Practical info on Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Find out what it's like to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering at HAN. Schedule a 1-to-1 meeting for some personalized advice.

Discuss your personal situation with someone from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program. During this online 1-to-1 meeting, you can discuss the study program with a lecturer or student. And ask questions too!

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Find out which visas and permits apply to you.

From the EU/EEA?

You are an EU/EEA student if you come from a country in the European Union or Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. In that case you don’t need a visa or residence permit. You just need to register at city hall in your place of residence.

From outside the EU/EEA?

You need a residence permit (a so-called VVR) from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Depending on your nationality, you may also need an entry visa (a so-called MVV) from the IND. See the table below.

Visa requirements by nationality

Country of citizenship	Entry visa (MVV)	Residence permit (VVR)
EU/EEA country	Not required	Not required
Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea and USA	Not required	Required
All other nationalities with a residence permit for a Schengen country	Not required	Required
All other nationalities	Required	Required

How to arrange your residence permit and entry visa

HAN arranges the residence permit and entry visa on your behalf. So you don’t need to contact the IND yourself. You do need to fill in some forms and provide the right documents. HAN staff inform you of what you need to do.

More about arranging permits and visas

HAN Housing Office makes it easy for students from outside the EU/EEA. Paid your financial guarantee? Then you get a guaranteed room. You can even choose and book the room yourself. EU/EEA student? You need to ask to be put on the waiting list.

The HAN Housing Office arranges rooms in these 4 complexes in Arnhem:

Shared or private?

In these student complexes you have your own private bedroom. You share the kitchen, shower and toilet with other students.

Families or pets?

These rooms are for individual students. They are not suited for families and pets are not allowed.

Rental prices

Rental prices are between €400 to €495 per month. Prices depend on the location, room size and service charges.

Rental period

The rental period is from August to July.

Non-EU/EEA students

Are you a non-EU/EEA student? Are you enrolled in a degree at HAN University of Applied Sciences? Have you paid your financial guarantee? HAN Housing Office arranges your room automatically.

Starting in September? Your room is arranged for the 1st year of study. Starting in February? Your room is arranged for the 1st semester. After that you need to arrange the rental yourself.

The 4 student complexes in Arnhem belong to SSH, the student housing association of Nijmegen and Arnhem. Their booking system, ‘Book your Room’, allows you to choose your own room.

Once your financial guarantee is processed, HAN Housing Office sends you an email with a voucher code. You use this code to book your room in the SSH booking system.

Starting in September? Then you can book your room from May. Starting in February? Then you can book your room from December.

Don’t want a room through the HAN Housing Office? Then you receive a refund of the accommodation fee when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Waiting list

Are you an EU/EEA student? Or did you apply after the deadline? Send an email to HAN.HousingOffice@han.nl. Ask to be placed on the housing waiting list. They will contact you when they have an available room. Finding suitable student accommodation in Arnhem can be tricky. So make sure you start your search early!

Cancellation

To cancel your room please send an email to HAN.HousingOffice@han.nl. The deadline for cancelling your room is:

1st semester	1 August
2nd semester	1 January

Cancelling after the deadline? You might have to pay a cancellation fee.

Check in

The best time to check in is at the end of August before the Intro. Staff of the HAN Housing Office are available then to check you in. They’ll give you a warm welcome!

Arriving outside office hours?

Arriving on the weekend or on a weekday after 17.00? Then you need to book a hotel room. You can only get into your room on working days from 9.00 to 17.00. Please consider this when booking your flight.

Theodosis Baskas is 23 years old and from Greece. He is currently in his 3rd year of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program at the HAN.

What prepared him for the work environment?
“I would say personal development. I started the program with high expectations. Along the way we learned a lot, like how to present. This course prepares you very well for a work environment after graduation. That was a place where I developed a lot. Even though, I did not expect to learn these things.”

Expectations before studying at HAN
Did you have any expectations before you started studying at HAN? “I was aware of the program and its structure. I knew that in the first year I would get more general courses and become more familiar with the subjects. I was very enthusiastic about that. I wanted to see where my interests are in this whole field. Obviously, you have a lot of options in the engineering field. Therefore, I wanted to find out where I stand and what I like the most. “

Best experience
Your best experience so far? “There was a moment in the second semester where we had to execute a project. This project was for all the students in my specialization. We had to build a car that would be driven by the wind. It basically was a competition between all the teams. Fortunately, we had a great team and we managed to get the best car.”

Teamwork
Most important thing you have learnt during the study? "Working in a team. I had the idea when you study, and you follow a program you basically have to follow the courses and pass the exam. When you work in a team you have to get everyone on the same page to come up with an end result, which is a great thing to learn.”

