students can apply where they meet the institution’s academic, language and immigration requirements. The major issue for many applicants is Dutch proficiency.
Can I work in the Netherlands after studying nursing?
Potentially, but you need to meet professional registration and immigration requirements. A nursing degree alone does not automatically provide unrestricted permission to work.
Is nursing a shortage occupation in the Netherlands?
Official labour-market sources show substantial and projected shortages in healthcare, including nursing occupations. However, demand varies by specialty, employer, location and qualification.
Can I become a nurse in the Netherlands with a foreign nursing degree?
Possibly. The BIG-register has recognition procedures for foreign nursing qualifications. The exact route depends on your qualification, country and circumstances.
Does a Dutch nursing degree automatically give me BIG registration?
No. Professional registration has its own requirements. You should check the current BIG-register procedure rather than assuming that graduation automatically completes registration.
Can I work while studying nursing?
Non-EU students with a student residence permit can generally work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during June, July and August, subject to the applicable work-permit rules.
How much money do international students need for a Dutch student visa?
For 2026, the IND lists a higher-education study norm of €1,130.77 per month, excluding tuition. This is the financial amount used for the relevant residence-permit assessment.
Is the Netherlands cheaper than other popular nursing destinations?
It depends on the university, nationality, tuition category and city. You should compare the total cost of tuition, housing, transport and living expenses rather than tuition alone.
Final Verdict: What You Should Know Before Applying
The best nursing schools in the Netherlands aren’t determined by one global ranking. The Dutch system places enormous importance on practice-oriented higher education, and many nursing bachelor’s degrees are delivered through universities of applied sciences. For 2026, Hanze, NHL Stenden, Viaa and Avans provide particularly useful examples of programmes receiving current recognition in the Keuzegids HBO. HAN, Zuyd, HU, Windesheim, Saxion and Fontys also belong on a serious comparison list because of their established roles in Dutch nursing education. The biggest issue for international applicants isn’t simply academic admission. It’s the combination of academic equivalence, Dutch-language ability, clinical education, professional registration and immigration requirements.
The previous-year evidence also shows why you shouldn’t chase a single ranking number. Viaa’s nursing score moved from 86 in 2025 to 81 in 2026 while retaining Topopleiding status. Hanze remained fifth overall among Dutch hogescholen across the two editions cited by the institution. These movements demonstrate that annual programme scores can change without creating a simple “better or worse” story. More importantly, they don’t provide an acceptance rate. If you want a realistic picture of your admission chances, focus on the actual requirements published by the institution.
For international students, Dutch language preparation should begin early. An English-speaking student can live relatively comfortably in many Dutch cities, but professional nursing requires much more precise communication. The BIG-register requires language proficiency for registration, and Dutch-taught nursing programmes commonly require formal Dutch qualifications. This makes the Netherlands a very different proposition from countries where you can complete the entire nursing degree and professional registration process in English. If your goal is to practise in the Netherlands after graduation, learning Dutch isn’t a side project. It’s part of your nursing education strategy.
The employment picture is encouraging but should still be treated realistically. Official Dutch projections identify substantial future shortages in healthcare and specifically among nursing occupations. UWV also continues to report tight conditions in parts of healthcare and nursing. That can create opportunities for qualified graduates, especially where employers face persistent staffing pressure. Yet no university can guarantee employment, registration or permanent residence. Your results will depend on your qualification, Dutch proficiency, registration status, specialisation, location and the labour market when you graduate.
Before you submit an application, therefore, work through a simple checklist. Confirm that the nursing programme is accredited and appropriate for your professional goal. Confirm the language of instruction and the exact Dutch requirement. Confirm your foreign diploma equivalence and any required science subjects. Check tuition under your nationality category and calculate realistic living expenses. Then review the BIG-register rules and Dutch immigration requirements. If all five pieces fit together, you have a much stronger foundation for choosing among the best nursing schools in the Netherlands.