Keuzegids 2026: HAN counts 10 top-rated programs
Ten top-rated degree programs, 14 programs with 4 stars, and a stable position in the national ranking among major universities of applied sciences. These are the highlights from the 2026 Keuzegids hbo program guide for HAN.
The new quality ratings, published today in the Keuzegids hbo 2026, cover our bachelor and associate degree programs in full-time, part-time and work-study formats. The results are based on the National Student Survey (NSS) as well as national figures on study success, enrollment and labor market data for the different degree programs.
Stable performance
The 10 top programs – one more than last year – each scoring above 75 points. In the ranking of associate degree programs, HAN holds a mid-range position with 3 stars. And in the overall ranking of all major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, we remain steady in 7th place with 3 stars.
These are HAN's 10 top programs:
The top-10 programs are all Dutch-taught.
| Name | Program type | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education in Health and Welfare | part-time | 96 | Nijmegen |
| Teacher Education in French | full-time & part-time | 87 | Nijmegen |
| Learning and Development in Organisations | full-time & part-time | 87 | Nijmegen |
| Teacher Education in Economics | full-time & part-time | 81 | Nijmegen |
| Expert by Experience in Health and Welfare | part-time associate degree | 80 | Nijmegen |
| Teacher Education in Geography | full-time | 77 | Nijmegen |
| Pedagogical Educational Professional | part-time associate degree | 77 | Nijmegen |
| Civil Engineering | full-time & part-time | 76 | Arnhem |
| Teacher Education in Mathematics | full-time & part-time | 76 | Nijmegen |
| Dental Hygiene | full-time | 75 | Nijmegen |
Newcomers
Three programs achieved top program status for the first time this year:
• Expert by Experience in Health and Welfare – associate degree (part-time)
• Pedagogical Educational Professional – associate degree (part-time)
• Teacher Education in Mathematics – bachelor (full-time and part-time)
In addition, Dental Hygiene and Civil Engineering once again rank among the best – programs that have been receiving this top distinction for more than a decade. The School of Education also stands out, with six top-rated programs under its roof. Directly below the top ratings, 14 HAN programs earned the 4-star (****) designation with scores up to 75 points.
Chair of the Executive Board, Rob Verhofstad:
"HAN now has as many as 10 programs with the designation of top program. Again, more than last year. It is great that not only full-time and part-time programs of ours have received this recognition, but also 2 associate degrees. We are extremely proud of that.
We owe these and all other results in part to the dedication of our lecturers and other staff. This deserves a big compliment!
It is also incredibly valuable that so many students took the National Student Survey, which these results are partly based on. Their feedback is essential because it contributes to the quality of our education."
About the Keuzegids hbo
The Keuzegids hbo is published every year and is designed to help prospective students choose a degree program. This year, more than 1,000 bachelor and associate degree programs at universities of applied sciences were assessed. The results are based on the National Student Survey (NSS) as well as national figures on study success, enrollment and labor market data for the different degree programs.
Choosing a degree program?
Explore the full overview of our English-taught programs. You can also meet lecturers and students during an Open Day or ask your questions during a webinar.
