Applications opened in Denmark last week and are still open for just under another three weeks.

Increasing numbers of Irish students are now studying in Denmark, attracted by the high standard of the programmes, the quality of life, the free fees and low entry requirements (low, compared to Ireland). Proving particularly attractive are the programmes at the employment-focused University Colleges (equivalent to the Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences). The following programmes are proving popular:


Above: VIA University College

Copenhagen School of Design & Technology [KEA]
BA Design & Business
BSc of Architectural Technology & Construction Management
BSc Web Development
University College Absalon
BEd Teacher Education
BEng Biotechnology
University College of Northern Denmark
Bachelor of Sport Management
Bachelor of Export and Technology Management
Bachelor of Sales and Marketing
Bachelor in Software Development
VIA University College
BA Design & Business
B Eng Civil Engineering
BSc Architectural Technology & Construction Management
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor Global Nutrition & Health
BA in Character Animation
BA Computer Graphic Arts
BA Design & Business: Fashion Design

Note that a few programmes have competitive entry, but most only look for six passes at Leaving Certificate.inc 2 x H5.Those with a QQI Level 6 or HND can apply for 1.5 year ‘Top-up degrees’.

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information

If you want to be a primary school teacher, you might consider enrolling In the B.Ed. International Teacher Education programme, taught through English, in NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

With the demand for primary teachers at international schools worldwide currently high. It is a superb opportunity to be trained to teach at international schools throughout the world. The programme contains a high level of practical teacher training and n your second and third year, you choose two specialised subjects, attending classes either at NHL Stenden’ s campus in the Netherlands or at one of their partner colleges in Denmark or Norway. Specialised subjects include: Art & Culture; Inclusive Education; Religion & Intercultural Understanding; History & Geography; Science & Technology and Physical Education & Health

In the context of the current teacher shortage in Ireland, and the increasing availability of English-taught programmes in mainland Europe, it is no surprise that the International Teacher programme (ITEPS) at Stenden University of Applied Sciences is gathering a lot of interest from Irish students at the moment. Two of the Irish students currently on the programme share their experience: 

“If your dream is to be an international teacher, studying ITEPS at Stenden will help you realise that dream. A huge bonus of the programme is the many teaching practice periods you will undertake, with the opportunity to travel all over the world. I would recommend studying ITEPS to anyone who has the same dream as me.” (Brian)

“Undoubtedly studying on this programme has been an incredible experience. The staff and  the lecturers have been extremely welcoming and supportive. One aspect of the  course   which I have found quite intriguing, and most welcome, is the power shift between    students and lecturers. The lecturers don’t view themselves as an unquestionable authority. (Jon)”

Above; the town of Meppel, home of ITEPS

Application for this programme for entry this year are still being accepted until 15th August. Entry requirements are only six passes at Leaving Cert, two at H4 (they wont look at your points!) Fees and cost of living is lower than Ireland. So, give it a go!

Should you prefer to teach in Ireland, rather than travel the world, you should note that. in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, people who qualified as teachers in one EU member state, are entitled to have their qualifications recognised in all other member states. This recognition may be granted subject to conditions, including making good any shortfalls. The Teaching Council is the competent authority in Ireland for assessing applications from people who qualified as teachers in other EU/EEA countries, and they require students to complete an Irish language programme. To qualify to teach in Ireland.

If you prefer teaching at international secondary schools, Stenden also offers International Teacher Education for Secondary Schools (ITESS) programme that prepares you for an adventurous career in the rapidly growing world of international secondary schools.

Applications Still Open For Many Programmes at Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences

Many of the degree programmes are still open for applications (for 2018) at the Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences. A selection of the programmes still accepting applications is listed below. (contact us if your preferred programme or university isn’t shown). The application deadline is in brackets after the name of the university.

Aeronautical Engineering
InHolland UAS (1st August)
Automotive Engineering
HAN UAS (15^th August)
Business
Most UAS have an International Business programme
(Contact us for suggestions)
Chemistry
HZ UAS (15^th August)
Civil Engineering
HZ UAS (15^th August)
Communication
Fontys UAS (15^th August)
HAN UAS (15^th August)
Hanze UAS (15^th August)
Creative Business, Media Management
InHolland UAS (1st August)
Stenden UAS (15th August)
Electrical Engineering
Fontys UAS (15th August)
HAN UAS (15th August)
Hanze UAS (15^th August)
Environmental Sciences
Avans UAS (1^st August)
European Studies
Hague UAS (1st July)
Fashion
Saxion UAS (1^st July)
Game Design
Hanze UAS (15^th August)
Saxion UAS (1st July)
Global Change Management
Windesheim UAS (15^th June)
Hotel Management
Saxion UAS (1^st July)
Stenden UAS (15th August)
Information Technology
InHolland UAS (1st August)
Stenden UAS (15^th August)
Industrial Engineering
Avans UA (1^st August)
Fontys UAS (15^th August)
International Finance
Avans UAS (1^st August)
International Law
Hague UAS (1st July)
Leisure Studies
Breda UAS (31^st August)
Marketing
Hanze UAS (15^th August)
Fontys UAS (15th August)
Mechatronics
Fontys UAS (15^th August)
Mechanical Engineering
Hanze UAS (15^th August)
Fontys UAS (15^th August)
Media & Entertainment Management
Fontys UAS (15th August)
Music Management
InHolland UAS (1^st August)
Sports Management
Hague UAS (July 1st)
Teaching
Stenden UAS (15^th August)
Tourism
Breda UAS (31^st August)
User Experience Design
Hague UAS (1st July)

