Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen, commonly known as HAN University of Applied Sciences, is a Dutch institution that provides higher education focused on professional practice. It offers a broad portfolio of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes across disciplines such as health care, education, social work, engineering, business, information and communication technology, and the arts. The university designs its curricula to combine theoretical knowledge with hands‑on experience, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the labour market or for further specialised study. In addition to regular degree programmes, HAN delivers post‑initial training, short courses and customised training for professionals seeking to update their competencies. Its primary market consists of Dutch students seeking vocationally oriented education, while it also welcomes international learners through exchange programmes and English‑taught tracks.

The university operates from two main campuses located in the cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen, situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. These campuses host lecture halls, laboratories, simulation centres and student facilities that support the applied nature of the education provided. HAN attracts a substantial student population from the surrounding region as well as from other provinces and abroad, contributing to a diverse academic community. The institution employs a sizable body of academic and support staff who are involved in teaching, applied research and service activities. Its regional footprint is reinforced by close ties with local businesses, healthcare organisations, schools and governmental bodies, which collaborate on curriculum development, internships and project‑based learning.

A distinguishing characteristic of HAN University of Applied Sciences is its strong emphasis on practice‑oriented learning and applied research. Programmes are routinely developed in consultation with professional fields to ensure that the knowledge and skills taught align with current industry demands. The university maintains expertise centres and research groups that conduct projects aimed at solving practical problems in sectors such as health technology, sustainable engineering and social innovation. This focus on applicability is complemented by a commitment to lifelong learning, offering pathways for professionals to acquire new qualifications or deepen existing ones. HAN’s positioning within the Dutch higher education landscape reflects its role as a provider of vocationally accredited degrees that are recognised both nationally and internationally.

Structurally, HAN University of Applied Sciences is a publicly funded institution that operates under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. It is governed by an executive board and a supervisory board, with academic affairs overseen by deans of the various faculties. The university does not have a parent company or subsidiary structure; it stands as an independent entity within the Netherlands’ system of higher education. Its funding model combines government grants, tuition fees and income from contract research and training activities. This governance and funding framework enables HAN to maintain its mandate of delivering high‑quality, practice‑based education while contributing to regional economic and social development.