International Office
Welcome to Hogeschool KPZ
Discover KPZ: The place for future top teachers! With our practice-oriented bachelor primary education program, we prepare students for excellence in primary education. At KPZ, it’s all about personal development, connection, and innovation. With over 1000 students and 120 staff members, we are a small yet powerful university of applied sciences. At KPZ, we dare to think and act outside the box, making us unique in the educational landscape. It’s no wonder that students have been rating us as one of the best teacher training colleges and small universities in the Netherlands for years!
Discover KPZ: Where Personal, Exceptional, and Connecting Education Thrives!
At KPZ, we embrace the extraordinary. Our willingness to think outside the box sets us apart, allowing us to innovate beyond mainstream ideas. With a unique educational concept focused on developing outstanding teachers, we cultivate exceptional outcomes.
In our nurturing environment, characterized by sincere personal attention and strong community spirit, students flourish. We prioritize personal development, collaboration, and an open, inquisitive attitude, all while maintaining a commitment to quality.
At KPZ, we navigate complexities with finesse. Balancing tradition with reform, theory with practice, and process with result, we foster a culture of nuanced consideration. Our commitment to finding harmony amidst opposing forces is evident in everything we do.
As a close-knit learning community, respect, cooperation, and honesty are at our core. We embrace diversity and encourage students from all backgrounds to embark on their journey of self-discovery, equipped with the skills and values needed to make a difference.
With a stimulating atmosphere and dedicated staff, KPZ provides the ideal environment for growth and development. Through collaboration with the field, we continuously strive for excellence, ensuring our students emerge as confident, skilled professionals ready to make their mark in the world of education. Join us at KPZ, where your potential knows no bounds.
Unlock Global Opportunities with KPZ’s Erasmus+ Partnership!
KPZ is proud to announce our acceptance into the prestigious Erasmus+ programme, opening doors to a world of international initiatives in higher education. With our newly approved Erasmus Policy Statement and Charter for 2021-2027, we are poised to engage fully in Erasmus activities. Read more in our Course Catalogue.
Join us as we embrace this exciting opportunity to expand our horizons, foster cross-cultural exchange, and enrich the educational experience for our students and staff. Together, let’s embark on a journey of global learning and collaboration with Erasmus+ at KPZ!
Hogeschool KPZ has signed the Code of Conduct and is an international recognized and accredited university of applied sciences.
Erasmus Plus – Programme European Commission
Discover Erasmus+: Your Passport to International Learning!
Erasmus+ is Europe’s premier programme for global education and training mobility. From 2021 to 2027, it offers unparalleled opportunities for individuals to engage in enriching learning experiences and contributes to the advancement of education and training throughout Europe.
Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, opening doors to exciting new possibilities for personal and professional growth. With Erasmus+, the world is your classroom!
European Partners
Consult the overview of the approximately 40 European Partner Institutes of Hogeschool KPZ, Erasmus Mobility and Swiss Mobility Partner universities, to check whether your university is partner of Hogeschool KPZ.
Erasmus+ offers students the chance to study, train and undertake work experience abroad. Exchange students are admitted through the exchange programmes and inter-institutional agreements between KPZ and an international partner institution. Exchange students are selected by their home university. KPZ has about 40 European partner institutions in 18 European countries.
If you are student at one of our partner universities you are very welcome to participate in our international exchange programme.
We of an international Minor Program ‘Outdoor Education’ 30 ECTS
(for students Teacher Training Primary Education)
Study and make new friends with different backgrounds from a variety of countries. Become educated at authentic locations. Learn about the world as a classroom. Take part in projectweeks, have fun with other students, work towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and think about a more sustainable world.
Read more about the programme.
Discover Zwolle: Your Gateway to History and Student Life!
Nestled along the picturesque river IJssel, Zwolle boasts a rich Hanseatic history reflected in its charming old churches, houses, and city walls. The vibrant city center, surrounded by a scenic canal, provides the perfect backdrop for student living.
Located conveniently near the city center, KPZ is deeply integrated into Zwolle’s lively student community. In your first week, join the tradition of purchasing and reselling secondhand bikes—a staple of student life here.
As an Erasmus student, enjoy the benefit of waived registration fees and access to university facilities. Your monthly living costs are estimated at €1100, inclusive of accommodation, meals, and other expenses. Take advantage of our international program, which includes immersive project weeks for hands-on learning experiences.
While finding short-term housing can be challenging, our International Office is dedicated to assisting you in your search for suitable accommodation. Start your journey in Zwolle early, and embrace a truly enriching student experience in this historic city!
Other information about living in the Netherlands or possibilities for housing you may find here.
At Hogeschool KPZ, there are opportunities to work on intercultural competencies and global citizenship as part of your education. This includes gaining international experience. In the bachelor’s program, during semester 6, the goal is ‘Learning in a Different Context.’ Students can choose the international minor ‘Outdoor Education’ at Hogeschool KPZ or go a period abroad for an internship or study.
For study or internship mobility within Europe lasting a minimum of 3 months (internship or study), Erasmus funding is available four KPZ students.
For internships outside of Europe, there is the NL Scholarship grant available for a maximum of 6 or 7 students per academic year. (More information about the application students will find on KPZ Plein)
The remaining students receive a small KPZ contribution.
More information about the posibilties to go abroad, KPZ students can find on KPZplein (Intranet)
Incoming mobility (student and staff)
In this area of the website we provide information on the application procedure, the courses and school placements, accomodation, transport and many more.
