Saxion University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, fake Hogeschool Saxion Degree, situated in the eastern part of the country with three campuses in the cities of Enschede, Deventer, and Apeldoorn. The university currently serves more than 25,000 students, including approximately 2,500 international students from over 80 countries, giving the institution a distinctly international atmosphere. Its roots trace back to two higher education institutions founded in 1875, which merged in 1998 to form today’s Saxion — giving the university more than a century of educational heritage.
As a representative institution of the Dutch HBO system (universities of applied sciences), Saxion’s core educational philosophy is „practice orientation,“ with curricula designed in close alignment with industry needs. The university offers more than 60 bachelor’s programmes taught in English or Dutch, as well as master’s degrees, associate degrees, and professional development courses across fields including engineering and technology, creative technology, business management, hospitality and tourism, health and care, and fashion and textiles. Students learn in small international classrooms, gaining hands-on experience through real-world company projects, internships, and industry collaboration. Saxion graduates are widely recognized for being career-ready and highly adaptable, with employment rates consistently ranking among the best of Dutch universities of applied sciences.
Saxion places strong emphasis on applied research, operating multiple research centres deeply connected with regional industries, with notable achievements in robotics, sustainable energy, smart health, and entrepreneurship and innovation. In the authoritative Dutch higher education guide Keuzegids HBO 2027, the university maintained a stable overall score with a slight increase, and seven of its programmes were awarded the „top-rated programme“ quality seal.
In terms of international cooperation, Saxion maintains exchange and joint-training partnerships with universities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, allowing students to study abroad at partner institutions. For Chinese students planning to study in the Netherlands, Saxion offers a compelling choice for applied education in Europe, thanks to its relatively affordable tuition, comprehensive student support services, and strong employment orientation — making it particularly suitable for undergraduates seeking solid professional skills and rich international experience.