Feeling welcomed at HAN
What made you feel welcome when you first arrived at HAN? “I would say the lecturers. They are very friendly and open. Especially for first year students to questions and any concern that someone has. I was a bit afraid, if I would be able to follow and catch up with everything. The lecturers are available to answer any questions, also outside of class. I found this very helpful at the beginning.”

Difficulties
Did you find some things difficult about studying in the Netherlands? “The workload in the first year was a lot. I started preparing for classes and I knew the structure of the program and still I was not fully able to follow everything. However, after a while I did find my way on how to deal with it.”

Variety of topics
What do you like about your program? “The variety of topics you can choose from after graduation. We have had so many topics along the study. Even though I am doing one of the specializations, I feel that I am receiving a lot of information about the other specializations. For example, you can learn about renewable energy and automation processes, which are totally different fields when you go out and try to find a job. With this program you get a mix up and you get a basic idea of the topics. Therefore, you are more prepared when you want to do a masters.”

The facilities
How are the facilities? “They are great. Especially in my program. We have a lot of different labs and workshops. The equipment is very good, everything is there. It is upgraded every year and well maintained.”

You’ll find everything you need at the Arnhem campus: extensive multimedia centers, good IT facilities, modern lecture halls and high-tech workshops. And of course, places to socialize with classmates. Want to have a look around? Try our 360 virtual tour.

Food and drinks

Each building has its own cafeteria, where you can get drinks and snacks. The larger cafeterias also offer warm meals. The Arnhem campus also has 2 cafes. They are great places to wind down with your classmates after a day of studying.

Public transport

The Arnhem campus is located on the Ruitenberglaan in Arnhem north. It’s very accessible by train: NS Station Presikhaaf is just a short walk away. From this station you can reach the center of Arnhem in just a few minutes. Amsterdam is only 90 minutes away!

Sports

Want to stay active during your studies? There are lots of sports clubs and gyms you can join in Arnhem. Most of the sports venues offer very affordable prices. And HAN students often get a discount too. Many sports facilities are close to the campus. So why not be even healthier and do as the Dutch – ride there on your bike!

Wireless network

HAN has a very reliable wireless network: eduroam. So you can work on your laptop anywhere on campus. There are also plenty of study spaces with powerpoints so you can charge your laptop if needed.

Multimedia centers

HAN has 2 multimedia centers at the Arnhem campus. They offer nice, quiet places to study on your own. You can work on an assignment or presentation or edit movies using a virtual cutting machine. Want to work as a group? No problem. There are also special spaces for group work.

The multimedia centers also have a great collection of books, journals, graduation papers, DVDs, and much more. You can easily search through the library catalogue. Or search the many databases in every field of interest. Our expert staff are always happy to help with your search queries.

Social events

The international student body at HAN forms a close-knit community. New student? You’ll get a warm welcome into the community! This student body organizes lots of energetic, fun and creative social events. These are offered throughout the academic year.

You can also join the International Student Association (ISA). ISA organizes ski trips, visits to European cities and social events. For example, the Boat Gala at the end of each academic year.

Arnhem campus shop

The campus shop sells various items, including:

office supplies
workbooks and readers
sweets
greeting cards
personal hygiene products, e.g. deodorant

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The newsletter is sent every 2-3 months. It gives you info on application procedures and deadlines, housing availability, visas. And much more!

When coming to the Netherlands to study, you need to have good insurance. Health insurance is the most important. Are you from the EU/EEA? Your health insurance policy in your home country might cover you. Non-EU/EEA students receive health insurance through the financial guarantee. Other useful insurances are liability insurance, repatriation insurance and household contents insurance.

Health insurance

There are 4 health insurance options:

You are a non-EU/EEA student

In that case, you receive AON insurance for the 1st year (or for the 1st half year if you start your degree in February). The International Office arranges this on your behalf. This is part of your financial guarantee. After this period, you must renew and pay for the insurance yourself.

You do not require a visa to study at HAN

Your insurance policy in your home country might cover your stay in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has health insurance agreements with most European countries. In that case, request an international declaration form or a European Health Insurance Card from your health insurance company. Bring these with you as you will need them when you see a doctor. And make sure the documents are written in a common European language (English, French, German or Spanish).

You are working in the Netherlands or doing a paid internship

In that case, you have to get Dutch public health insurance. The cost of this is often higher than student insurance.

You are not covered under public health insurance of the Netherlands or your home country

You have to get a private health insurance policy. There are special policies available for international students in the Netherlands.

