Have you got the right qualifications to study at NHL Stenden in the Netherlands?
Check what you need here when it comes to your secondary school diploma, diploma recognition, language requirements, and find out what the application process is and what deadlines you need to keep in mind.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to one of our bachelor programmes, you'll need a secondary school diploma that's at least equivalent to level 4 of the European Qualifications Framework.
Check the admission requirements for bachelor's degrees
Is your high school diploma recognised?
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences recognises the following general international qualifications:
- High school / secondary school diploma from an accredited institution (a detailed list of recognised qualifications can be found on nhlstenden.com).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, IB Career-related certificate of the International Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate Diploma
- General Certificate of Secondary Education in 4 subjects (A*-C) + a General Certificate of Education with 2 relevant subjects at advanced level (D-E), 6 different subjects in total.
English language requirements
If you apply for an associate degree, bachelor's or master's programme, you may need to take a language test to prove your level of English
You do not need an additional English test if you:
- Have a diploma from a recognised European institution where English was part of the final exams
- Have GCSEs and A/AS levels
- Hold a European Baccalaureate Certificate
- Hold an International Baccalaureate Diploma or IB career-related programme taught fully in English
All other applicants need to submit a valid and adequate English language test result.
Application process
Let's take you through the application process step by step so you know what to expect.
Once you know what you want to study, check you meet the admission requirements. If you want more information about the programme, sign up for a webinar.
Studielink is the application and enrolment portal in the Netherlands. You'll need to create an account - everything's explained on the Studielink website.
Even if you just start by uploading your passport, it gets your application moving.
It's a compulsory part of the application process in the Netherlands: a Study Matching Questionnaire that helps you think about why you want to do the degree you've chosen.
If you meet all the requirements, you should get a Letter of Admission, a conditional offer letter that shows you've been accepted as a student at NHL Stenden. It will also map out the next steps you need to take to complete your enrolment. Hooray!
Important deadlines
Top tip: plan ahead so you know you've got everything you need when you need it.
| EU students | Start in September | Start in February |
| Apply from | 1 October | 1 July |
| Application deadline | 15 August | 15 January |
| Non-EU students | ||
| Apply from | 1 October | 1 July |
| Application deadline | 31 May | 31 October |
