AVANS Hogeschool Logo AVANS Hogeschool

Address: AVANS Hogeschool, Hogeschoollaan 1, 4818 CR Breda, The Netherlands

Phone: +31 182 028 000

Email: info@avans.nl

Website: www.avans.nl


Avans University of Applied Sciences has specific language requirements for admission to its programs, particularly for international students applying to English-taught programs. Below are the typical requirements:


1. English Language Proficiency

For English-taught programs, students need to demonstrate proficiency in English by providing results from one of the following standardized tests:

  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0, with no subscore below 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80, with section scores of at least 18 for reading, 20 for listening, 20 for speaking, and 22 for writing.
  • Cambridge English:
    • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Grade C or higher.
    • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C or higher.

2. Dutch Language Proficiency

For programs taught in Dutch, international students may need to demonstrate proficiency in Dutch through one of these:

  • NT2-II Certificate: Dutch as a Second Language, Program II.
  • Equivalent proof of Dutch language proficiency as specified by the program.

3. Exemptions

Students may be exempted from providing proof of English proficiency if:

  • They are from a country where English is the official language and medium of instruction (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
  • They have completed a prior degree where the medium of instruction was English.
  • They have completed secondary education in a country with English as an official language.

4. Preparatory Courses

Avans offers English preparation programs for students who do not meet the minimum requirements. These courses focus on improving language skills to the required level.


Application Tip

It’s essential to check the specific program’s requirements, as some may have higher language proficiency criteria. Always ensure your test scores are valid (most are valid for 2 years from the test date).

Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans Hogeschool) offers a wide range of practice-oriented programs that are designed to meet the demands of various industries. Below are some of the key course specializations offered:


1. Business and Management

  • International Business
    • Focus on global business strategies, cultural understanding, and entrepreneurship.
    • Includes internships and exchange programs with international partners.
  • Finance and Control (International)
    • Combines financial management, control, and business strategy.

2. Engineering and Technology

  • Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET)
    • A globally recognized program addressing sustainable development, renewable energy, and environmental engineering.
  • Industrial Engineering and Management
    • Focus on optimizing production processes, supply chains, and manufacturing systems.
  • Mechatronics
    • Combines mechanical, electronic, and software engineering to develop automated systems.

3. Creative and Media

  • Communication and Multimedia Design
    • Focus on user experience (UX), web design, and multimedia production.
  • Digital Design and Development
    • Combines creative skills with technology to create innovative digital products.

4. Life Sciences and Health

  • Biomedical Laboratory Research
    • Specializes in medical and biological research techniques.
  • Environmental Health Studies
    • Focus on public health and sustainable environmental solutions.

5. Information Technology

  • Computer Science and Information Technology
    • Includes software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
  • Data Science
    • Focus on big data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling.

6. Art and Design (in collaboration with the AKV|St. Joost Academy of Art & Design)

  • Fine Arts
    • Contemporary art practices, exhibitions, and visual storytelling.
  • Illustration and Animation
    • Specializes in visual narratives, motion design, and digital artistry.

7. Social and Health Studies

  • Social Work
    • Prepares students for careers in counseling, community development, and social advocacy.
  • Nursing
    • Combines healthcare theory with clinical practice.

8. Law and Public Administration

  • Legal and Social Studies
    • Focus on Dutch and international legal systems.
  • Public Administration and Governance
    • Prepares students for roles in government and policy-making organizations.

9. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

  • Small Business and Retail Management
    • Focus on business development, innovation, and retail operations.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
    • Develops skills to launch and manage startups or lead innovation in businesses.

Special Features of Avans Courses

  • Practice-Oriented Learning: Programs are aligned with real-world applications, often involving internships, projects, and collaborations with companies.
  • Sustainability Focus: Many programs, particularly ESSET, emphasize sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
  • Internationalization: English-taught programs and global exchange opportunities make Avans attractive for international students.

Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans Hogeschool) does not have a widely publicized list of "top professors" as found at some research-intensive universities. However, Avans is known for its highly experienced and skilled faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, particularly in applied sciences, engineering, business, and sustainability.