Other insurances

Liability insurance

If you cause an accident or damage someone else’s property, you have to pay the costs. For example, if you break something in your room. Or cause a road accident. Liability insurance covers these costs in most cases.

What about damage when working or doing an internship? In the Netherlands the employer’s liability insurance usually covers this.

Repatriation insurance

That’s when you have to return home. For example, because you are seriously ill and wish to be treated at home.

The rules on working depend on your nationality. Are you from the EEA? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. Are you from outside the EEA? Then you are free to do self-employed work. If you work for an employer, you need a work permit and the hours are restricted. All international students working in the Netherlands must have Dutch public health insurance.

Free to work

Are you from the EU/EEA? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. You can work for an employer or as a freelancer (self-employed). You don’t need a work permit.

Also, there are no restrictions on how many hours you work. But you do have to take out Dutch public health insurance.

Work permit

Are you from outside the EU/EEA? Do you want to work during your studies? Your employer needs to apply for a work permit for you. The organization that arranges this is UWV.

Restrictions for work permit holders

Work permit holders can choose from 2 options. Option 1 is to work no more than 16 hours per week. Option 2 is to work full-time during the summer months of June, July and August. You cannot do both options!

Self-employed

All international students are free to do self-employed work in the Netherlands. You don’t need a work permit for this. Also, there are no restrictions on hours.

You can do self-employed work next to studying and next to a part-time job. To become self-employed, you need to register at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel).

Health insurance

As an international student, you normally don’t have to take out Dutch health insurance. But as soon as you get a job, the situation changes. You are seen as an employee. Then you have to take out Dutch public health insurance.

It doesn’t matter whether you pay tax or how many hours you work. It also doesn’t matter if you are an EU citizen with an EU healthcare card. If you work in the Netherlands, you need to get Dutch public health insurance. If you don’t, you risk getting a big fine.

Income tax

You have to pay income tax over your Dutch income. Scholarships may be included in your Dutch income. See the website of the Dutch tax office for more information.

The Netherlands has excellent public transport. In the Nijmegen and Arnhem area you can get almost everywhere by train or bus. In the bigger cities, you can also use the tram or metro. To pay for these services you use an OV chip card (OV-chipkaart in Dutch).

Public transport in the Netherlands is not cheap. For schedules, prices and routes go to www.9292.nl (train, bus, metro) and ns.nl/en (train).

OV chip card

The OV chip card allows you to travel by train, bus, tram, metro or ferry anywhere in the country. The card is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip.

How do you use the card? Just touch your card on the card reader when you enter the station. Touch out again when you arrive at your final destination.

How do you pay? The card uses the pre-paid principle. You load credit on your card at a vending machine or at a ticket office. You can also arrange automatic loading. That way when your credit runs low, it automatically tops up using funds from your bank account.

For information about the OV chip card, go to the OV-chipkaart website.

Flexible season tickets

For train travel, you can purchase a season ticket to suit your needs. For example, to get a discount only on weekends. Or to get a discount on weekends and at off-peak times.

You can’t cancel these tickets in the first year. See the website of the Dutch railways (NS) for further details. Or visit a ticket office at your nearest train station.

When you move to the Netherlands, you need to register at city hall. You can only do this in the municipality where you are living. Do this as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands. All international students need to do this. Even if you are from the EU/EEA.

After you register you receive a citizen service number (BSN). You need a BSN number for all your administration in the Netherlands. For example, to open a bank account or to visit a doctor.

What if you move to a different address in the same city? Then you need to inform the municipality about this.

What if you move to a different municipality? First you cancel your registration. Then you register again in your new town or city of residence.

You’ll get more info about registering during the HAN International Intro.

During the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program you'll use various software applications. You need a laptop that can properly run these applications. So make sure your laptop meets the specifications below. The software will be provided during class.

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i5 (or higher) or equivalent AMD processor
RAM: 8 GB (or more)
Storage: 512 GB or more, preferably with SSD or combination SSD / HDD
Network: WiFi & Wired LAN
Multimedia: (integrated) Webcam, microphone and speakers
Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10

When coming to the Netherlands to study, you need to have good insurance. Health insurance is the most important. Are you from the EU/EEA? Your health insurance policy in your home country might cover you. Non-EU/EEA students receive health insurance through the financial guarantee. Other useful insurances are liability insurance, repatriation insurance and household contents insurance.

Health insurance

There are 4 health insurance options:

You are a non-EU/EEA student

In that case, you receive AON insurance for the 1st year (or for the 1st half year if you start your degree in February). The International Office arranges this on your behalf. This is part of your financial guarantee. After this period, you must renew and pay for the insurance yourself.

