Engineering
Are you a curious problem-solver with a passion for technology? As an engineer, you design, develop, and create smart solutions for the major challenges of today and tomorrow. Whether it’s sustainable energy, care robots, solar-powered boats, or machines that remove plastic from the oceans: engineers make a real difference.
Steps to study abroad
About the programme
As an engineer, you become a versatile professional who analyses and solves technical problems. During the programme, you learn to combine technology, sustainability and creativity to design innovative products, systems and processes that work – and that matter.
During the programme you discover how to:
- tackle technical challenges using smart, hands-on methods
- design and improve products and processes that are efficient and sustainable
- upgrade existing technology and make it future-proof
- understand how complex systems function and interact
- use engineering to make the world cleaner, smarter and more sustainable
- create innovative machines and products that have real-world impact
From day one, you work on practical assignments ,often in teams, for real companies. After a solid theoretical introduction, you put your knowledge into practice. You learn how to work independently and in a structured way, how to research a problem, develop a plan of action, and communicate your ideas effectively with clients and fellow students.
Why study 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, internship and study track
At HZ, you have plenty of opportunities to tailor your Engineering degree to your interests. You can choose a minor that aligns with your specialisation or explore a different area within the field, either in the Netherlands or abroad. You will also complete an internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad, with an organisation in your field. You are free to choose where you want to do this.
A programme that makes you stand out
‘The general Engineering course was an excellent choice for me, as it provided the opportunity to explore various fields, gain hands-on experience, and discover which area aligns best with my interests. In my first-year project, we developed a trash sorting system for a floating boat designed to collect and sort waste in rivers while identifying and safely returning wildlife. The prototype used sensors to sort coloured plastic balls, and we had to apply skills in coding, Arduino wiring, and design. It’s truly amazing how much I’ve learned from these practical projects. This hands-on approach to learning gives me confidence that it will help me stand out and better prepare me for my future career. ’
Lenita, student Engineering from South Africa
Engineering in short
Study at HZ
You are introduced to broad technical basic skills. In practice, you carry out assignments that come close to the professional field. This helps you find out which study track suits you best.
Study at HZ and study track
You choose a field of study: the technical track (Energy Transition Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering) or the creative track (Commercial Engineering and Product Engineering). In the technical track, you focus on the underlying technologies and you further develop your beta knowledge. If you choose the creative track, you mainly focus on realising solutions for people and society with the help of technological developments.
Minor and internship
You choose your minor. A minor enables you to deepen or broaden your knowledge and skills. You can do this at the HZ or at another university of applied sciences in NL or abroad. The HZ offers various minors that complement the Engineering programme, such as Offshore Renewable Energy Mechatronic, Energy Transition and Product Design.
Graduation internship in the Netherlands or abroad
In the final year, you choose one of the study tracks listed below. In the first semester, you have classes and projects. You spend the second semester at a company, working on your graduation research.
Study tracks
In the first year, you explore the wide world of technology. After this year you choose between a technical or a creative track, followed by choosing a study track that suits you in your final year.
- Mechatronic Engineering Every company with technical installations has to deal with mechatronics. This is where the knowledge of electrical, mechanical and software engineering come together.
- Energy and Process Engineering You focus completely on sustainable forms of energy, such as solar and wind energy.
- Product Engineering You learn how to design a product using, for example, biological materials.
- Commercial Engineering You focus on the business market (B2B) and the consumer market (B2C).
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.
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
Improve an existing product for healthcare
Engineering with heart: how students are Using tech to support elderly people with dementia
Read more about this project
Other study programmes
Chemistry
You research the composition of substances and products and can analyse them down to the last molecule. From wastewater to medicines and plastics.
Civil Engineering
Help shape the future by building the world’s largest lock or designing dikes to withstand flooding, ensuring safe living for people and animals along coasts and rivers.
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.
