A private university in Haarlem’s historic center that combines German quality standards with an innovative practice-based learning model.
Unique campus in central Haarlem
Twenty kilometers west of Amsterdam, SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences occupies De Koepel, a former panopticon prison designed by Willem Metzelaar in 1899. The €25 million renovation preserved 16 original skylights while cutting heating costs by 90%, transforming cells into podcast studios, galleries, escape rooms, and a cinema. Direct trains reach Schiphol Airport—which connects to 300+ global destinations—in 15-20 minutes, while the city itself retains Frans Hals Museum’s Golden Age masterpieces and Teylers Museum, the Netherlands’ oldest scientific collection from 1784.
Modern approach to education
Launched in September 2022 through a partnership between Germany’s SRH Group and Global School for Entrepreneurship, the campus runs on the CORE model—students focus on one subject for five weeks rather than juggling multiple courses simultaneously, which prevents overload and deepens engagement. Classes cap at 25 students for weekly personal feedback. Before applying, prospective students can attend Trial Day to experience actual classes alongside faculty and peer mentors, while on-campus housing sits just two minutes away. A startup incubator operates here, with certain positions reserved exclusively for those enrolled.
Haarlem campus standards
Programs carry accreditation from NVAO, the Dutch-Flemish organization that ensures diplomas meet national quality benchmarks and gain worldwide recognition. Membership in NRTO confirms adherence to Dutch quality protocols, while over 85% of coursework involves collaboration with startups and international companies rather than traditional lectures. This practice-oriented framework emerges from blending German academic rigor with Dutch entrepreneurial culture, creating an environment where students transform interests into tangible solutions through design thinking, Lean Startup methodology, and digital transformation work.
Programs
The portfolio includes a Business Psychology bachelor’s that explores cognitive learning psychology, workplace emotions, and anthropological marketing. Creative Media merges screen journalism, event agency operations, and AI ethics in communications. The Applied Sustainability Management master’s examines ecosystem transformation in fashion, water resources, and urban mobility, while Digital Transformation Management combines software development, geographic information systems, and IT governance.
Beyond these, all students complete a four-month internship and can spend a semester at one of nine partner campuses abroad.
