About the City – Why You Should Study in Hague
When people think of the Netherlands, they often think of Amsterdam’s canals or Rotterdam’s skyline. But students in the know? They’re choosing to study in Hague, a city that’s anything but average.
Officially known as The Hague (Den Haag), this international capital exudes charm, elegance, and opportunity. It’s the home of the Dutch government, the royal family, and the International Court of Justice. It’s also where diplomacy, law, and business meet sand dunes, student cafés, and cycle paths.
With over 40,000 students, including a steady flow of internationals, Hague offers a unique mix of professional networking, coastal calm, and academic excellence. Universities here offer a strong global focus. Think world-class law programs, politics, international business, and peace studies, all taught in English.
What sets it apart? The vibe. It’s less chaotic than Amsterdam, more refined than Rotterdam, and has Scheveningen beach right on your doorstep. Add a multicultural population, excellent public transport, and year-round student events, and you’ve got a winning combo.
In short: studying in Hague is like hitting the student jackpot, with a view of the North Sea.
Why Hague Attracts International Students from Around the World
Hague isn’t just a city. It’s global turf. A place where decisions that shape the world get made across the street from where you grab your morning coffee.
1. International Career Launchpad
Hague is known as the International City of Peace and Justice. It hosts over 150 international organizations, including the UN, Eurojust, ICTY, and various embassies. For students of law, political science, criminology, and diplomacy, it’s a built-in internship and career market.
2. Multilingual, Multicultural, and Modern
The city thrives in English. Most locals speak it fluently. University programs are adapted for global learners, and classrooms are often filled with voices from dozens of nations. Studying in Hague feels like studying in the world, not just one country.
3. Top-Quality Education
The city is home to major institutions like Leiden University’s The Hague Campus, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). These universities emphasize international cooperation, practical skills, and employability.
4. A Beach (and Bike) Student Lifestyle
This isn’t your typical concrete campus life. Hague offers biking through the dunes, summer beach parties in Scheveningen, weekend street markets, and porch café vibes. It’s urban, but not overwhelming.
5. Affordable Compared to Other Western Capitals
Want the EU experience without the London or Paris price tag? Hague keeps costs manageable while still offering superb infrastructure, exceptional academics, and unforgettable experiences.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Hague
Here are the top institutions attracting students from across the globe:
1. Leiden University – The Hague Campus
A branch of the world-renowned Leiden University. Focuses on political science, public administration, data science, and international law.
2. The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)
Diverse, modern, and career-focused. Offers 50+ bachelor’s and master’s programs in English. Strong in business, ICT, law, and design.
3. International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
A research institute and graduate school of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Known for in-depth programs in development studies, global justice, and migration.
4. Hotelschool The Hague
World-class hospitality and business programs. Highly international and practical, geared towards leadership in the global hospitality industry.
5. Inholland University of Applied Sciences – The Hague Location
Offers applied science degrees in communication, creative business, and technology. Known for hands-on coursework and industry level exposure.
6. Webster University Leiden – The Hague Extension
American-style liberal arts education with degrees in international relations, psychology, and media studies.
7. British School of The Netherlands – Senior Section
Pre-university international education preparing students for UK universities, IB, and research pathways.
8. ROC Mondriaan
Vocational training for international and Dutch students alike, particularly in hospitality, ICT, healthcare, and design.
9. Haagse Hogeschool – Main Campus
A state-of-the-art institute often used interchangeably with THUAS. Offers student innovation hubs and global business incubators.
10. IHE Delft (Water Education – Extension Campus)
Affiliated with UNU and TU Delft, IHE offers water management and sustainable environment programs, with classes and collaboration events held regularly in Hague.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Hague
Looking for somewhere to kick back after lectures? Check out these top picks:
- The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) The Hague
- DUWO Student Housing – Campus Uilenstede
- The LeeTower Studios
- Staytoo The Hague
- OurDomain The Hague
- Xior Student Housing – Waldorpstraat
- Furnished.lu – Kalvermarkt Apartments
- RoomPlaza The Hague
- LivinStudents Hofweg
- Studios 070 – Binckhorstlaan
Most are fully furnished, equipped with Wi-Fi, laundry, and social areas. Some also include gyms, co-working spaces, and event calendars specially designed for students.
Top 10 Student Areas in Hague – The Best Places to Live & Study
Not sure where to live? Start with these neighborhoods popular with international students. Each brings a different energy.
1. City Centre (Binnenstad)
- Nearby: THUAS, ISS, and Leiden University
- Known for: Buzz, history, and nightlife
Lined with art galleries, concept shops, and vintage cafés. You’ll be walking distance from classes and everything else.
