February start

International students Diego and Tam looking for books in the library on the Arnhem campus of HAN University of Applied Sciences.
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Are you planning to start your studies in February? Good idea! There are many benefits to starting in February. Find out all you need to know about the February start - from student experiences to practical matters such as scholarships and application procedures.

These Bachelor programs offer a February intake

Communication

A communication degree at the International School of Business opens up a world of possibilities. After all, every company and every organization in the world has a message. Your challenge as a communication specialist? To get that message across so people will listen.

17f9cbd6-0cfa-11ee-a0a1-02565807075b Studenten in ISB Basecamp

International Business

Want to step into the fast-paced world of international business? To actually experience it while you are studying? Then come and study at the International School of Business. The place to be for an innovative and flexible business degree.

848dd636-5974-11ee-8ee2-024215b4a989 International students Diego, Patrick and Tam studying in the lounge on the Arnhem campus, building R31.

These Master programs offer a February intake

Engineering Systems: Automotive Systems

Our views on mobility are changing. Hybrid and fully electrical vehicles are now a common sight. The technology that powers them is developing faster than ever, as are new technologies like hydrogen power. Keen to be part of these developments? Apply for this cutting-edge automotive master program!

5e3827b0-2ca1-11ef-8099-9c3e854f1787 Twee studenten van de Master Engineering Systems Automotive Systems bij de MORE Vehicle.

Engineering Systems: Sustainable Energy

Sustainable and renewable energy systems are crucial to the energy transition. Engineers are needed to develop and fine-tune these systems. Want to master up your engineering skills and specialize in this rewarding new field? Sign up for the Sustainable Energy master track at HAN!

720fcd30-2e34-11ef-91de-5b7b16867150 Master Sustainable Energy Engineering Systems studente Lisa bij de Lucas Nulle-panellen.

Engineering Systems: Cyber-Physical Systems

Smartphones, medical devices, and energy grids are all examples of Cyber-physical systems. They are indispensable to individuals & society. Join us on this track and master how to integrate Computation, Communication & embedded Control to develop the next generation of cyber-physical systems.

e1357170-2e42-11ef-b9df-5dcc74e4242f Drie studenten van de Master Engineering Systems Cyber Physical Systems werken samen aan een project.
The benefits of a winter intake 

Why choose a February intake at HAN University?

Starting a degree program in February instead of September has a few advantages: 

  • The February intake allows for a longer break after your graduation
    More and more students decide to go for a winter intake so they can travel and/or volunteer before they start a new chapter in their lives studying abroad. 
  • More time to prepare yourself to study in the Netherlands
    Moving abroad requires a lot of preparation. When you start in September, there's little time between your graduation and the start of the academic year in August. Why not take your time so that you don't feel rushed?
“Starting at a different time doesn’t mean you are behind”
 

Nima's experience

Nima is a first-year International Business student from Vietnam. ''I originally wanted to start my studies earlier, but I was too late for the September application deadline. The February intake gave me the opportunity to start my studies without having to wait until the following September. When I first arrived, I noticed that students who had started in September seemed more familiar with studying and living in the Netherlands. They already knew more about their studies, finding a job and building a social life, while these were all things I still had to figure out. At the same time, I soon realized that everyone has their own experience. I also met students who had started in September and were still figuring things out themselves. Starting at a different time doesn’t necessarily mean you are behind. In fact, it can be helpful to learn from and support other students as you find your way.''

student testimonial portrait Thao My Tran
''The February start gave me extra opportunities''
 

Oleksandra's experience

Oleksandra is a first-year Communication student from Ukraine. ''I started studying at HAN last February. I wanted to begin in September, but I was still a student at another university and needed a bit more time to arrange everything. So, when I saw that HAN had a February intake, I enrolled right away. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I would love it to continue that way. Since I started in February, I have even been given some extra opportunities (extra retakes, for instance). I didn't experience anything different in a bad way from those who started in September at all. Now that the February semester is about to end, I can finally enjoy the nice Dutch summer!''

 

Photo of Oleksandra (Alexa) Pliekhanova, student of Communication
''I didn't have to stress about preparing to move abroad''
 

Kelvin's experience

Kelvin Ebere is a first-year Communication student from Nigeria. ''There are a few reasons why I choose to start my studies in February. First, it gave me a lot more time to prepare for my registrations and travels. Since I chose for the winter intake, I paid the tuition fee for the remaining 5 months of the academic year instead of the whole year. When I started, I genuinely thought it would be a different experience from the September start, but it wasn’t. I have not encountered any difficulties since I started out in February contrary to September. It feels the same and you definitely will not feel left out in any way.''

Photo of Kelvin Ebere, Communication student
Frequently asked questions 

FAQs about February intake

14 November 2026
 

Online Open Day

The next Online Open Day is on 14 November 2026. Want to be notified when registrations for the next Online Open Day open? Pre-register for November so you’ll get a mail from us when you can secure your spot for the Online Open Day. Don't miss this chance to connect with HAN students, lecturers and ask all of your questions.

International students Diego and Andrei studying at the library on the Arnhem campus of HAN University of Applied Sciences.

Practical information

Academic calendar

Find all the essential information you need to plan your studies at HAN. Discover key dates, important deadlines, national holidays and upcoming events throughout the academic year.

Een klok en een agenda om een afspraak te maken voor studenten.

HAN Intro

Starting your studies in February? Join the HAN Intro for February starters. Join fun events and activities that help you settle into your studies, meet fellow students, and get acquainted with the university.

Students Noa, Chadionne, Tam, Diego, Nyugen and Andrei relaxing and drinking coffee in the Hangar on the Arnhem campus of HAN University of Applied Sciences.

Cost of Living

Planning to pursue the study of your dreams at HAN? Awesome! Check out our page about the cost of living for international students in Arnhem and Nijmegen so you can make a financial plan to cover your costs.

studenten, accountancy, finance, AFEM, financieel, deeltijd, laptop

Contact

Got a question? First check our FAQ. Can't find the answer to your question there? Contact us at ASK HAN. We're happy to help!

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 17:00

Prefer calling?

+31 24 35 30 500