Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (WUAS) is a private, government-recognised university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, established in 1987 with its main campus in Apeldoorn and additional locations including Amsterdam. The university delivers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, primarily focused on business, management, entrepreneurship, hospitality and related disciplines.

WUAS is known for its strong international orientation — students and staff come from over 100 countries, creating a multicultural learning environment. The institution’s motto, “Better Yourself, Better Our World”, reflects its commitment to personal growth, ethical decision-making, and global responsibility.

The university’s mission is to promote excellence in teaching and learning international business and management, fostering an environment where internationalisation, diversity and ethics are central to applied, research-informed education. Wittenborg engages actively with industry, government and NGOs to enhance the learning experience and support student development.

WUAS programmes are accredited by the Netherlands and Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) and also recognised by international bodies such as FIBAA. The university emphasises an interdisciplinary, practical approach that prepares graduates to become internationally minded, socially responsible professionals and entrepreneurs.

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Ielts

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

  • Minimum IELTS Academic overall score: 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL) for direct entry.

  • If your IELTS is between 5.5 and below 6.0, you may be eligible for a half-year preparation course before starting the programme.

Postgraduate (Master’s & MBA)

  • Minimum IELTS Academic overall score: 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL) for direct admission.

  • Students with IELTS between 6.0 and below 6.5 may be eligible for a Pre-Master’s programme to improve language skills before starting their degree.

 Additional Notes

  • Online IELTS tests are not accepted; you must take the IELTS Academic at an authorised test centre.

  • If you’ve studied previous education fully in English, you may be eligible for exemption from the IELTS requirement (verification needed).

  • Wittenborg also uses an internal English test (WELTS) mirroring IELTS for placement and progress monitoring. 

Offers

Offer Letter / Study Agreement
After submitting your complete application and documents, Wittenborg typically issues the offer letter (study agreement + invoice) within ~2–3 weeks. Once you sign the agreement and pay the required fees, your place is confirmed.

🇳🇱 CAS (for Visa Purpose – Non-EU students)
Although the Netherlands doesn’t use CAS like the UK, after you accept the offer and pay, Wittenborg starts your visa/residence permit process with immigration authorities. This process can roughly take 8–10 weeks alongside document submission and validation. 

Key Facts

 English-taught programmes with a strong international focus and students from 100+ countries.
Business & management-oriented degrees (BBA, MSc/MBM, MBA) with practical, applied learning.
Accredited by Dutch/Flemish agency NVAO and FIBAA, recognised in Europe and beyond.
Flexible study system — multiple intakes and a personalised, student-centred environment.
Values of diversity, ethics & sustainability embedded across programmes. 

Scholarship

Holland Scholarship – €5,000 fee reduction for non-EU/EEA students in bachelor’s or master’s programmes.
Wittenborg MBA Scholarship – €5,000 partial fee waiver for qualified MBA applicants.
Wittenborg Americas Scholarship – €6,000 for students from the Americas.
Tech Women Master Scholarship – €5,000 for female applicants in tech-related master/MBA fields.
Wittenborg Platinum Award & Graduate Fund – €5,000 reduction for high-performing or continuing students.

All must be applied during admission and usually reduce tuition fees directly. 

Admission

Who Can Apply

  • Bachelor’s Programmes: Completed high-school diploma (equivalent to Dutch HAVO/VWO/MBO-4, IB, A-Levels etc.).

  • Master’s Programmes: A recognised bachelor’s degree; some may require work experience (especially MBA).

English Language Requirement

  • Bachelor: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (or equivalent) for most programmes.

  • Master: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (or equivalent) generally required.

Flexible Intakes

  • Wittenborg offers multiple entry dates throughout the year (typically 6 blocks per year).

  • Application deadlines:

    • Non-EU students: apply 6–10 weeks before your chosen start date.

    • EU students: typically apply 2–4 weeks before start.

Application Essentials

Applicants usually need to submit:

  • Academic transcripts & certificate(s)

  • Proof of English proficiency

  • CV and motivation letter

  • Passport copy
    (Additional documents may be requested specific to the programme.)

Other Notes

  • There’s no strict 1 May deadline like many Dutch universities — flexibility is a key feature.

  • Some programmes may include an interview as part of the admission review. 

Accommodation

Wittenborg offers furnished student accommodation near its Apeldoorn campus, including studio apartments, shared rooms, and apartments close (1–5 km) to campus. Basic furniture and internet are typically included.

Initial Housing Guarantee
For new international students, the university guarantees accommodation for the first 9–12 weeks after arrival so students can settle in before finding long-term housing.

Location & Support
Most housing is in Apeldoorn; in Amsterdam options are arranged via partners. Wittenborg’s Housing Team assists students with finding and applying for rooms.

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