Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Profile narrative

Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen, commonly known as HAN University of Applied Sciences, is a public higher education institution in the Netherlands that provides practice‑oriented bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The university offers studies in fields such as health care, engineering, business administration, social work, information technology, and education. Its educational model combines classroom instruction with project‑based learning and internships that are closely linked to regional industries and professional practices. HAN delivers its programmes primarily in Dutch, although a growing number of courses and tracks are offered in English to attract international students. The institution emphasizes applied research that addresses real‑world challenges faced by businesses, healthcare providers, and public organisations in the Gelderland region. Through its curriculum, HAN aims to equip graduates with the competencies needed for immediate entry into the labour market or for further academic study. The university also provides continuing education and professional development courses for practitioners seeking to update their skills.

HAN operates from two main campuses located in the cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen, each hosting several faculties and support services. While exact enrollment figures are not cited in the supplied sources, the institution is known to serve a substantial student population that numbers in the tens of thousands, supported by a staff body of several thousand academic and administrative employees. A distinguishing attribute of HAN is its strong focus on collaboration with local employers, professional associations, and governmental bodies, which informs programme development and facilitates work‑placement opportunities for students. The university also maintains applied research centres that work on topics such as sustainable technology, healthcare innovation, and digital transformation, contributing to regional economic development. Structurally, HAN is a publicly funded institution under the Dutch higher education system and does not report a parent company or subsidiary structure in the available information. The institution’s commitment to practical education was highlighted in 2021 when a data breach involving the pseudonym 'masterballz' exposed personal data of students and employees after the university refused to meet a ransom demand, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the sector.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.