Avans University of Applied Sciences ranks second among the large universities of applied sciences in the newly published Keuzegids hbo 2026. For 17 years in a row, Avans has been among the 3 highest-rated large universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. 20 Avans programmes have been awarded the distinction of ‘Top Programme’. We congratulate Zuyd University of Applied Sciences on achieving first place and Windesheim on their third place.
Avans students particularly value the open atmosphere, inclusivity, academic guidance, and the expertise of their lecturers. More often than before, the experienced study workload is assessed as ‘just right’. For them, Avans offers challenging education that is relevant to their future. Alumni agree.
Response from the executive board
Marjan Hammersma, Chair of the Executive Board: “The fact that we have been in the top three since 2009 is a huge compliment to everyone who is committed every day to our students. This recognition is an incentive to continue working together with our students, staff, and partners on high-quality and socially relevant education.”
“Especially now, in the run-up to the elections, it is important to underline how essential universities of applied sciences are for the future of our country. Investing in practice-based research, lifelong learning, and the training of skilled professionals is crucial. We hope that policymakers will also acknowledge this value and choose a stable and future-proof funding model for higher professional education.”
High scores
Keuzegids hbo: “Avans scores the highest in the subject areas of Health and Science & ICT.” In total, Avans has 20 programmes that received the ‘Top Programme’ quality seal, including the associate degrees (Ad) offered in collaboration with HZ. In Breda there are 6, in Den Bosch 9, in Tilburg 2 and in Roosendaal 3. This makes them among the very best programmes in the Netherlands.
Top Programmes
In Breda, the following programmes received the quality seal: Business IT & Management, Chemical Engineering, Communication (Ad part-time), Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Industrial Engineering & Management.
In Den Bosch: Cabaret, Built Environment (Ad), Electrical Engineering, Engineering (Ad), Nursing, Human Resource Management, Management (Ad), Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
In Tilburg: Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering & Management (part-time). And in Roosendaal: Engineering (Ad), and Built Environment and Management, both Ad’s in collaboration with HZ.
Independent guide
The Keuzegids hbo 2026 is an independent guide that assesses and compares the quality of all universities of applied sciences programmes in the Netherlands. Its aim is to provide prospective students with relevant information to help them make well-informed choices.
A full overview of the results is available on the Keuzegids website.