At most Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences, you have a Right To An Education provided you meet their minimum entry requirements (In Ireland, that is six passes at Leaving Cert, inc 2 x H4 and, in the UK, that is 2 A-Levels and 4 GCSEs) These universities suit some students more than the more traditional research universities. Though, of course, there is an academic component, the UAS tend to much more hands-on and practical, with a clear employment focus. 

Contact us now so that we can assist you with programme choice, ensure that you apply correctly and can assist you in a range of areas, such as student finance and accommodation.

Applications For (A Lot of) Programmes in Dutch Research Universities Close on 1st May

Though some programmes (taught through English} in Dutch Research Universities have already closed, there is still a large selection of programmes in these universities that are still open for applications.

Additionally, you can apply to many (but not all) of the programmes in Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences into July, and sometimes even later. See a later article, coming soon, to check out some selections in this less academic sector.

A selection of the programmes where applications close on 1st May, or later, include those below. There are other programmes that are not listed below that are still accepting applications. Contact EUNiCAS if you want to explore alternatives:

Psychology
U. Groningen
U. Leiden
U. Tilburg
U. Twente
VU Amsterdam

Business
U. Amsterdam
U. Groningen
U. Twente 1st July
Radboud U 1st July

Physiotherapy
Fontys UAS

Law
U. Groningen
U. Maastricht 31st July
U. Tilburg

International Relations/Studies
U. Leiden
U. Maastricht (European Studies) 1st July
U. Radboud
U. Tilburg (Global Management of Social Issues)

History
Erasmus U
U. Groningen
U. Leiden (Archaeology)
U. Utrecht
VU Amsterdam (History & International Relations)

Science
TU Eindhoven (Applied Physics)
TU Eindhoven (Innovation Sciences)
U.Groningen (Maths)
U Groningen (Physics)
U. Maastricht (Nutrition)
U. Maastricht (Science)
U. Radboud (Chemistry) 1st July
U. Radboud (Molecular Life Sciences) 1st July
U. Wageningen (Animal Science)
U. Wageningen (Environmental Science)
U. Wageningen (Food Technology)
VU Amsterdam (Maths)

Computer Science
U. Groningen
U. Radboud 1st July
U. Twente 1st July
VU Amsterdam

English Language/Literature
U. Groningen
U. Radboud 1st July
VU Amsterdam

Engineering
TU Eindhoven (Electrical)
TU Eindhoven (Architecture & Building Sciences)
U. Groningen (Chemical)
U. Twente (Advanced Technology) 1st July
U. Twente (Mechanical) 1st July
U. Twente (Civil) 1st July

Data Science
U. Maastricht 31st July
U, Tilburg

Communication/Media
Radboud U 1st July
U. Amsterdam
U. Groningen (Media Studies)
U. Twente 1st July
U. Utrecht (Media & Culture)

Arts & Culture
Erasmus U.
U. Groningen 
U. Leiden (Arts, Media & Society)
U. Maastricht Ist July
U. Radboud 1st July

Philosophy
U. Leiden
VU Amsterdam (Philosophy, Politics & Economics)

Sociology
U. Amsterdam
U. Tilburg

Remember, that you need to have uploaded your documents by 1st May
(or by the later application deadline given above, if relevant)

What's it Really Like Being an Irish Student in the Netherlands?

Sure, EUNICAS is going to tell you how fabulous the education is in the Netherlands. The universities will tell you that too, and how amazing is student life is there! (We challenge you not to enjoy living as a student in the Netherlands!) But the real experts are the Irish students who are studying there already (and there are over 1000 of you already there).

Currently, the university with the most Irish students is University of Groningen. Talk to Irish students there at the U. Groningen Open Day this week (14th April) or log on to the Webinar for Irish students See other Groningen webinars here

The fabulous city of Groningen

Of course, should you be interested in the employment-focused Universities of Applied Sciences, you can meet some Irish students studying in these universities in the Dutch Employment Gateway events in Cork (11th April) https://dutchuniscork18.eventbrite.ie and Dublin (12th April) https://dutchunisdublin18.eventbrite.ie

Find out what Irish students really think!!