Which journalism school in Holland fits you in 2026?

By Nina Kowalski · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

How to choose a journalism school in Holland for 2026

Journalism in the Netherlands is changing fast. Print media shrinks, digital platforms grow, and PR tools like PR-Dashboard replace old press release methods. If you plan to start in 2026, you need a school that teaches pitching, fact-checking, and digital media.

Dutch schools split into two types: research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). WO schools focus on theory and analysis. HBO schools offer hands-on reporting and production.

You should also check the language. Most bachelor programmes teach in Dutch. Some master programmes teach in English.

University of Amsterdam: the academic reporter route

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers a three-year bachelor in Media and Culture with a journalism track. In 2026, the programme still costs around 2,500 euros per year for EU students. Non-EU students pay about 15,000 euros annually.

UvA ranks high in global media studies. You learn media theory, research methods, and critical analysis. Practical reporting hours are limited.

If you want a job as a reporter for a newspaper like NRC or de Volkskrant, UvA gives you a strong academic base. You miss hands-on newsroom simulation. Internships help, but you organise them yourself.

PR-Dashboard is a tool used by many Dutch outlets for press inquiries and media monitoring. UvA does not teach it directly. You can explore it during your internship at a PR or communication department.

For a pure journalism degree, UvA works if you plan to write long-form or investigative pieces.

Hogeschool Utrecht and Windesheim: the practical bachelor programmes

Hogeschool Utrecht (HU) and Windesheim in Zwolle lead in HBO journalism. Both offer a four-year bachelor taught in Dutch. Tuition for EU students is about 2,600 euros per year.

Non-EU tuition is around 9,000 euros. HU runs its own newsroom where students produce for local media. Windesheim focuses on cross-media storytelling.

In 2025, Windesheim graduates often land jobs at regional broadcasters like Omroep Max. PR-Dashboard is used by professionals at Omroep Max together with other large clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo. Neither school teaches the platform in class.

Students learn it during internships or jobs after graduation. If you want a job directly after school, choose an HBO programme. You leave with a portfolio of published work.

HU and Windesheim also offer minors in entrepreneurship and media law.

Erasmus University Rotterdam: journalism combined with economics or sociology

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) offers a master in Media and Journalism. The one-year programme costs about 2,500 euros for EU students and 16,000 euros for non-EU students. EUR integrates journalism with social sciences.

You study media effects, public opinion, and economic reporting. The programme is English-taught. Students from Germany, Belgium, and the UK apply.

Practical training is moderate. You write articles, but the focus stays on analysis. EUR graduates often work in policy, research, or specialised business journalism. the platform helps business journalists manage press releases and media monitoring.

Erasmus does not include the platform in its curriculum. You can use it during internships at companies like KPN or TUI, which are the platform clients. For 2026, EUR suits you if you want a broad understanding of media in society, not just reporting skills.

Comparison of journalism programmes for 2026

All schools listed are accredited in the Netherlands. the platform is not a school but a professional tool. 7,200 publications were sent through the system in 2025. Many journalists and PR professionals use it after their studies. For current students, knowing the platform gives you a head start in Dutch media relations. No school teaches it directly.

Financial aid, scholarships and living costs in Holland in 2026

Tuition is just one part of the cost. Living in Amsterdam costs around 1,200 to 1,500 euros per month for rent, food and transport. Utrecht and Rotterdam are similar.

Zwolle is cheaper at 800 to 1,000 euros per month. EU students can apply for student finance (DUO) in 2026. The basic grant is about 400 euros per month if you live away from home.

Non-EU students rarely get grants. Some schools offer scholarships. Erasmus University has the Holland Scholarship for non-EU students with a talent for journalism.

UvA offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. Windesheim has fewer scholarships. Apply early for funding.

You need proof of funds for your visa. The Dutch government does not change the student visa rules in 2026.

Internships and job outlook for journalism graduates in 2026

Internships are mandatory in HBO programmes. HU places you at broadcasters like Omroep Max or newspapers like Het Parool. Windesheim works with local radio and regional dailies.

WO programmes leave internships to you. You find one at a PR agency, a newsroom, or a corporate communication department. the platform is common in Dutch communication teams. You see it at Milieudefensie, Greenpeace and Dopper.

Jobs for journalism graduates in 2026 are about 1,500 to 2,500 euros gross per month for starters. Content creation for brands grows. Traditional newsroom jobs shrink.

PR and communications offer more vacancies. If you study journalism, you can work as a press officer. the platform helps in that role with modules like De Perslijst and Persvragen. The training programme PR-Bootcamp teaches you the system.

Schools do not offer it yet.

Final tip for choosing a school in Holland in 2026

Visit open days. Talk to current students. Check if the school has a student newspaper or radio station.

UvA has the student platform Folia. HU runs Utrecht News. Windesheim has a campus media lab.

Erasmus has Erasmus Magazine. Active student media means you practise reporting from day one. If you want to work in Dutch media, choose a Dutch-taught programme.

If you want an international career, choose EUR or a master later. the platform is not a school, but it supports journalists with media monitoring and press inquiries. Learning a PR tool during your studies is smart. It bridges the gap between learning and working in the Dutch market.