Key Highlights About Avans Professors:

  1. Industry Experience: Many professors at Avans are also active professionals in their industries, which helps integrate real-world experience into the curriculum. This is especially true in fields such as business management, engineering, and applied sciences.

  2. Research Expertise: Professors at Avans are involved in applied research focused on practical solutions to contemporary issues, particularly in sustainability, energy, environmental science, and innovation.

  3. International Expertise: The faculty at Avans includes a diverse group of professors from various international backgrounds, contributing to the global perspective in programs like International Business and Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology.

  4. Mentorship and Student Support: Professors are known for their personalized teaching style and close relationships with students, fostering a supportive learning environment. Many faculty members also mentor students in their internships and research projects.

Notable Faculty Areas:

  • Sustainability and Environmental Engineering: Professors in this area are leaders in sustainability research, particularly in energy management, green technologies, and climate change.
  • Business and Innovation: The university is also recognized for its business and management professors who bring innovation into the classroom and collaborate with businesses for practical learning experiences.
  • Engineering and Technology: Professors in Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering are renowned for their contributions to optimizing systems and fostering innovation in manufacturing.

Avans focuses on applied education, so it may not have the same individual recognition as top professors in pure research fields, but it certainly has a cadre of highly skilled educators with significant industry and academic experience.

Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans Hogeschool) has not been awarded a Nobel Prize. While the Nobel Prizes typically go to individuals for exceptional achievements in fields like physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics, universities themselves are not awarded Nobel Prizes.

However, the university is well-regarded for its focus on applied research, particularly in fields like sustainability, engineering, and environmental sciences. Though it may not have Nobel laureates directly associated with it, Avans has a strong reputation for producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to society and industry.

If you're looking for universities known for Nobel-winning research, institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and MIT are often recognized for their contributions to groundbreaking scientific work.

Founded in 2004, the AVANS Hogeschool (AVANS University of Applied  Sciences) is a non-profit public higher  education institution located in the small city of Breda (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North Brabant. This institution also has a branch campus in Tilburg and Den Bosch. Officially recognized by the Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), AVANS Hogeschool is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational Dutch higher education institution. AVANS Hogeschool offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. The acceptance rate range is 100% making this Dutch higher education organization a non-selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. AVANS Hogeschool also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans Hogeschool) is famous for several reasons, reflecting its focus on high-quality education, sustainability, and student-centric learning. Here’s why it stands out:


1. Consistent Rankings as a Top University

  • Avans is repeatedly ranked as one of the best universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands by the Keuzegids HBO (Higher Education Guide).
  • Recognized for offering high-quality education and exceptional student satisfaction rates.

2. Focus on Sustainability

  • Known for its Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET) program, which has received international recognition for its emphasis on tackling global environmental issues.
  • Avans integrates sustainability across its programs and projects, preparing students to address contemporary challenges in energy, waste management, and environmental policies.

3. Practical and Industry-Relevant Education

  • Avans specializes in practice-oriented learning, offering students real-world projects and internships with prominent companies.
  • Close collaboration with industries ensures students are work-ready upon graduation, making them highly employable.

4. International Focus

  • The university offers several English-taught programs tailored for international students, making it a hub for diverse cultural interactions and global perspectives.
  • Exchange programs and partnerships with universities worldwide enhance its global reputation.

5. Strong Alumni Network

  • Avans alumni are well-represented in various industries, particularly in engineering, environmental science, and business sectors, contributing to its strong reputation among employers.

6. Commitment to Innovation

  • Avans emphasizes innovation and creativity, especially in programs like Communication and Multimedia Design, which are designed to meet the demands of the digital era.
  • Encourages entrepreneurial thinking through programs like Small Business and Retail Management.

7. Student-Centric Approach

  • Avans is known for its personalized learning environment, small class sizes, and dedicated student support services.
  • Regularly receives high scores for its student satisfaction rates in Dutch higher education surveys.

8. Strong Research Orientation

  • Although a university of applied sciences, Avans excels in applied research, focusing on solving practical problems in collaboration with industries and local governments.
  • Areas like renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and healthcare innovation are key strengths.

Notable Achievements

  • Recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education for its innovative teaching methods.
  • Highly regarded for its contribution to sustainability and addressing real-world challenges.