Civil Engineering
Are you interested in contributing to the construction of the largest lock project in the world? In determining how high and how strong dikes should be to ensure flooding does not take place? Or would you like to make sure that people and animals can continue to live safely near coasts and rivers despite climate change? If your answer is ‘yes’ to the questions above, the Civil Engineering programme at HZ may be the right choice for you!
Steps to study abroad
About the programme
It is estimated that by 2050, 80% of the world’s population will live in delta areas: regions where rivers meet the sea. These areas face increasing challenges due to climate change. As a civil engineer, you apply your expertise to tackle issues such as coastal safety and urban flooding, contributing to the protection of deltas worldwide. During your studies, you learn everything about designing and constructing large-scale infrastructure and managing major international projects. Examples include the Panama locks in the Panama Canal, the Channel Tunnel connecting the United Kingdom and France, and the iconic Palm Islands in Dubai, a design that could have been yours if you were already a civil engineer! This programme has two starting moments per year: September or February.
Why study Civil Engineering at HZ?
Small classes, lots of attention
Learn in a supportive environment where small class sizes mean more interaction, personal guidance, and closer contact with lecturers and fellow students.
Gain practical experience
From day one, you’ll gain practical experience by working on real civil engineering projects with companies in Zeeland and beyond, applying your knowledge to tackle real-world infrastructure and water challenges
Access to cutting-edge facilities
Study in the brand-new Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), where you use ultramodern labs and work alongside researchers and students from various disciplines, putting you right at the heart of innovation in water science.
Customize your studies with a minor and internship
At HZ, you have the freedom to shape your Civil Engineering studies to fit your interests and career goals. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience during an internship at a civil engineering company, where you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world projects and develop professional skills. To broaden your perspective, you can choose a minor either in the Netherlands or abroad, allowing you to specialise in a topic that excites you or explore a new direction. This combination of practical experience and academic flexibility prepares you for a strong start in the field of civil engineering.
"Since childhood, I’ve always been interested in human development. Civil engineering combines that with technical education, and I love how it impacts both people and infrastructure. That was my main motivation to study this field. The last four years have been amazing in terms of personal growth. One of my highlights was my exchange program in Istanbul. I spent two weeks on the road and then six months in an international environment with students from all over the world. If it weren’t for HZ, I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to travel like that. It was exciting and fun, but also challenging academically—a lot of learning and self-discovery."
Civil Engineering in short
Study at HZ
You explore the world of civil engineering by understanding the different roles and job opportunities in the field. You study existing constructions and systems, you work on real-life assignments, you perform field work, experiments and research. You focus on topics such as construction materials, hydrology, mathematics and mechanics.
Study at HZ
You learn how civil engineering systems are interconnected and how to design infrastructure in complex environments, from inland to coastal areas. You develop skills in designing, building, and maintaining roads, bridges, canals, and coastal defenses, as well as managing construction projects with a focus on engineering, finance, and sustainability.
Minor and internship in NL or abroad
Internship You gain work experience at a civil engineering company (as a contractor). Minor You broaden your knowledge by choosing a programme in NL or abroad to specialise in.
Graduation internship in NL or abroad
In the first semester, you focus on the management of existing structures and infrastructures and you act as an advisor for hydraulics and underground structures. In the same semester, through a project, you develop solutions for coastal challenges by working in cooperation with students from architecture and water management. During the final semester of your study, you carry out a graduation assignment with a Dutch or foreign company of your choice.
Civil Engineering in 3 years
With your pre-university diploma, Dutch VWO or an international equivalent, you can qualify for the three-year track of the Civil Engineering programme. After applying to the Civil Engineering study programme, you can indicate your interest for the 3-year track through the study choice check. After that, your diploma is checked by our student office to see if you’re eligible. Subsequently, a motivation interview is planned with a study coach from the programme. If you want to check if your diploma meets this entry requirement, you contact HZ student administration: csa@hz.nl.
Study in a cutting-edge research environment
Right next to the campus of HZ Middelburg, you find the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), a state-of-the-art research institute where several educational institutions collaborate on real-world challenges. As a student, you have access to ultramodern laboratories equipped with the latest technology and techniques, giving you the chance to work and learn at the forefront of innovation.
Entry requirements
There are three 3 different requirements for your admission: 1. General requirements: Diploma Equal to Dutch HAVO, determined by Nuffic (Organisation for International Education in the Netherlands.) To see if you would be admissible, check the list of foreign diplomas on our website: www.hz.nl/requirements. 2. Specific study programme requirements Depending on your chosen programme, you may need to meet additional requirements. Check www.hz.nl/requirements for additional requirements. 3. Language requirements As an international student you might need to submit an official English language certificate, proving you have a sufficient command of written and spoken English. Your level of English needs to have an equivalent of the IELTS score of 6.0. For exemptions to this language requirement, see www.hz.nl/requirements.
Projects during the programme
Hzensor boat
HBO-ICT, Civil Engineering, Engineering and Maritime Officer students are working on the Hzensor boat: a 2-metre boat that will sail autonomously and unmanned through the province of Zeeland.
Read more about this project
Other study programmes
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Global Project and Change Management
Get the skills to lead sustainable projects tackling complex global challenges. From hands-on experience to developing leadership in diverse, cross-cultural teams, you’ll gain the expertise needed to create meaningful change and shape a sustainable future.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Learn how to use technology, data, management and economy in such a way that you will be able to improve production processes or to make organisations profitable or more sustainable.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is at the heart of today’s connected world. From apps and smart devices to AI and data security, ICT drives innovation across every sector. .
International Business
During this programme, you develop into a business expert with an eye for global challenges and opportunities. You will gain international experience, build a valuable network and spend 2 to 3 semesters abroad for your internship or minor.
Logistics Engineering
Logistics Engineering is the backbone of global trade and everyday deliveries. It’s about making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient, ensuring the right products reach the right place at the right time.