Please do not hesistate to get in touch if you have any questions!
Summer Term 2027 (Concept)
- 26-01-2027 Start International Minor Outdoor education
- 22-02-2027/26-02-2027 Spring holiday, no lectures
- 26-03-2027 Good Friday, no lectures
- 29-03-2027 Easter, no lectures
- 30-03-2027/01-04-2027 Urban week (with overnight stay)
- 27-04-2027/07-05-2027 May holiday, no lectures
- 17-05-2027 Whit Monday, no lectures
- 18-05-2027/20-05-2027 Nature week (with overnight stay)
- 18-06-2027 End of Term, Exams take place within this period
Important Dates:
The exchange programme Spring semester 2027 (academic year 2026-2027) will run from end of January – end of June, 2027.
- Nomination Deadline for Summer Term: 1 October
- Application Deadline for Summer Term: 1 November
Please apply by submitting the application form.
After the selection process you will get detailed information about registration.
First of all you need to be nominated per e-mail by your coordinator at your home university. After you have been nominated you can directly apply to our International Office.
The following documents are required for your application:
- Identity card or passport
- Portrait photo
- Language certificate English (minimal B2 level) (if achieved)
- Language certificate Dutch (not mandatory)
- CV
- Transcript of records (your study results so far)
- Motivation letter
Teacher in Europe conference (student and staff)
Expand your horizons and connect with future teachers from across the globe at the Teacher in Europe student conference in Zwolle, the Netherlands, from April 12-16, 2027!
This dynamic event, open to students from international teacher training colleges, is the perfect chance to network, collaborate, and ignite your passion for teaching.
Be inspired by keynotes, interactive workshops, and hands-on group sessions. Dive into exciting topics like exploring the Dutch school system, developing intercultural competences, discovering experiential learning, and learning how to incorporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into your teaching.
Come learn, grow, and forge meaningful connections—perhaps even friendships that last a lifetime. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Link to the website for more information: Teacher in Europe 2026 – Hogeschool KPZ
Research
The Knowledge and Innovation Centre (KIC) of KPZ does not only look at practice in the Netherlands, but also beyond its borders. Through Erasmus, our staff work together with international partners on research, knowledge sharing, and educational development. By visiting institutions abroad and participating in international projects, they bring new insights and inspiration back to KPZ. At the same time, we also welcome partner universities to KPZ, where they share knowledge and experiences from their own research with us. In this way, Erasmus contributes to the further development of our education, our research, and our professional community.
Incoming staff
The Erasmus+ Programme includes the possibility for lecturers and members of staff to visit our institution.
Teacher mobility is financially supported by the European Commission. Based on the Erasmus University Charter and the PHT partnerships, the lecturers could teach at one of the partner University and participate in further educational activities. The aim is to strengthen the partnerships between the PH Tirol and its partner institutions, it offers the possibility to learn about other learning methods, skills and to gain new experiences.
If you are interested in an Erasmus-Mobility at our institution please contact our International office (internationaloffice@kpz.nl )
Advantages:
- Participation in research results from other countries
- Participation in further training based on a coordinated programme („mobility agreement“)
- Broadening perspectives through professional exchange with colleagues from other countries
- Strengthening of own competences
- Broadening and deepening of EU-wide networks
Outgoing mobility (student and staff)
Erasmus+ is one of the most successful European education programmes. It gives students the opportunity to study abroad, gain international experience, and broaden both their academic and personal development.
At KPZ, students can make use of the Erasmus+ programme to complete part of their studies at one of our partner institutions abroad.
Erasmus+ supports study visits of 2 to 12 months per study cycle (Bachelor, Master, or PhD). Students may combine several periods abroad, if the total duration does not exceed 12 months per study cycle.
Students can study at one of KPZ’s Erasmus+ partner institutions.
Students may receive an Erasmus+ grant to support their stay abroad. The amount depends on the host country, the type of mobility, and the applicable Erasmus+ regulations. Additional support may also be available for students with fewer opportunities or for those travelling in a more sustainable way.
Students who are interested in an Erasmus+ study visit can contact the International Office of KPZ for more information about the application process, deadlines, and available partner institutions.
The European Commission offers online language support to help students prepare for their stay abroad.
Why choose an Erasmus+ Study Visit?
- no tuition fees at the host institution
- recognition of study achievements completed abroad
- no unnecessary delay in study progress
- improvement of language skills
- development of intercultural competences
- opportunities to build an international network
- new academic and personal experiences
- friendships and connections across Europe and beyond
More Information
Would you like to know more about studying abroad through Erasmus+? Please contact the International Office of KPZ.
Contact
Hogeschool KPZ has an International Office to support international exchange of students and staff for incoming and outgoing mobility. If you are interested in our international exchange program for Erasmus students, please read the information at the website or contact us. Do not hesitate to email us if you need more information.
International office
Email: internationaloffice@kpz.nl
Erasmus code: NL ZWOLLE06
How to get here
Hogeschool KPZ is easily accessible from the NS railway station in Zwolle by public transport or on foot (a 10 minute walk). At the south side of the Railway Station you can take the city buses or one of the regional buses.
Bus stop: Assendorperdijk (bus stop closest to our building).
How to apply?
The exchange programme Spring semester 2027 (academic year 2026-2027) will run from end of January – end of June, 2027.
Please apply by submitting the application form.
Deadline for application is: 1 November 2026.