International students
Learn about our university and curriculumStudying abroad is an exciting step, and at Marnix Academie, we make sure you never feel lost in the crowd. As a small university of applied sciences, we place great value on personal contact between students and staff, creating a supportive and close-knit learning environment.
Based in Utrecht, in the heart of the Netherlands, Marnix Academie specializes in primary school education. Each year, hundreds of students graduate from our bachelor’s and master’s programmes, as well as our specialized minors, ready to make a difference in education worldwide.
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About the Marnix Academie
We are a personal, independent and open-minded universityThe Marnix Academie is a university of applied sciences. We are an independent university, and though a touch strong-minded perhaps, we are open-minded too. As a primary school teacher training institution (Dutch acronym: PABO) we are big; as a university we are small. Consequently, our students don’t get lost in the crowd; we care for each individual student and attach great value to personal contact between staff and students.
We also value interaction between people of different cultures and religions. We consider it an asset when students of different backgrounds meet and engage in dialogue. It prepares them for dealing with diversity among pupils, parents and colleagues.
We believe that the teaching profession revolves around the key words of competence, commitment and enthusiasm. This is what makes teaching a profession that matters, and one to be proud of. Our education programme produces teachers who will never cease to inspire their pupils. This calls for somewhat ‘bold and strong-minded’ teachers. They must also have a heart for children and for education.
Discover Alba's story
Discover how international student Alba from Spain experienced the minor Special Educational Needs.
In this video, she shares her experiences at Marnix Academie, gives you a glimpse of what her classes look like, and a teacher explains our vision on education.
What sets us apart
- UNESCO Worldwide Education Network
The Marnix Academie takes sustainable development to heart. It is embedded in our philosophical, pedagogical and educational identity. We are awarded three stars for our sustainable policy by the Dutch foundation for Sustainable Higher Education. We strive to continue developing this policy by being an official member of the UNESCO Worldwide Education Network.
- Partnership with primary schools
An important element in the Marnix curriculum is the strong connection with approximately 375 primary schools. They play a key role in the teaching practice procedures, and help us keeping the curriculum up-to-date to what a teacher needs in today’s classroom.
- Competence based
At Marnix Academie, we believe in learning by doing. Our competence-based curriculum is designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed in today’s classrooms. Alongside our Dutch programmes, we offer a variety of English-taught options, welcoming students from all over the world.
"I chose to study at the Marnix Academie, because Utrecht is a really nice place to live. And the Marnix Academie is small, so you don't feel like a number."
Alba Saugar Casani
International student from Spain
Practical information
Good to knowMoving to Utrecht is an exciting step, but it also requires good preparation. Since Marnix Academie does not have a campus with student housing, it might take a while before you find proper housing in or around Utrecht.
Accommodation
It is key you reserve a room at the earliest possibility, but at the same time be aware of scammers that take advantage of the high demand for student housing. We discourage you from coming to the Netherlands if you don’t have a room before the start of your study programme. As you most likely won’t find housing in time.
- Once you have been nominated by your university, you will receive a document from the International Office. This document contains practical information, including details about accommodation.
- Rooms vary between 450 to 1100 Euros per month and are between 7m2 to 20m2.
- Most students live in a private room and share kitchen and bathroom with other students.
- Most students don’t pay rent in cash and have a proper signed contract before moving to the Netherlands.
If you are unsure or in doubt about the reliability of an offer feel free to email us at incoming-students@hsmarnix.nl.
Location of Marnix Academie
The Marnix Academie is very easy to reach. From the train station Utrecht Overvecht it is only a fifteen minute walk. A direct bus line from Utrecht Central Station takes you there in fifteen minutes. With education institutions such as the Marnix Academie, Utrecht University and the Hogeschool Utrecht all located in the city, Utrecht is a great place to study. It offers countless student associations, recreational and sportive activities, museums, cinemas and a lively nightlife. So besides the Marnix Academie, there is a lot to explore.
Mode of transport
When staying outside the city of Utrecht, it is convenient to travel to Marnix Academy with public transport. From the train station Utrecht Overvecht it is only a fifteen minute walk. A direct bus line from Utrecht Central Station takes you there in fifteen minutes.
Erasmus documents
- Course catalogue 2025 – 2026
- Erasmus Charter for Higher Education
- European Policy Statement
- Grading Table Marnix Academy
Exchange students
Application process for
Study with us
In both semesters we offer international courses in the field of Special Educational Needs and Childrens Rights in Education. These programmes come with a full package of subjects: Research and design, Dutch Culture, Dutch Language, Teaching practice in English and Coaching.
Every autumn/winter semester we offer the international minor Special Educational Needs (30 ECTS). This minor is also part of the Bachelor training and is taken by international students. The minor covers one semester (4 to 5 months).
Every spring semester we offer the international minor Kids for Change (30 ECTS). This minor is part of the Bachelor training and is taken by both Dutch and international students. The minor covers one semester (4 to 5 months).
Application
To be eligible to apply for an international programme at the Marnix Academie, you must:
- Be a student studying at an institution that is a partner of the Marnix Academie (see list below);
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme at another European university, outside the Netherlands;
- Have completed at least two years of higher education in a discipline of education;
- Have a good level of written and spoken English to enable you to complete the necessary coursework;
- Apply through a nomination of your home institution. After confirmation you will receive an online link with the application form.
List of our partners in EuropeOpent in een nieuwe tab:
Degree students
Application process for
Study with us
Application
Did you obtain a diploma abroad and/or do you have a foreign nationality? Then the Marnix Academie will assess whether this diploma meets the admission requirements of the program of your choice. Other requirements are:
- You must have a valid residence status. The Marnix Academie cannot provide this to you. For information on residence rights, please contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
- In case you do not hold a Dutch diploma, your diploma must be valued by Nuffic.
- For the full-time course: at Havo or VWO level
- For the part-time course: at HBO or WO level
- For the AD-Pep: at MBO-4 level. In some cases, the Marnix Academie can request a level determination of your diploma for you from Nuffic. Please contact the student dean for this.
- You can demonstrate your command of the Dutch language by means of an NT2 program II certificate.
- You pass the admission tests (if less than VWO level or completed HBO level), see www.goedvoorbereidnaardepabo.nl.
- Please register via Studielink.
If your situation is not listed, please contact the student dean Ronald Raggers.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Marnix Academie
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Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or National Agency (‘NA’). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. |