Windesheim secure top position in National Keuzegids 2026 rankings

Windesheim ranks among the three best large Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, according to the newly published HBO Keuzegids 2026. There has, however, been a shift in position compared with previous years: for the first time, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences takes first place, pushing Avans University of Applied Sciences and Windesheim each down one spot. The differences between the top institutions are even smaller than last year.

Proven quality

Windesheim continues to deliver high-quality education, with ten programmes recognised as “Top Programmes”. This accolade is reserved for courses scoring 75 points or higher in the Keuzegids, well above the national HBO average of 60. Among them is the Global Project and Change Management programme.

Earlier this year, Windesheim was already named best large University of Applied Sciences in the National Student Survey (NSE). For the seventh consecutive year, ECIO also awarded Windesheim the title of best university for students with support needs. Together, these results reflect an institution where students feel at home, are encouraged to develop their talents, and are prepared to grow into meaningful professionals.

Half of programmes in the top 3

This year, thirty Windesheim bachelor’s programmes achieved a top-three position within their subject group in the Keuzegids rankings. That's nearly half (48%) of the university’s assessed programmes. The Logistics Engineering programme once again scored highest, with 89 points, with students praising course content, lecturers, assessment, atmosphere, and career preparation.

About the Keuzegids HBO

The Keuzegids HBO is an independent consumer guide that evaluates and compares the quality of all higher professional education programmes in the Netherlands. Assessments are based on results from the National Student Survey (NSE) 2025 and study success rates compiled by The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences  (Vereniging Hogescholen).