You do not require a visa to study at HAN

Your insurance policy in your home country might cover your stay in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has health insurance agreements with most European countries. In that case, request an international declaration form or a European Health Insurance Card from your health insurance company. Bring these with you as you will need them when you see a doctor. And make sure the documents are written in a common European language (English, French, German or Spanish).

You are working in the Netherlands or doing a paid internship

In that case, you have to get Dutch public health insurance. The cost of this is often higher than student insurance.

You are not covered under public health insurance of the Netherlands or your home country

You have to get a private health insurance policy. There are special policies available for international students in the Netherlands.

Other insurances

Liability insurance

If you cause an accident or damage someone else’s property, you have to pay the costs. For example, if you break something in your room. Or cause a road accident. Liability insurance covers these costs in most cases.

What about damage when working or doing an internship? In the Netherlands the employer’s liability insurance usually covers this.

Repatriation insurance

That’s when you have to return home. For example, because you are seriously ill and wish to be treated at home.

The rules on working depend on your nationality. Are you from the EEA? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. Are you from outside the EEA? Then you are free to do self-employed work. If you work for an employer, you need a work permit and the hours are restricted. All international students working in the Netherlands must have Dutch public health insurance.

Free to work

Are you from the EU/EEA? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. You can work for an employer or as a freelancer (self-employed). You don’t need a work permit.

Also, there are no restrictions on how many hours you work. But you do have to take out Dutch public health insurance.

Work permit

Are you from outside the EU/EEA? Do you want to work during your studies? Your employer needs to apply for a work permit for you. The organization that arranges this is UWV.

Restrictions for work permit holders

Work permit holders can choose from 2 options. Option 1 is to work no more than 16 hours per week. Option 2 is to work full-time during the summer months of June, July and August. You cannot do both options!

Self-employed

All international students are free to do self-employed work in the Netherlands. You don’t need a work permit for this. Also, there are no restrictions on hours.

You can do self-employed work next to studying and next to a part-time job. To become self-employed, you need to register at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel).

Health insurance

As an international student, you normally don’t have to take out Dutch health insurance. But as soon as you get a job, the situation changes. You are seen as an employee. Then you have to take out Dutch public health insurance.

It doesn’t matter whether you pay tax or how many hours you work. It also doesn’t matter if you are an EU citizen with an EU healthcare card. If you work in the Netherlands, you need to get Dutch public health insurance. If you don’t, you risk getting a big fine.

Income tax

You have to pay income tax over your Dutch income. Scholarships may be included in your Dutch income. See the website of the Dutch tax office for more information.

The Netherlands has excellent public transport. In the Nijmegen and Arnhem area you can get almost everywhere by train or bus. In the bigger cities, you can also use the tram or metro. To pay for these services you use an OV chip card (OV-chipkaart in Dutch).

Public transport in the Netherlands is not cheap. For schedules, prices and routes go to www.9292.nl (train, bus, metro) and ns.nl/en (train).

OV chip card

The OV chip card allows you to travel by train, bus, tram, metro or ferry anywhere in the country. The card is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip.

How do you use the card? Just touch your card on the card reader when you enter the station. Touch out again when you arrive at your final destination.

How do you pay? The card uses the pre-paid principle. You load credit on your card at a vending machine or at a ticket office. You can also arrange automatic loading. That way when your credit runs low, it automatically tops up using funds from your bank account.

For information about the OV chip card, go to the OV-chipkaart website.

Flexible season tickets

For train travel, you can purchase a season ticket to suit your needs. For example, to get a discount only on weekends. Or to get a discount on weekends and at off-peak times.

You can’t cancel these tickets in the first year. See the website of the Dutch railways (NS) for further details. Or visit a ticket office at your nearest train station.

When you move to the Netherlands, you need to register at city hall. You can only do this in the municipality where you are living. Do this as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands. All international students need to do this. Even if you are from the EU/EEA.

After you register you receive a citizen service number (BSN). You need a BSN number for all your administration in the Netherlands. For example, to open a bank account or to visit a doctor.

What if you move to a different address in the same city? Then you need to inform the municipality about this.

What if you move to a different municipality? First you cancel your registration. Then you register again in your new town or city of residence.

You’ll get more info about registering during the HAN International Intro.

Practical info

Before you arrive

Visa info

Housing

Once you arrive in the Netherlands

Insurance

Working

Public transport

Government

Theodosis Baskas from Greece: Support from lecturers

The location

HAN Arnhem campus

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International office

Studying with special circumstances

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Degree Statute and Enrollment Regulations

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