Keuzegids hbo 2025: Overall score rises again and record number of top programmes

For the fourth year in a row, NHL Stenden ranks fourth among the best large universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. So says the ‘Keuzegids hbo 2025’, published on Thursday. The icing on the cake: 29 NHL Stenden study programmes have been rated as top programmes, a record number.
As in the past three years, NHL Stenden ranks fourth in the latest Keuzegids edition. With this, our university of applied sciences is performing consistently: for the seventh year in a row, NHL Stenden is present in the national top four of the best large universities of applied sciences. Moreover, NHL Stenden's overall overall score rises again (by two full points to 63.5). Keuzegids assesses student satisfaction, study success and job opportunities.
29 top programmes
Besides announcing a ranking, Keuzegids also designates top programmes. These are courses whose high scores rank them among the best in the Netherlands. No fewer than 29 NHL Stenden courses are listed as top programmes in the Keuzegids hbo 2025. These top programmes are located at multiple locations of NHL Stenden in multiple fields of interest and subject areas.
Emmen
Groningen
Leeuwarden
- Bestuurskunde / Overheidsmanagement
- Biologie en Medisch Laboratoriumonderzoek (with Van Hall Larenstein)
- Biotechnologie (with Van Hall Larenstein)
- Chemie (with Van Hall Larenstein)
- Chemische Technologie (with Van Hall Larenstein)
- Civiele Techniek
- Docent Beeldende Kunst en Vormgeving
- Docent Theater
- Elektrotechniek
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Leraar Aardrijkskunde
- Leraar Biologie
- Leraar Economie
- Leraar Frans
- Leraar Natuurkunde
- Leraar Wiskunde
- Ad Maritieme Techniek
- Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling
- Technische Bedrijfskunde
- Toegepaste Wiskunde
- Vaktherapie
Meppel
Terschelling
Of NHL Stenden's 29 top programmes, 17 were also allowed to call themselves top programmes last year. The top programmes are found in different sectors: from health and welfare to engineering and from maritime to education.
Third place in AD-ranking
Keuzegids even puts NHL Stenden in third place when it comes to associate degrees (AD). An AD is a two-year, practice-oriented higher education programme with a legally recognised higher education diploma. Of our 29 top programmes, three are ADs. The ADs Leisure & Events Management, Logistics and Economics (both in Emmen) and Maritime Engineering in Leeuwarden carry this quality seal from now on.
Marc Otto, member of the Executive Board of NHL Stenden: ‘29 top study programmes: that is fantastic. An achievement we are all extremely proud of. And already being in the top four for so many years shows that we structurally belong to the best large universities of applied sciences in the country. It is a confirmation that we are doing well and, at the same time, it gives us the motivation to keep working for our students every day.’
Keuzegids
Every year, Keuzegids maps the courses on offer for all directions. NHL Stenden's bachelors and Associate Degrees can be found in the Keuzegids hbo 2025. The Keuzegids bases its research on several sources: the National Student Survey (NSS) - completed by almost 300,000 students, study success and job market opportunities.