In the newly released Keuzegids hbo 2025 higher education guide, Avans University of Applied Sciences once again ranks first among the large universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, marking its tenth consecutive year at the top. 23 Avans programmes have been awarded 'top programme' status.
Starting this year, all new students at Avans will be offered a more flexible study pathway that is better tailored to their individual learning needs. There is also a growing emphasis on collaboration with professional practice, as well as an increased focus on student welfare and study counselling. Avans has made significant investments in these developments in recent years, guided by its Ambitie 2025 ambition statement, all whilst ensuring uninterrupted educational delivery. This has been a demanding year for our staff, which makes the consistently high ratings from students and alumni all the more rewarding.
Compliment and inspiration
Board Chair Marjan Hammersma reflects, "Since I joined Avans in September, I've witnessed the strong commitment to making Avans a place where students feel at home and receive an inspiring, high-quality education. Being recognised by our students for the tenth consecutive year is a huge compliment that inspires us to continue progressing, together with our students, and all those connected with Avans, in the years to come."
"The government’s budget cuts make it harder for students. In particular, the penalty for extended study periods undermines broad accessibility and equal opportunities in education. Values that we at Avans are strongly committed to. We take pride in what we, along with higher professional education in the Netherlands, have accomplished over recent years. Therefore, from within higher education, we strongly oppose these measures. For the future of our students and for the future of the Netherlands. Higher professional education trains the skilled professionals who are urgently needed, and practice-based research plays a vital role in this."
Relevant to future careers
Overall, students particularly value the open and inclusive atmosphere of the programmes, the study counselling offered, and the expertise of the teaching staff. Over the past year, students have also reported a more positive experience with the academic workload. Avans offers them stimulating educational programmes that are relevant to their future careers. These opinions are echoed by alumni.
According to the Keuzegids hbo, "Avans particularly excels in the fields of Society and Behaviour, Science and Information Technology, and Health. For instance, its Bachelor of Nursing programme is regarded as one of the best in the country. Study programmes in other fields also received high ratings, such as Industrial Engineering & Management in Breda and Den Bosch and the Cabaret programme. Avans was awarded top programme status for 18 of its bachelor's degree programmes."
Top programmes
Avans' top-rated programmes received high scores based on the Keuzegids' criteria, recognising them as some of the best higher education programmes in the Netherlands. They include nine programmes in Breda, eleven in 's-Hertogenbosch, and three in Roosendaal.
In Breda, the following bachelor's degree programmes were awarded the quality seal: Biology and Medical Laboratory Research; Business Information Technology; Chemistry; Chemical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Human Resource Management; Industrial Engineering & Management; Nursing and Physiotherapy.
In Den Bosch, the following bachelor's degree programmes were awarded the quality seal: Cabaret; Chemistry; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Information Technology; Nursing; Social Work; Industrial Engineering & Management; Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. The Associate degree programmes in Communication and Human Resource Management were also awarded the quality seal.
In Roosendaal*, three Associate degree programmes were awarded the quality mark: Engineering, Management, and Built Environment.
*These programmes are offered at the Associate degrees Academy, a collaboration between Avans and HZ University of Applied Sciences.
Independent guide
The Keuzegids hbo 2025 is an independent higher education guide that evaluates and compares the quality of all university of applied sciences programmes in the Netherlands. The guide provides prospective students with relevant information to help them make well-informed decisions.