2. Zeeheldenkwartier
- Nearby: THUAS
- Known for: Bohemian vibes and community markets
Great for students who love local art, second-hand stores, and strong coffee.
3. Scheveningen
- Nearby: ISS and Hotelschool
- Known for: Beachside living
Surf, sand, and sunset strolls. Perfect for those who want coastal calm interspersed with city energy.
4. Stationsbuurt
- Nearby: Just south of Central Station
- Known for: Affordable studios and easy transport
A practical spot with buzzing local culture and excellent transit.
5. Benoordenhout
- Nearby: Leiden Uni Campus
- Known for: Safety and serenity
Residential and a bit upscale. Excellent for focused master’s or PhD students.
6. Laakkwartier
- Nearby: THUAS Main Campus
- Known for: Student-heavy housing and lower rents
Affordable shared flats, great for meeting fellow international students.
7. Bezuidenhout
- Nearby: Near Laan van NOI Station
- Known for: Peaceful streets and quick access to Amsterdam
Short train rides to other major cities. Often chosen by commuting interns and part-time students.
8. Binckhorst
- Nearby: ROC Mondriaan, ISS
- Known for: Industrial chic and innovation hubs
Loft-style student housing, tech start-ups, and urban transformation in progress.
9. Regentessekwartier
- Nearby: Walkable to most university hubs
- Known for: Tranquility with a cultural twist
Ideal if you want fewer parties and more parks.
10. Valkenboskwartier
- Nearby: Scheveningen Campus
- Known for: Mixed cultures and tight student communities
More affordable than central zones with rich cultural fusion and great food options.
Cost of Living in Hague – Monthly Breakdown
Hague isn’t the cheapest European city, but it’s definitely more affordable than most capitals.
| Expense | Monthly Estimate (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared/studio) | €500–€900 |
| Food & groceries | €150–€250 |
| Public transport/bike | €40–€60 |
| Internet & phone | €40 |
| Health insurance | €100–€120 |
| Leisure & extras | €100–€150 |
💸 Total monthly range: €950–€1,400
Students can save by biking, cooking at home, applying for housing subsidies, and using their OV-chipkaart for off-peak discounts.
Local Transport – How Students Get Around in Hague
Hague was built for bikes. But here’s the full breakdown of how students get from point A to point classroom.
Bikes – Your New BFF
Cycling rules the road. It’s fast, cheap, and safe. Dedicated bike lanes span the city, and second-hand bikes are just €50–€100.
Trams & Buses (HTM)
Reliable and easy to use. Get a student OV-chipkaart and scan as you go. Trams are particularly great within city zones.
Trains (NS)
Leiden, Amsterdam, Delft, all within quick reach. Monthly discounted plans are available for students under 30.
Car and Scooter Sharing
Apps like Felyx make scooters fun and easy to rent, but you’ll hardly need them with all the bike paths.
Walking
Perfect for city centre students. Bonus: you’ll stumble upon second-hand bookstores, street performers, and secret gardens along the way.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Hague
Study in Hague and you’re setting yourself up for more than a degree. You’re walking into a city shaped by diplomacy, filled with global minds, and designed for people on the move.
From its respected universities and job market to a student life that stretches from government halls to beach parties, you get it all. Big opportunities, small-city charm, and a community that lives and learns together.
So if your dream is an international education with coastal weekends and real-world impact, Hague isn’t just a choice, it’s the move.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Hague
1. Is Hague safe for international students?
Yes. It’s rated as one of the safest cities in the Netherlands, especially in student areas.
2. Are classes in Hague offered in English?
Most universities, including THUAS and Leiden Uni, offer extensive English-taught programs.
3. Can I work while studying in Hague?
Non-EU students can work 16 hours/week with a work permit. EU/EEA can work freely.
4. What’s the average cost of living in Hague?
Around €950–€1,400/month, depending on accommodation type and lifestyle.
5. Is accommodation easy to find in Hague?
It can be competitive. Start searching 3–5 months in advance via platforms like DUWO and Xior.
6. How far is Hague from Amsterdam?
Just 50 minutes by train. Easy for weekend trips or part-time work.
7. Do I need to know Dutch to live in Hague?
Nope. Daily life and university programs are fully accessible in English.
8. What is the best student neighborhood?
City Centre and Laakkwartier are top picks, close to campus, affordable, and full of students.
9. Are there scholarship options for internationals?
Yes! Leiden and THUAS offer numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.
10. What makes studying in Hague unique?
It’s a global city with a seaside twist, where academics and real-world institutions overlap. You don’t just learn theory. You live it.
