Groningen is considered one of the best cities in the Netherlands for studying. At Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you can expect a practice-oriented education on a state-of-the-art campus. Do you want to make a difference with your university degree? Then Hanze is the right place for you to study abroad. On our website, you will find all the important information about the university, the city, and more – and learn how your dream of studying at Hanze University of Applied Sciences can become a reality. Who knows – maybe you will soon be cycling through Groningen's lively streets and letting yourself be infected by Dutch serenity?
The Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, or “Hanze” for short, was founded in 1986 through the merger of various regional educational institutions. Since one of these institutions has been in existence since 1798, the Hanze University of Applied Sciences is considered the oldest university of applied sciences in the Netherlands.
At Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you can expect a wide range of bachelor's and master's programs in a variety of fields. From health studies, education, and engineering to art, music, and sports to business, communication, and law, all disciplines are represented. Hanze University of Applied Sciences is the only large higher education institution in the Netherlands with both an art academy and a music conservatory – and in 1988 it was the first university of applied sciences to found the International Business School (IBS) Groningen. The IBS has the renowned AACSB accreditation and trains business professionals with a global mindset.
As a university of applied sciences, studying at Hanze is very practical and career-oriented. From day one, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have acquired in lectures to tasks and practical projects. Learning by doing is the underlying learning concept – naturally always accompanied by the necessary theoretical input. Thanks to integrated internships, you will have professional experience by the end of your studies at Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Exciting career opportunities are now waiting for you!
“Share your talent. Move the world” is the motto of Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. Here, you are the focus as an individual, without leaving the community behind. In the programs, in the interdisciplinary Honors College, or in Start-up City, you can freely develop yourself and your talents in a way that benefits the common good. If you want to leave not only a degree but also a lasting impact at the end of your studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences is the right place for you!
Most of the faculties, laboratories, and facilities of Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen are located on and around the Zernike Campus in the north of the city. This campus is a large university campus that also houses the University of Groningen (RUG). However, some Hanze buildings are scattered throughout the city.
In addition to teaching and learning rooms with first-class modern equipment, the campus also has a supermarket, several cafés, and numerous sports facilities such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. You can enjoy healthy and nutritious meals for your everyday student life in the various canteens. The modern infrastructure and short distances between facilities create an inspiring environment for learning and networking on campus.
Some institutes of Hanze University of Applied Sciences are not located in Groningen itself. For example, the Hanze Institute of Technology is located in Assen, 30 km south of Groningen. The Academy for Pop Culture, which belongs to the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Pop Culture (Minerva Academy), is located in Leeuwarden in the northwest of the Netherlands. Finally, the Lucia Marthas Dance Academy is located in Amsterdam.
Groningen is considered one of the best cities to study in the Netherlands – international, young, and full of energy. Around a quarter of its residents are students, giving the city an open, dynamic vibe and making it one of the youngest cities in the country. In 2024, Groningen was also named the happiest city in the Netherlands – no wonder, given that it combines historic canals, green parks, modern architecture, and Dutch serenity. Daily life takes place in the bustling streets with cozy cafes, small boutiques, and lively bars around the Grote Markt, while numerous festivals, concerts, and sporting events provide variety. Distances in Groningen are short, and you can get anywhere in a few minutes by bike – typically Dutch and particularly practical for your everyday student life between campus, city life, and leisure activities.
As in many popular student cities, however, finding accommodation in Groningen is a challenge. Demand for housing is high, especially at the beginning of the semester. But with early planning and a little flexibility, it is usually possible to find suitable accommodation. There are several student residences in Groningen, both in the city and on campus. Some of them, such as Proxima, are designed as temporary housing projects to curb demand and are explicitly aimed at international students. In addition to dormitories and student houses, shared apartments are one of the most popular forms of accommodation – with costs between €300 and €650 per month, they are usually cheaper than private apartments and make it particularly easy to settle into the city.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine studying in Munich with a stay at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen (International Business School) – all within one program! You can complete your semester abroad at the International Business School as part of a bachelor's degree in International Business at MBS. Find out more about our study program now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
The bachelor's degree in International Business at Munich Business School has piqued your interest? Then you can easily apply via the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. If you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will be invited to a selection interview. It is best to apply early to secure your best chances of studying at both Munich Business School and Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the bachelor's program in International Business, your studies in Munich will begin. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you will acquire important business fundamentals, choose your majors and electives based on your interests, and work on exciting projects together with your fellow students.
The first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. When you study abroad at Hanze depends on when you started your studies. If you began your bachelor's degree at Munich Business School in the fall, your semester abroad will take place in the fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor's degree in February, you will not go abroad until the sixth semester.
The International Center at MBS is available to assist you in planning your semester abroad at Hanze University of Applied Sciences and will answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Once you have successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you are finally ready to go. Yay, your semester abroad in Groningen is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Groningen will stay with you forever and you will return a new person.
After your semester abroad, you will return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor's degree after one to three additional semesters (depending on when you started your studies).
To qualify for a business degree at Munich Business School and thus also at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. It is advisable to apply early, as the number of places is limited.
Studying at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen is a dream for many young adults – and with good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in the Netherlands is a big step that needs to be well planned and financed. To help you with the organization, this FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about studying at Hanze.
There are two major universities in Groningen: the University of Groningen (RUG) and Hanze University of Applied Sciences.
The University of Groningen was founded in 1614 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. It has a strong research focus and is internationally renowned, particularly in the fields of economics, natural sciences, medicine, and social sciences. Hanze University of Applied Sciences is characterized by its practical orientation and works closely with companies and organizations. Its career-oriented programs in areas such as business, technology, art, music, and nursing enjoy a particularly good reputation.
Both universities are recognized and respected – one more academically, the other more practically oriented. Together, they make Groningen a popular student city.
The amount of tuition fees you will have to pay when studying in the Netherlands, Groningen, depends on the university, your specific degree program, and your nationality.
At Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, tuition fees for all students who are studying in the Netherlands for the first time in the 2025/2026 academic year and who come from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Suriname are €2,601 per year. Students from other countries pay between €9,000 and €10,500 per year, depending on their degree program. Good news: if you combine your studies at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen with a degree at Munich Business School, there are no additional fees for your semester abroad as an exchange student in Groningen!
Yes, absolutely – Groningen is considered one of the most livable and student-friendly cities in the Netherlands. Around a quarter of the population are students, giving the city a young, international, and lively atmosphere. The city center is compact, bicycle-friendly, and full of cozy cafés, clubs, and cultural attractions. There is an open, international atmosphere, and English is widely spoken. Another advantage of Groningen is the cost of living, which is considerably lower than in cities such as Amsterdam or Utrecht.
In short, Groningen is small enough to quickly feel at home, but large enough to never get bored.
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