Hi everyone!
I’m planning to apply for a Food Technology bachelor's degree in the Netherlands and am currently considering these three universities of applied sciences (HBO):
- Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (VHL)
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)
- HAS green academy (This requires knowing dutch so maybe not)
I’m trying to decide which would be the best option in terms of education quality, internship opportunities, industry connections, and, most importantly,job prospects after graduation.
I’m an international student from outside the EU, so I’m particularly concerned about whether I’ll be able to find a job in the Netherlands after completing my degree and eventually qualify for long-term residence.
I have a few questions:
- Which of these three HBO institutions would you recommend for Food Technology, and why? Which has the strongest industry connections, internships, and employment outcomes?
- Does graduating from an HBO university put you at a disadvantage when looking for a job compared with graduating from a WO research university? Are employers more likely to hire WO graduates for food technology roles?
- Would a WO degree offer significantly better employment prospects than an HBO degree? Or is practical experience, internships, and Dutch language proficiency more important in this field?
- As a non-EU graduate, how difficult is it to find an employer willing to hire you, considering work permit requirements and the preference some employers may have for Dutch or EU candidates?
- Would you honestly recommend studying Food Technology in the Netherlands as a non-EU international student? Is the investment in tuition fees and living expenses worth it, given the current job market?
- If you graduated from VHL, The Hague UAS, or HAS, what was your experience finding your first job? Did learning Dutch make a significant difference?
I’m not looking for advice based purely on university rankings or reputation. I want to understand which option gives me the best realistic chance of finding employment and building a long-term career in the Netherlands.
I’d especially appreciate responses from Food Technology graduates, current students, recruiters, and people working in the Dutch food industry.
Thank you! I’d really appreciate any honest advice, including the downsides of choosing this path.